By LEONARD SKONECKI
Focus Correspondent
The state commander of the Ohio Sons of Amvets was a very happy visitor to Fostoria Dec. 30.
Bill Jackson came to town to meet with AMVETS Post 69 Sons of Amvets Squadron Commander Ron Thomas. Bill is organizing the Sons' annual state project to support veterans.
This year's project is to buy bathrobes for all the veterans in Ohio's six veterans homes. Ron presented Bill with a check for $1,000 toward that effort.
Bill lives in Vermillion and is a member of the Sons of Amvets at Post 32 in Elyria. He's been the state commander since July.
“We elect a new state commander every year,” said Bill. “Every year he picks a project he would like to do.”
There are veterans homes in Sandusky, Brecksville, Chillicothe, Georgetown, Cincinnati and Dayton. Bill estimates the total cost for the project to be around $16,000.
Ron is in his second term as the Sons commander.
“We had a steak fry in November to raise funds,” said Ron. “We also have taco and burrito day on Good Friday every year. That's an annual event. The Post has let us have other special fund raising events.
“We try to set a project each year also, for the local Sons. Last year our project was to buy a Sons of Amvets flag. That was seven hundred and some dollars. Now when we have a parade, we can have our flag right alongside the Post and the Auxiliary.”
Bill said, “I'm proud of these guys. They've come a long way.”
Ron said the donation will be officially presented at the Sons of Amvets mid-winter conference in mid-February. Bill prefers it that way so individual squadrons can receive more recognition.
Fostoria's Amvets Squadron holds a special place for Bill.
“I was the district commander four or five years ago. We're required to visit each squadron in the district. This was the first one I picked. This is one of my favorite posts to visit. When I walk in here, if I need something, they'll give it to me or try to. So I'm pretty proud of them.”
Fostoria's is one of  82 Sons of Amvets squadrons in Ohio. The squadron has supported the Christmas basket program, WFOB fireworks fund and other community activities.
Almost all donations stay local. Ron said this is the first time the local Sons have  made a donation beyond the Fostoria area.
In addition to the bathrobe project, the state Sons host an annual fund-raiser each third weekend in May, “A Tribute to American Veterans.” It's a camp-out and concert in Hillsboro.
The cost is $30 per person. All proceeds go to Sons of Amvets programs to support veterans. The even is open to public.
There is also the annual Sons of Amvets four-day, three-night bus trip to Washington D.C. for Veterans Day observances. The purpose isn't to raise money, but to get veterans to Washington for the observance.
Bill also hopes that the Sons can lend a hand to the state AMVETS Auxiliary  project for the Southern Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown. The Auxiliary is raising money to buy items such as pain management equipment, wheelchair scales and physical therapy weights.
Ron said the local Sons were glad to help with this project.
“We're proud to be a part of the Amvets and we try to show our appreciation.”
Hefty as $1,000 is, Ron says the Sons aren't finished.
“We want to open this to the community to chip in with donations if they would like. We would like to raise about $500 more.
“Anything that we receive, will go 100 percent to the State Commander Robe Fund."
(Anyone interested in contributing to this project can contact the Amvets Post 69 at 435-6069.)