We Became Family on March 1, 2012
by Jewelean Magee
The Johnetta R. Cole Am Vets Post 24 is cel ebrating its 14th anniversary as a strong post and more than a group of veterans. It is where we as a family had and still to this day have a mission in our hearts and minds to be a voice to countless veterans in our community, who need resources and services dealing with the Veterans Administration.
We made it our goal to feed, clothe, assist with paperwork ranging from discharge upgrades to cutting through red tape with Erie County social services such as hous ing, food stamps, and if need be, Medicaid and Medicare. One thing for sure is that we want to help out the veterans in the neighborhood to be informed about get ting enrolled at the Buffalo VA Medical Center so they can receive the medical attention that they have earned and deserved.
And yes, this mission is still going forth today through the programs we have sponsored in the past, present and future. We refuse to sit by and be forgotten, when there is so much to say and do in the community and throughout Western New York. We are a family of active members seeking out new information and resources that will help empower, endow, and educate both the veteran and his family to make a difference in their daily lives.
We represent a unique group of men and women who have worn and still wear this country’s uniform for freedom that is so often taken for grant ed. We are determined not to let challenges that come our way deter us from helping our brothers and sisters in need of help by delivering food, home visits to check on elderly veterans, tele phone calls, and transportation to and from medical appointments. We are there when the post assistance is needed for veterans through the “the good times and bad times” or giving encouragement during times of bereavement.
No, we are not super heroes but with the help and love of God, we can accomplish anything. Yes, times can be challenging, but as a family we can mount up, and stand up to meet them all. This is who we are. We are a major part of Black History not celebrated only during the month of February, but every day. Our heritage is our identity that’s so unique. Our roots come from Africa known for warriors, kings, queens and a strong biblical heritage as well. We take pride in our African American military history. Beginning with Crispus Attucks of the Revolutionary War, Cathay Williams, the first African American woman disguised as a man who fought in the Civil War. Harriet Tub man, Sojourner Truth and countless others who believe in this country’ and fought hard for this freedom as well as their own.
Our African American military heritage is sealed in the heroes and she roes such as The Harlem Hell fighters, Tuskegee Airmen such as General Daniel “Chappie” James and General Benjamin O. Davis, Phyllis Mae Daly the first nurse to enlist in the Navy. Mr. Russell Guthrie of Buffalo, New York assigned to the 761 tank battalion known as the “Black Panthers” under General George S. Patton. How can we as a family not forget the 6888 Military Central Postal Delivery Unit where Mrs. Katherine Robinson and Mrs. Indiana Hunt Martin, both of Buffalo and under the command of Major Charity Adams. Both of these ladies were inducted into the New York State Veteran Hall of Fame.
We as a family dare not to forget that there was and still are two wars raging with the enemy itself on foreign soil and the war on racism which these veterans had to endure in efforts to get the African Ameri can veteran where he or she is today. It was the dream, hope and the shoulders of those veterans that today and tomorrow’s veterans stand on...
As a family, we are strong because of the veterans of the past, we learn from. Their determination to serve, the honor and glory that made us what we are today. Yes it was our individual decision to enlist in the military, completed our mission during our tours just like our predecessors and came home to no ticker tape parades, no confetti failing from the sky, or so much as a “Thank you” for your service, and through it all we as a family persevered and will continue to so.
What makes us so diverse is that we come to the table with many talents and gifts both natural and the ones God gave us as well. Because of this it makes serving our veterans, their families and some non-veterans easier. We came up with ideas for problem solving, numerous data bases and other resources to make sure that we are meeting the tasks set before each day. We are active in the community by having information tables with brochures of literature for the veteran and his family at Juneteenth and other com munity events. The post also has a book lending library that gives books out to kids and adults at community events. We have annual visits to the Bilingual School P S33 at 157 Elk Street every October and November.
Some of us are lead ers in our churches and communities, health care workers, professional musicians, hold doctor ate and other college degrees. We are prayer warriors and intercessors and extensions of God’s love and work, As Jesus said “What you have done unto the least of them, you have done unto Me.”
We became a family through Ms. Debbera M. Ransom, who started Am Vet Post 24 and named it after Ms. Johnetta R. Cole on March 1, 2021. We became family and beacons of light, wher ever and whenever we go. Today fourteen years later, that light shines brightly in the communi ty. One thing for sure is that from March 1, 2026, on our 14th anniversary, and tomorrow, we the members of the Johnetta R. Cole Am Vet Post 24 will always be a family.