RAMONA, Okla. - Members of a Green Country town are rebuilding a historic structure all thanks to its veterans.
“The post deteriorated and for about the last 15 to 20 years it hadn’t done anything," said Fisk-Leffler American Legion Post No. 334 Commander and Ramona resident Richard Cook.
He's a 34-year veteran, but only a one-year contractor.
“They used to have dances, [and a] skating rink in here. They had all kinds of things."
He said the Fisk-Leffler American Legion has roots in the quaint town of Ramona starting in 1984, but eventually it fell apart.
“Well, it’s been a real process.”
Legion members putting Richard in charge of a huge feat; piecing together the slice of Ramona history sitting appropriately on Veterans Boulevard.
“If somebody needs something a veteran will be the first one to standup and say what can I do for you," said veteran and legion member Patrick Nixon.
He's one of many members getting their hands dirty for free.
“Richard is the reason why I’m here, because I admire him."
“Well, I’ve been blessed, and I wasn’t doing anything," Richard responded.
Beam by beam they've built it back up, hoping it'll also serve as a community center.
Richard knows the building will hold more than its 42 members, but also the 150 people the building will be able to hold.
But now they need some help, realizing they're short $12,000.
“Think about veterans. All of them that served, all of them that didn’t come back, we donate for them, and for the ones now.”
Richard, emotional thinking about who he's been working so hard for.
“All the people that are in service right now, they qualify to be a member of this post. And when they come back they have a place to come to.”
You can help the legion in its efforts by donating to its GoFundMe page here.
Or sending donations to PO Box 116, Ramona, OK, 74061.
Check the veterans' progress on their Facebook page here.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
