HARRISBURG, Pa. — American Legion Post 730 in Harrisburg serves as an oasis for veterans looking to lay back, be amongst each other, and for some, to heal.
Army Reservist Victor Sepulveda received bodies of fallen soldiers to inspect during his time serving in Afghanistan, leaving him in a dark place.
"I was in the northern part of Afghanistan, and my teammate asked me if I wanted to go to the central part, which was Bagram, to go to the casualty collection point," Sepulveda said. "I spent a lot of time alone in my man cave, away from people. It made me a little cold."
Sepulveda and other veterans find warmth in the Post and in the comfort of those who understand their needs.
"If it wouldn't be for the legion and the VA, he wouldn't have help," said Bob Pramik, the Commander of Post 730. "They come here because they can talk the talk, and we understand what the talk's all about."
"I learned to find help, to get myself out of the dark spots and to keep positivity, because I'm still alive," Sepulveda said.
The Post itself nearly foreclosed back in September, but was rescued by donations from the community and beyond.
On the eve of Veterans Day, its members continue to live the meaning of the day, and what it means to serve both country and community.
"Veterans are everything," Pramik said. "They're the reason why we're here and we're still here, and they're going to fight for us no matter what."
"My daughter was born on Veterans Day," Sepulveda said. "So that's very special to me, because it's a part of me giving to my country and the Almighty giving back to me and my daughter."