One young man’s quest to help veterans

MILLERTON — One of America’s notable qualities is its generosity, especially in times of need. While many are willing to part with a few dollars here and there to show their support, others take it to the next level by donating their time and energy. Still others, like young Stone Scasso, 11, of Millerton, bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the enterprise that quickly infects those around him with his can do spirit and sense of purpose. In late July 2011, Stone, along with his mother, JoAnne Scasso, the proprietor of Country Gardeners Florist in Millerton, joined American Legion Post 178 in taking part in Operation Thank You Wounded Warrior II. The annual project provides a barbecue lunch to recovering wounded service members and their families at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.Taking part in that experience was life changing for Stone, as noted by others who have taken part. “I have so much. I wanted to do something to give back [to the veterans],” Stone said. In early December, Stone started asking his mother’s customers for donations to the Wounded Warrior Fund. “At first I didn’t even know he was doing it,” Scasso said. “I didn’t find out until after Larry Conklin came into my store and told me what Stone was doing.” Conklin, a local veteran who served in the Navy in the mid-1960s, said he is deeply touched by Stone’s efforts. “He is a shining example to kids all over,” Conklin said. “It is an example of selflessness that is rare in a child.”Within the first few weeks, Stone had succeeded in raising a few hundred dollars. With his birthday approaching on Dec. 19, Stone sent out his party invitations asking for donations in lieu of presents, raising by the end of his birthday more than $1,600. “My average donation was about $50, but I did get one donation for $1,000,” Stone said. Since then the donations have kept coming. “When Christmas came, Stone took all the checks he got from friends and family and put it all toward the fund,” his mother said.To date, his total donations have topped $2,200. When asked about his goals, Stone said that he wants to raise $5,000 by Memorial Day. “I want to make sure that local veterans who need help are taken care of, and I want to help the Legion with their next barbecue,” he said. “American Legion Post 178’s Wounded Warrior Fund supports not only Operation Thank You Wounded Warrior, but also supports post efforts to assist surviving local wounded warriors and veterans from all of our nations conflicts, past and present,” said Post Cmdr. Robert Jenks.When asked about the Legion’s future plans to continue supporting veterans, Jenks provided the details: “This year, Operation Thank You Wounded Warrior III tentatively will have wounded warriors from the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at Bethesda, Md., attend a barbecue at the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum in conjunction with a weekend getaway in New York City, continuing the partnership that started with Rosita Underwood and her organization Helping Hometown Heroes this past July.”As for young Stone’s efforts, Jenks said, “it’s a remarkable effort on his part. He is setting a great example to both his peers and his seniors. He is already demonstrating the character and qualities to succeed later in life.” Raising $5,000 by Memorial Day isn’t the only goal Stone has set for himself, as he has already made his post high school intentions clear. He will be seeking an appointment to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point.For those wishing to support Stone’s efforts and Post 178’s Wounded Warrior Fund, checks may be mailed to American Legion Post 178, PO Box 22, Millerton, NY 12546. Make checks payable to American Legion Post 178 and write “Wounded Warrior Fund” on the memo lineDonations may also be dropped off at the Legion home located on Route 44 in Millerton.