VFW Commander Stands Watch For Homeless Veterans In Need

Veterans brave elements for those in need
Local VFW volunteer spends 72 hours homeless to collect clothing, donations for veterans in need
The Huntsville Item
By Winston Spencer Jr
Staff Reporter
November 6, 2014

Commander David Lanque shows off the large amount of clothes donated by Huntsville residents throughout his 72-hour occupation of a makeshift outpost on 11th Street.
By Winston Spencer Jr / Staff Reporter

“A lot of people asked me why 72 hours,” Lanque said. “It’s all about a commitment that our servicemen make. Just like they don’t shy away from their commitment, I can commit to do for 72 hours what many, who return home with the hidden wounds of PTSD, have done for far too many years.

Folks who traveled down 11th Street this week might have noticed a lone, makeshift outpost with flags of the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines next to Walgreens.

That’s where Commander David Lanque of the Melvin White Post 5871 VFW in Huntsville stood “post” for 72 hours with a mission to raise awareness about homeless veterans, as well as those suffering from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by collecting clothing and monetary donations.

“I’m nearing the end of my tour,” Lanque said Wednesday, referring to living the previous 71 hours on the street as a homeless veteran.

“This community has not forgotten about the sacrifices made by those in uniform,” he added. “They’ve given out of their hearts for a great cause.”

Collected during 72 hours of a homeless fundraiser were “fine Western suits and sports coats,” Lanque said. “The community didn’t give us their leftovers, they gave their best. Good quality merchandise and plenty of it.”
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