By Justin Hall, correspondent
The American Legion J.E. Lanier Post 27 hosted their third annual “Boots and Buckles” Fundraiser at the Fort McAllister Park Family Group Shelter this past Saturday.
The event was to encourage service members or veterans and their families through four pillars: Americanism, Children and Youth, National Security and Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation.
The event consisted of food, dancing, a fashion show, prizes and scholarships going towards helping children.
Sally Rejas, the Post Commander, spoke on the importance of having events such as Boots and Buckles.
"This is an opportunity to bring people in the community together," Rejas said. "We appreciate everyone's support and for those who showed up."
In addition to the American Legion J.E..Lanier Post 27, other organizations such as the Fight the War Within Foundation which is a local 501c3 that has been operational since 2020. They help service veterans and first responders to help get through mental health struggles.
Miranda Briggs is the President of the organization and she was also a two year veteran of the Army National Guard and a former first responder. She is also a fellow sponsor. Briggs highly praised the efforts for Post 27.
"They are really supportive of veterans going through mental health struggles," Briggs said.
Briggs also spoke of her service dog, Stryker, who is a red Doberman Pincher, and how he has helped her in her struggles with PTSD.
Other supporters that came out for the festivities included Latoya Rice who is the Business and Community Engagement Specialist for Goodwill in Southeast Georgia.
"Each year, Goodwill has the opportunity to sponsor this event for scholarships and fundraising," Rice said. "One of the themes we believe in is that if we help people by changing lives through education and training, it will help transform lives."
Terry Enoch and Tony Jackson from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity also came to the event. They chartered a new alumni chapter in Richmond Hill back in December 2025. They are known as the Richmond Hill/Midway Chapter and they focus on community service, mentoring youth and improving the quality of life in the community.
Considering the host for the event and Kappa Alpha Psi's membership, Enoch thought that supporting the event was crucial.
"Over 65 percent of our chapter are veterans," Enoch said. "We have a big respect for that and some of our founders back in 1911 were also military."
Sponsors for the event included Coca Cola Savannah, Regina Garcia Taxes Consulting and Booking Services, and several donors for the gifts and silent auction items. Savor and Soul Private Chef and Catering Services provided the food for the event.