Evan For Troop And Veterans

He has been undertaking patriotic projects since he was in Second Grade and this Troop Collection Project

since 2004 when he was 10 years of age. Troops overseas know him, Legislators and other Civic Leaders know him.

Generals in combat know him as do young Kids, Teens, Adults and many Vets. Most importantly, Legionnaires all around Nassau County have known him for years. They have applauded his development as a patriotic citizen and respect his heart felt commitment to the Troops and to all Vets.

This Teen is not running for Office, nor is he seeking favor with anyone. He is doing now what most of us try to do, just doing it better than most. He is doing what his Parent taught him was right and important and now those values are part of his own value system. He does it because it is who he is. As I talked with those who come out every six months (and have done for years) to join with Evan Lui in his Troop Collection, again and again I heard the same testimony from Kids, Teens, & Adults, "....because of Evan’s example of doing what is right and important ".

This truly diverse Group .... diverse due to country of origin, age, race, and walk in life, find in Evan and his example a common ground on which they all can stand and a set of values they all can embrace; do what is right and important." . So it is that Evan Lui, age 16 is within his own sphere of influence a "bridge builder" and a "maker of peace". Would that even more of us could witness his example along with the collegiality and warmth that permeates the environment where the wonder of his Troop Collection unfolds; an inspirational example for us all!

Nassau County American Legion Commander, Frank Colon and I, his Americanism Chairperson Louise Mc Gann attended Evan’s most recent Troop Collection in his North Bellmore neighborhood on November 28. I felt that what was happening there was really special by presenting all Participants with a ribbon enfolded Flag Pin from the Legion.

While Commander Colon called the Hempstead Town Clerk, Mark Bonilla, to come down right away to meet this special person, Evan, and witness the phenomenon of his Troop Collection. Mr. Bonilla did come down and after commending Evan for his work, was even taught by him, how to fold a "Thank Vets First" Cube.

Commander Colon speaks of Evan with a certainty and confidence which can only come from knowing such a commendable person over a lot of years. He respects the Lui Family for the example and the values they demonstrate for all of us. "I expect really big things from a Boy Scout and Young Citizen like Evan.",

Commander Colon said of Churk and Beverly Lui’s son, Evan. In this Legionnaire’s opinion, we are going to see and hear a lot more of this remarkable Teen who lives to serve. In deed there is already talk of broad support for his Troop Collection becoming the "Even Lui Island Wide Troop Collection" facilitated by American Legion Posts.

I will be contacting the Commander of EVERY post in Nassau County to sponsor AT LEAST ONE of

EVAN LUI’S "THANK VETS FIRST" CUBE in honor of either a deceased member(s) or a member who is currently deployed. I will also be contacting the County Commanders for Queens and Suffolk counties enlisting the support of their respective posts as well.