SAN DIEGO — San Diego veterans continue to provide hot meals to January's flood victims who are still living in hotels and local shelters. In this Zevely Zone, I visited a special kitchen in Logan Heights.
News cycles come and go, but not the volunteers we found inside the kitchen at VFW Post 7420.
Following San Diego's historic flooding that displaced hundreds of families, VFW Post 7420 has continued to cook up to 400 meals a day for people in need.
"All of these items were donated," said Commander Livy Lazaro.
The post commander completed two tours in Iraq as a combat medic and is no stranger to service.
"The community needs us, we went through a natural disaster," said Commander Lazaro.
So, everyday volunteers fire up the kitchen to craft meals worthy of medals themselves.
"We make sure it's hot, we make sure it's good, it's aesthetically pleasing, we send drinks, we send KIND Bars, fresh fruit, so you are getting a meal that would have bought yourself that we would want to receive, not whatever we were able to put together, with some dignity," said Commander Lazaro.
The Quartermaster at this post is Retired Sergeant First Class Johnny Odom.
"The first day we did I believe 75 cheeseburgers," said Quartermaster Odom.
His staff and volunteers are proving food every day.
"Absolutely. That's what we do," said Quartermaster Odom.
He retired from the Army after 20 years, but service to his country continues.
"If I can go over and do something in another country and help another country or fight a war, there is no reason I can't stand up here and fight for the people of this community," Quartermaster Odom said. "And that's what we are doing."
During all of the cooking, the VFW's main refrigerator quit on them, and they are asking for donations to replace it. The food means a lot to families who are rebuilding their homes and living in hotels.
"This post is incredible. That lady right there. She's amazing," said John Alvarado from the Good Neighbor Project.
John told CBS 8 about his special deliveries.
"When we have people come up to us and start crying and they say thank you, I mean, it's amazing," said John. "These are our people."
Sometimes when it rains it pours, and in this case from this kitchen, it's been a flood of compassion.
"We are going to be here until the families don't need us anymore," said Quartermaster Odom.
"You finish the mission. The mission is not complete until everyone is taken care of," said Commander Lazaro. "Thank you for coming down here and meeting us and meeting our post. It means the world to us, and we would do it even if no one wanted to hear about it."
If you'd like to make a donation to help VFW Post 7420 buy a new refrigerator you can call (619) 239-5373 or email Vfwpost7420@gmail.com. You can also send a donation through Venmo using the handle @vfw-DonDiego.
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