During the month of March, Hunter Squires Jackson (HSJ) Post 1218 Auxiliary sponsored several community service projects. On March 8, 2007 our auxiliary members purchased, packed, and shipped to Iraq three boxes of clothing and personal items that were requested by service personnel. We received a letter of thanks and appreciation and a photograph from military personnel indicating that they received the gift items and that they would be distributed to military personnel recuperating in field hospitals.

In support of our health prevention campaign, on March 24, 2007, Hunter Squires Jackson Post 1218 Auxiliary sponsored a Cancer Awareness and Prevention Luncheon in memory of Harry Jackson, the Adjutant for Hunter Squires Jackson Post 1218 and Suffolk County Past Commander, who died of colo-rectal cancer. Therefore, the focus for this luncheon was “Colo-Rectal Cancer Awareness and Prevention” for which we had approximately 200 participants attend. The keynote speakers were Dr. Paul Mustacchia from Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC), Division of Gastro-Enterology located in East Meadow, New York and Professor Nancy Camp a nutritionist from State University of New York in Farmingdale, New York. Through corporate sponsorship, raffles and ticket sales, we were able to donate $2,600.00 to a “Colonoscopy Patient Assistance Fund” at NUMC. The “Colonoscopy Patient Assistance Fund” assists uninsured or under-insured individuals who are in need of a colonoscopy with the cost of the procedure.

Dr. Mustacchia spoke about the development of polyps and colon cancer, risk factors for developing colon-cancer and the importance of colonoscopic screening. He also informed the luncheon participants that by September of 2007, the Department of Gastro-Enterology will be receiving a grant from New York State to pay the entire cost of a colonoscopy for uninsured and under-insured individuals who are in need of the exam. More information can be found at www.numc.edu.

Professor Nancy Camp spoke about the importance of diet and exercise in colo-rectal cancer prevention. She made suggestions about recommendations to luncheon participants about food substitutions (less fat, higher fiber) and how to maximize antioxidants in your diet. Professor Camp also complimented the HSJ Auxiliary choice of food items for the luncheon which reflected her recommendation of a low fat, high fiber diet. Our menu items included roasted turkey and chicken; Mediterranean salads such as different varieties of couscous, tabouleh; pasta salad; vegetable and fruit salad, and multi grained breads.

In addition, HSJ Auxiliary sponsored a “Blood Drive”, also in memory of Harry Jackson, which was held simultaneously. This event was also in support of our community health campaign. Auxiliary members assisted Red Cross volunteers in triaging donors and escorting them to and from the Red Cross Blood Mobile units. Although we were initially challenged by a lack of response from community participation, we did get 23 auxiliary and luncheon participants to donate blood.

For more information about Hunter Squires Jackson Auxiliary Post 1218 community service events, please visit our calendar of events.