The kitchen at the Jack C. Fortune American Legion Post 205 located on Highland Avenue was in overdrive for about a week as volunteers prepared three Christmas meals for Wounded Warriors.

Wounded Warriors and hospitalized veterans from the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center were treated to meals on Dec. 5, 7 and 10 at the post, according to Fred Zamora, Post 205 commander.

“We first did this three years ago,” said Zamora. “We said ‘why don’t we get together and have a dinner for them.’”

The first big event was at Thanksgiving three years ago. Zamora and his wife organized the first event themselves and then others began donating their time and money to provide other meals.

The December meals fed more than 500 people, he said. Not only did the volunteers provide the holiday meal, but they provided gifts for Soldiers as well.

First Sgt. Norman Fountain of the Warrior Transition Battalion appreciates the efforts the post and volunteers make for his Soldiers, he said.The food is fantastic.

“There’s never been a time when there was not enough. Usually, there is too much, and we end up taking it back,” he said.

However, the luncheons and dinners at the post are more than just meals, he said.

“They paved the way for us,” said Fountain of the veterans who provide and serve the food to the Soldiers. “It’s not about the food. It’s about talking to them and listening to them.”

A special guest at the Dec. 10 luncheon was the American Legion’s national adjutant Daniel Wheeler. It was his first stop on a three-day tour of Augusta which included visits to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center and other American Legion posts.

“We can’t do too much for the people who defend our country. Most people don’t know what they can do to help,” said Wheeler.

Events such as the luncheon are being prepared by American Legion members across the country.

“This is one post out of 14,000, making a difference in the lives of people. I try to pass on this to other posts,” he said