Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/44039
LEFT: Mary Pickford plants a tree in the garden of Post 43. Shauna McClure is a writer and jour- nalist with more than twenty years experience in televi- sion and print media. McClure's work has appeared in Sunset Magazine, Redbook, Woman's Day, American Her- itage, InStyle, Wash- ingtonian and e Washington Post, and her award-winning short stories have appeared in numer- ous literary journals. sented," stated Duddy. He believes that given the complexity of conflicts in which the United States is currently involved makes the American Legion more relevant than most realize. "Soldiers need to be nurtured by families of soldiers," Duddy adds. Ted Ott, first Vice Commander of Post 43, recalls his own experiences after his time in the Navy from 1967-1970. For Ott, it was theatre that brought him to the American Legion. "I was at a bar and I see this lanky guy kind of sizing me up. I am pretty wary around this time and when he came up to me and asked if I was a vet, I think I was ready for just about anything. Instead, though, he says we've got this little theatre group and we'd like you to come and check it out." It was a theatre group run by The American Legion. "That was 33 years ago," said Ott, "It was a lifeline." eatre was a long-time staple of Post 43, and there are hopes of more productions in the future. In 1984, the post was the venue of "Tamara", a groundbreaking interactive theatre experience that ran for nine years. Legionnaires realized the building held untapped po- tential for other, shorter-term shows and events. Legion leaders turned their Egyptian- Moroccan Deco showpiece into a backdrop for movies and commercials and a venue for musical artists and entertainment events. e Hollywood Legion continues to nurture tal- ented veterans, and several of the newer Legionnaires work in the theatre and film industry. Ott considers himself to be a 'roving ambassador' for the Hollywood American Le- gion. "It's a great place for young vets who have families. When I meet young vets I say 'Come in once on a ursday night' once they come in, they see what we're all about." Members of Post 43 put in more than 5,000 hours of volunteer time last year. They work in the V.A. hospitals, with the Red Cross, YMCA, and the Boys & Girls Clubs. "At the Legion veterans don't have to explain themselves to anyone. We all understand. We get it," said Ott. "We make a home for the people coming home. DH FALL 2011 / DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD 37