Family, neighbors, and comrades, many military veterans among them, proclaim that a great patriot and community servant was born in February of 1960. Since having met him, they have looked to him for guidance, support, and inspiration. Members of Bristow American Legion Post 126 proudly introduce him as their friend and service officer, Vane Bell. They will honor him for his dedication and service to veterans, veterans’ organizations, and the community at their Veterans Day breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. this Friday, November 11, at the Bristow American Legion. Veterans and family are welcomed to attend.
Vane Bell was raised in the Kellyville area, but his friends note that his life really began when he joined the military. He served around twenty years in the United States Navy, beginning as a supply officer, working as a welder later, and ending his career as Petty Officer First Class Bell. According to his comrades, Vane deeply internalized lessons he learned during his military career that propelled him into pursuing a life of community service.
Upon leaving the U.S. Navy, Vane’s friends report that he joined several service-oriented organizations, serving with them all and avoiding recognition when possible. Legion Adjutant Robert Mason noted as much, saying “In the military, you learn that life is not about you. It’s about functioning and surviving as a group. It’s about everyone’s welfare. … Vane certainly learned those lessons.That’s why he’s joined so many groups that focus on serving others. It’s part of who he is. He wants to ensure everyone is served without any recognition for having done it.”
In fact, his friends also noted that Vane spends moments of each day, serving others and his community in some capacity. In his post military life, Vane reportedly has joined and served through the Disabled American Veterans organization, held multiple offices with several Legion posts, held offices and contributed through the Sons of the Legion organization, joined the Masons, and raised money for the Shriners by selling onions and served with them in other capacities. Vane has been a member of the Masons for more than a decade and a member of the Legion for twentyfive years.
In addition to serving his community through several organizations, Legion Commander Alex Fernandez noted that he makes knives, which he sometimes raffles or sells outright to raise money for various charitable causes. Sons of the Legion Commander Greg Galatian said that Vane raises money and donates goods for holiday food baskets gifted to veterans by the Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the Legion organizations. Legion Finance Officer and Auxiliary President Pamela Tepstein continued, noting that he purchases small items like candy to dispense at public events, creating valuable interactions with children and adults and introducing them to veterans’ causes. Adjutant Mason summed up the group’s collective offerings of his community service, saying “Vane reaches out and forges connections with surviving family members of veterans who have passed—even if he’s never met them.”
The group conceded that perhaps his most important work has been everything he does in his capacity as a service officer. Together, they agreed that as a service officer, Vane aids veterans in securing benefits and locating needed resources from his first meeting with them to helping them complete and submit paperwork and finally following up with authorities and veterans throughout the process. Commander Fernandez said, “He’s relentless. He won’t allow anyone to be alone or forgotten. If Vane knows you need help, you’re getting help.”
In choosing to honor Vane for his intentional commitment of service to others, his comrades hope the community will come to know Vane as the lifelong, selfless community servant they love and know him to be. Their parting thoughts included the things they most admire, appreciate, and have learned about and from Vane. Common expressions included admiration of his compassion for others, work ethic, guidance, focus, caring kindness toward anyone, ability to find direction in chaos, and his loyal friendship. Legion members believe we could all learn something valuable and life-changing from Vane, and veteran Robert Saul summed it nicely, saying “I’ve learned to be more caring and giving towards those in need and in serving the local community from Vane.” In truth, that is the only lesson that helps us all grow and survive together. Vane’s service in the U.S. Navy taught him how to serve, and now, his friends are honoring all of the ways he teaches us to serve.
courtesy photo