LA PINE The group of volunteers working Thanksgiving dinner at La Pine’s American Legion Post #45 were the most unusual Marie Camozzi had ever seen.

”Everyone just works together; there’s no problems,” Camozzi said Thursday as she watched her fellow volunteers mostly Legionnaires, their families and some community members dish out mashed potatoes, stuffing and heaps of turkey.

More than 20 people donated their time, energy and cooking expertise to create a free Thanksgiving dinner for La Pine residents and anyone else who could make it. The American Legion Post #45 sponsored the dinner, now in its 20th year, as well as delivered Thanksgiving meals to housebound people. Local businesses and community members donated all the food.

”Basically anyone who doesn’t want to do dishes can come here,” said Mike Silverstorf, the Legion’s second vice commander and a retired Marine.

The feast started at noon, and an hour later most of the tables were already filled with people eating, talking and enjoying a snowy Thanksgiving day.

Silverstorf, also in charge of the kitchen Thursday, expected about 400 people to show up for the meal.

”We’ve been coming for at least 10 years,” said Cecil Layman, who was sharing a plate of turkey with his wife, Bobbye.

Years ago, a neighbor told the Laymans about the Legion’s Thanksgiving dinner, and Cecil Layman said he couldn’t pass it up.

Feast

”Cooking all of the stuff is too much for the two us,” he said. ”And this is great: you make a small donation and you sure get more than you could ever eat.”

The volunteers were also enjoying the day, serving a dinner that was a culmination of many days of preparation. Silverstorf said the group cooked 35 turkeys, 10 hams, prepared slices from 60 donated pies and was serving all the trimmings anyone could ask for.

”We have fun with it, and it’s not stressful,” he said. ”You just have to pass Can Opener 101.”

Joking aside, many volunteers said the free meal demonstrated the spirit of the American Legion.

”We believe in serving veterans, our community, the state and that nation,” said Toby Potter, on a break from washing an ever growing pile of dishes. Potter, the department’s vice commander, drove over from Seaside to help with the dinner.

Pat Cotton said events like this are just one of the ways the Legion gives back to the community.

”It’s how we show our appreciation,” said Cotton, the post’s adjutant and a retired Army sergeant.

And at the end of the day it’s all worth it.

”We come home exhausted,” he said. ”Exhausted, elated and already thinking about next year.”