BONNERS FERRY — On Monday, Sept. 16, the American Legion Post No. 55 presented a $1,000 check to the Bonners Ferry Badger fifth and sixth grade football head coach Gary Aitken Jr. The donation will help pay for things such as equipment for the young players.

“It is our responsibility, especially as veterans, to come out here and give thee kids something to look at, something to emulate,” said American Legion Post #55 Adjutant Ken Toline. “We are hoping that spirit, that teamwork, that togetherness will carry through life. It doesn’t matter if they win or lose. It does not matter what that scoreboard says — it is what kind of kid walks off that field.”

Toline expressed the importance of learning from being part of a team, not being out on the street or at home just playing video games.

“We want them to be patriotic. We want them to be responsible. We want them to have self assurance and confidence, and know that they can do anything that they want,” said Toline. “Even if they lose, they are still winners.”