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The community is coming together to support Cal Massingale, commander of American Legion Post 76 and the Stanly County Fair manager, after a tornado that touched down in the county a few weeks ago destroyed his Millingport home.

One of his friends and a fair volunteer Rick Love, along with several others, decided to create a benefit to raise money for Massingale, who is an Air Force veteran.

“He’s a pretty good guy,” Love said. “He’ll do anything he can to help you.”

“In many ways, Cal reminds me of the Medal of Honor recipients that I’ve met over the years,” said Charlie Cosgrove, a friend of Massingale’s and a member of Post 76. “He’s quick to give credit to others, he’s humble, and he doesn’t say much about himself.”

The benefit will be at noon Saturday at the American Legion, 24302 U.S. Highway 52 Business S., Albemarle. There will be hamburgers, cheeseburgers, hot dogs and a homemade bake sale.

There will also be a raffle for a Henry Rifle .22 and a proto toolbox. A single raffle ticket costs $5, while five tickets cost $20. People don’t need to be present to win.

“The community outpouring has been amazing,” Massingale said.

The evening after the storm came through, people he didn’t know stopped by to help him get personal belongings out of his house.

“It’s amazing that you have friends that are willing to do that kind of thing,” Massingale said, referring to his friends who are organizing the benefit.

For information about the benefit, contact Rick Love at 704-467-0867 or Josh Hatley at 704-244-7709.