R. Norman Moody, FLORIDA TODAY

MELBOURNE –

Russell Marquis simply wanted a way to wash his clothes, but found other help, friendship and kindness from members of the American Legion Post 163 Auxiliary.

That was in October when auxiliary members started Project Suds as a once-a-week gathering at Flamingo Laundry to wash clothes for homeless veterans.

Since then it has spread to other posts in the state and has now garnered attention that could take it to American Legion posts throughout the country.

"I didn't think any of us thought it would have taken off like this," said Marquis, a 60-year-old Army veteran who is homeless. "Hopefully it will help other veterans elsewhere."

Nancy Brown-Park, national president of the American Legion Auxiliary, was in Brevard on Tuesday to learn more about the Project Suds, about a food pantry and a clothes closet for homeless veterans and what she could do to share it with others around the nation.

"This is so perfect for our local units to do," she said. "We want to take these projects and share with others in the organization."

Dorothy Walsh, a member of National Veterans Homeless Support, said she believes Brown-Park will help to implement some of the Auxiliary programs she saw in Brevard.

"She can't wait to get involved," said Walsh, an auxiliary member.

Ann King-Smith, whose idea started Project Suds, said she and other volunteers and the homeless veterans they serve are all pleased to see that Project Suds is getting more attention around the country through Brown-Park.

"It's an honor to have her come here and see what we do every week," she said as Brown-Park spoke with volunteers and veterans at the laundry.

Every Tuesday morning a group of about eight homeless veterans emerge from their wooded camps, hop on buses to get to Flamingo Laundry on Wickham Road, where auxiliary members await them with detergent and money to feed the washers and dryers. They also have a supply of food and toiletry items to share with the homeless men and women.

For Robert Duda, a homeless Navy veteran, it is not only an opportunity to wash his clothes for the week, but a chance for camaraderie.

"It's just great hanging out with friends," he said as his clothes spun in a dryer.

Lorrie Fox and other volunteers at Post 117 in Palm Bay have already copied the program.

Gail Dupuis, Department of Florida historian for the Auxiliary, also was at Flamingo Laundry on Tuesday morning to observe. She wants to implement it in South Florida.

"It would be a great idea in Fort Lauderdale to get this started," she said. "It is fantastic."

In south Melbourne, Post 81 Auxiliary president Teri Miranda, explained to Brown-Park what the unit is doing to help homeless veterans.

It has started Operation Fresh Change, where homeless veterans can get a new set of clothes about every three months. A food pantry is available for them any time the post is open.

"We raise money and purchase the clothes," she said. "This food is from our members who just bring it in."

Miranda said Post 81 depends on donations to buy closeout sale clothing items from department stores. Members also do bake sales and other fundraisers to help the veterans.

Brown-Park, also visited The Daily Bread, where some of the homeless veterans eat lunch, an NVHS woman's transitional home, and a wooded camp where several veterans live. She said she was impressed by the work being done in Brevard County with the help of the community.

"These people are making a huge difference," she she said.

She said she will be taking about the programs she saw in Brevard County as she travels around the country.

When her term as president ends, Brown-Park will try to implement some of the programs in her area of Palm Desert, Calif.

"This is amazing," she said. "I just like to see the community coming together. This is not only about American Legion family, this is about community."

Contact Moody at 321-242-3651 or nmoody@floridatoday.com Follow at facebook.com/floridatodaymilitary or Twitter @RNormanMoody