On March 15th in 1919 the American Legion was founded in Paris by 1000 veterans of the American Expeditionary Force who met to discuss transition to civilian life and what veterans could do to help each other adjust and to work together to further the rights of veterans. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.

Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time. The Operation Comfort Warriors program supports recovering wounded warriors and their families, providing them with “comfort items” and the kind of support that makes a hospital feel a little bit more like home. The Legion also raises millions of dollars in donations at the local, state and national levels to help veterans and their families during times of need and to provide college scholarship opportunities.
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington.

The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation’s veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership. The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives. When we deliver “Chicken Noodles” and post the colors in the city on important days in Hominy we communicate that there are things larger than ourselves we give ourselves to. Did you know we are a “Purple Heart Community”? Some folks feel they have burdens in life. Like so many, my Dad “took a few” fighting the Nazis and received two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for heroism. That was a burden he wore proudly.

Did you know our Commander served and still serves veterans from the medical perspective, his experience and history, in the medical arena as a professional, has aided our senior veterans with the difficulties of red tape with the VA. On a personal note, he is my primary care provider and I would not be writing this article if not for his wisdom and dedication. That story is for another time.

Our next regular Legion meeting is the first and third Thursday of the month in March that is the 21st. Monday morning Koffee Klatch meetings in March are still scheduled for biscuits and gravy and always a cup of Joe (coffee to the civilians). Just watch the weather, it is the only factor that my change that. I think the Chef is on duty as we are heading into spring. If you are a veteran come on by. If you have a good story it may end up in print. Also keep up with us at website “americanlegion142.org”.