John Van Natta, 8th District Commander

​Article by: John Van Natta, 8th District Commander

It is an honor and privilege to have been selected to serve the 8th District Legionnaires as their District Commander.   Regardless of which branch we served; (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines), we were united in the protecting and defending the United States of America.  

It is with a deep sense of pride that I report that my father and uncle both joined the American Legion immediately following their service in WWI, and remained members until their deaths.  My brother, sister, son and daughter are all current members of the Indiana 8th District Legion. 

Once again, as legionnaires, we find ourselves united as the vanguard of freedom and democracy.  It is through our unity as members of the Legion we can concentration our efforts for the protection and defense of our great country.  I acknowledge that many of our veterans who, although they are willing, are unable to serve again.   However, the dignity, compassion, and reverence we extend to our veterans is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a motivating factor for the encouragement our next generation to follow suit. 

When we marched off to war, we left our families behind.  Their suffering was great, fearful of every knock on the door.  We carried them in our hearts, as they carried us in theirs.  We are together again as the Legion Family; the Auxiliary, Sons of the Legion and Legion Riders. Their value to our cause and our hearts is invaluable.  United, the Legion Family, makes the Legion a more formative organization.

Increasing the significance of the district to the posts and members in the 8th District will be my primary focus, followed by promoting increased community involvement and awareness of our patriotism. I purposely did not mention membership recruitment as my primary focus. It is my position that by adequately presenting the virtue, honor, and reputation of our organization will be copious. 

 I am committed to be deserving of the honor and merit the confidence the legionnaires of the 8th District has reposed upon me. 

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