Your membership, makes a difference

File photo.

My fellow Legionnaires,

I wanted to share a quick story with you all.

Late last year Fortville American Legion Post 391’s Service Officer was able to assist a local Veteran who was struggling to keep his home. He was a single father who had been laid off for several months and was about to become homeless. We provided emergency funds through The American Legion’s  CEWF and TFA programs, the immediate funds were enough to keep him and his children in their home until he started work again.

The Veteran had mentioned that he had tried to get his disability rating improved through another service organization but it went nowhere. I recommended  he try working with one of the American Legion Department Of Indiana’s Service Officers. He did, and I’m happy to say that in just over a year after having met with The American Legion, his rating was changed from 30% to 80% and, he will be receiving back pay going to 2004. What an amazing success for this Veteran and the American Legion! This Veteran told me he and his children will be forever indebted to the work that The Legion has done for them.

So now to cut to the quick of the matter. If you think that your membership dues don’t have an impact on the lives of Veterans, families and our community please keep this story in your heart and minds. I encourage you all to take a look at the date on your Legion card and if it doesn’t say 2021 please send your dues in so that we can continue the great programs that The Legion sponsors.

“ Continuing to Serve”,

Ron Patterson
10th District Vice Commander