BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/May 9, 2008 --- Celebrating veterans and their sacrifices are in general limited to a handful of days during the year, unless one is a member of a rapidly growing number of thankful Illinois residents who call their American Legion (AL) Post their, "Second Home," and gets involved with AL activities. A prime opportunity to hear and learn more from the highest level - the National Commander - will present itself in several locations next week.Governor of Illinois Rod R. Blogojevich has demonstrated his support and passion for those who've served by establishing a program on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Treatment for Veterans ('http://il.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=2&RecNum=67...'), and when AL National Commander Martin (Marty) Conatser makes his way across Illinois over three days - May 14-16, the Governor's work along with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), changes to the GI Bill and dramatic Illinois American Legion membership growth will be the subjects of discussion.
According to Conatser, Illinois is the pace-setter for awareness of the American Legion and its activities in support of vets. "By serving our military at home, the men and women of the American Legion in Illinois are doing their duty to our service personnel who deserve so very much from us."
Planned stops along the route include:
. Wednesday, May 14, 2008 -
12:00 p.m.
Effingham, Illinois AL Post 120
200 West Washington st.
Effingham, Illinois
7:00 p.m.
Springfield AL Post 809
1800 E. Capitol Ave.
Springfield, Illinois
. Thursday, May 15, 2008 -
12:00 p.m.
Bartonville AL Post 979
4501 S. Airport Rd.
Bartonville, Illinois
7:00 p.m.
Belvidere AL Post 77
900 W Chrysler Dr.
Belvidere, Illinois
. Friday, May 16, 2008
12:00 p.m.
Elgin AL Post 57
820 N. Liberty
Elgin, Illinois
National Commander Martin Marty Conatser will speak on:
+ PTSD Treatment for Returning Military and all Veterans
+ Traumatic Brains Injury Treatment
+ Revamping the New G I Bill
+ Growing the American Legion
The Commander's Caravan will conclude with his arrival at the Armed Forces Day Dinner.
At the stops, Conatser will be available for comment. For additional details, interviews and photo ops, contact American Legion Department of Illinois - Public Relations Chairman Mark A. Sides at 309-721-3886.
Frank Prosser, Department of Illinois Membership Director, reports that Illinois' rapid increase in membership in the American Legion and the Illinois' Governor's program have sparked a great deal of interest in the National organization and from veterans around the country.
For Illinois Veterans looking to learn more about Illinois' PTSD/TBI program, call the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program (IWAP) at its 24-hour, confidential assistance, toll-free helpline at 1-866-554-IWAP (4927).
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and patriotic youth programs. The Legion's 2.7 million wartime veterans work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
For additional details, contact American Legion Department of Illinois - Public Relations Chairman Mark A. Sides at 309-721-3886.
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