National Vice Commander Milton G. Heifner to join in visits to VA hospitals in Illinois

For Immediate Release

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 18, 2012 --- Among the issues to be spotlighted during the 2012 American Legion Department of Illinois Annual Caravan through the state are veterans' healthcare and Medicare reimbursement, maintenance and operations of Arlington National Cemetery, and the women veterans' program.

This year's forum continues the theme of "Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation" and will focus on delivering key updates to military service personnel about issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the Legion's active base.

In recent weeks, the American Legion Department of Illinois was joined by the Illinois State Senate with its endorsement of an initiative to create a centralized communications channel centered on veterans - Veterans Special Programs American National Network , also known as V-SPANN.

Community outreach efforts kick off Friday, Jan. 20, 2011, in Viola and will proceed through the state during a week-long state tour.

Statewide visits to V.A. clinics will feature National Vice Commander Milton G. Heifner, along with state and local leaders. Heifner was elected during the closing session of the 93nd National Convention in Milwaukee in September 2011; he has held many leadership positions at the post, department and national levels. A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War era, he retired from the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 1992. Previous positions he has held include branch manager of Brenton State Bank in Woodward and agent for Erickson Insurance in Granger, Iowa.

A complete and comprehensive schedule is available at ILLegion.org (http://www.illegion.org).

Friday (Jan. 20)
Milan (309-787-4149)
Rock Falls (815-626-3862)
North Chicago (847-336-4767)

Saturday (Jan. 21)
Wooddale (630-238-1205)
DeKalb (815-756-4551)
Dwight (815-674-3107)

Sunday (Jan. 22)
Chicago (773-330-5219)
FDR Post 923 (773-278-0093)
Giles Post 87 (773-363-2920)
Calumet City 330 (708-862-8665)

Jan. 23-26: State Veterans Homes Visits

Thursday (Jan. 26)
Fairfield (618-847-5161)

Friday (Jan. 27)
Benton (618-438-0861)
Newton (618-783-2622)
Litchfield (217-324-6213)
Saturday (Jan. 28)
Alton (618-462-2644)
Bluffs (217-584-1770)
Cuba (309-785-5456)

Sunday (Jan. 29)
Delevan (309-244-7591)
Farmer City (309-928-3055)
Hoopston (217-283-6312)

Since its founding in 1919 and subsequent Congressional Charter, The American Legion organization has operated unlike any other, exerting a compelling influence on national leaders on issues of global significance. Legion operations enhance the lives of military families struggling through wartime and economic sacrifices. Members serve the community by building homes for disabled veterans, raising money for scholarships, coaching baseball teams, adopting military units, fighting to protect and enhance veterans’ benefits, promoting wholesome youth activities and much more.

National Vice Commander Heifner stated, "This is an unprecedented time in our nation’s history, with so many in need - our veterans especially need our help, and we have a moral obligation to support them. I invite everyone to join us in our annual family membership caravan at a post near you."

To learn more about how to get involved and support the activities of the American Legion, visit JoinTheLegion.org (http://www.jointhelegion.org) or ILLegion.org (http://www.illegion.org).

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CONTACT:
Mark Sides
American Legion
Department of Illinois
Headquarters PO Box 2910
Bloomington, IL 61701
PHONE. 309-721-3886

SOURCE: Department of Illinois