National Vice Commander David R. Hall to update on national issues

For Immediate Release

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 7, 2013 --- In line with the goal of continuing a legacy of service U.S. military veterans and their families, the American Legion Department of Illinois will be kicking off its annual caravan, with 19 currrently scheduled Post stops and numerous visits to V.A. clinics around the state.

A complete schedule of stops is located at http://www.ILLegion.org.

According to National Vice Commander David R. Hall, "This annual event provides us with direct contact with our members, whose activities in their communities make the difference for thousands of veterans and their families throughout the year, and open the doors to potential members who can learn how to get involved in supporting the critical work of the American Legion."

Vital communications about topics such as veterans' healthcare, employment and career fairs information, operational changes and membership are covered. A key initiative during the year that received widespread attention is the Veterans Special Programs American National Network, also known as V-SPANN, which is endeavoring to create a centralized communications channel for veterans.

A primary focus of the Caravan is its recruitment drive. "Our American Legion membership is no different from the population at large; it is aging. We have seen our membership mix shift, and we are attracting fresh faces that keep us doing the good things we do at Legion Posts everywhere - from providing information and assistance to our nation’s heroes, to scholarships to our youth," added Hall.

During the 2013 caravan, the Legion will also gather support for its Operation Comfort Warriors program (http://www.legion.org/operationcomfortwarriors) - which has been created to provide "nonessentials" - items outside the typical government standard line items for recovering wounded warriors. The needs of wounded, injured or ill service members are identified through contacts officials at military hospitals, warrior transition units and surrounding communities; items are ordered by the Legion and delivered without red tape.

Nearly 2.7 million American Legion members are active in over 14,000 Posts around the world. A nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization, the American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization.

Speakers this year include Commander Wayne Wagner and Sr. Vice Commander Bernie Stegmueller.

January City Post # Dist# Div# ETA

January 10-13 CARAVAN STOPS

Thursday - 10 Chester 487 25 5 6:00 p.m.
Friday - 11 Dupo 485 22 5 8:00 a.m.
Friday - 11 Louisville 914 24 5 12:00 p.m.
Friday - 11 Olney 30 23 5 5:30 p.m.
Saturday - 12 Bethany 507 19 4 8:00 a.m.
Saturday - 12 Rossville 733 18 4 12:00 p.m.
Saturday - 12 Peotone 392 11 2 5:30 p.m.
Sunday - 13 Glen Maker 1160 8 1 8:00 a.m.
Sunday - 13 Westchester 1437 5 1 10:30 a.m.
Sunday - 13 Evanston 42 7 1 1:30 p.m.
Sunday - 13 Deer Field 738 10 2 5:00 p.m.

January 17-19 CARAVAN STOPS

Thursday - 17 Heyworth 624 17 4 8:00 a.m.
Thursday - 17 Springfield 809 21 4 12:00 p.m.
Thursday - 17 Eldred 1135 20 3 5:00 p.m.
Friday - 18 Macomb 6 14 3 8:30 a.m.
Friday - 18 Pekin 44 16 3 12:00 p.m.
Friday - 18 Kewanee 31 15 3 5:00 p.m.
Saturday - 19 Pearl City 1014 13 2 9:00 a.m.
Saturday - 19 Rockford 1207 12 2 12:00 p.m.

MEDIA: To arrange for photos and interview, contact Mark A. Sides by emailing Mark@MarkSides.com
or calling 309-721-3886.

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

KEYWORDS: American Legion membership, American, Legion, membership, Illinois, Public relations, department of Illinois, veteran, veterans service, veterans service organization, non profit, helping veterans, helping communities,post, legion post, new legion post, brain injury, Ptsd, GI Bill, C, veterans

SOURCE: American Legion Department of Illinois

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Photo: 2013 American Legion Department of Illinois Annual Caravan (size: 0.0 kb)
National Vice Commander David Hall
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