Several military veterans were honored for their service to their country Wednesday during a “Salute to America”s Heroes” ceremony held at the American Legion Post No. 437. Honorees who were commended for their service each received a $500 check, plus a one-year membership to the American Legion organization.
The monetary grants were made available through a partnership with the Coalition to Salute America”s Heroes. Through the efforts of the coalition, a half-million dollars has been raised to be distributed across the nation to service members who have a 30 percent or higher disability rating as a result of injuries sustained while serving in the theaters of operations for Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Members of Post No. 437 were joined by officers representing American Legion District 5 including Commander E. Paul Ball, who presided over the ceremony. “Thanks to this partnership and a half-million dollar check from the Coalition to Salute America”s Heroes to the National Headquarters of the American Legion, we can present a $500 grant to each of these veterans,” Commander Ball said. “It is an honor and thanks to them that we can present this to them today as fellow military veterans who served our country with honor and pride. We do this on behalf of their fellow veterans and a grateful nation.
“These grants are just a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many American men and women in uniform,” the commander concluded.
Veterans recognized during the ceremony included Denis Lukyanenko, Steven Glover, Travis Bonson, Roy Silverston and Eric Schneider. Charles Cook was also recognized however was not present to receive his gifts. Cook has been located and was expected to be in attendance.
The legion is still attempting to locate one final recipient; if anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of service member Danile Speight, please contact Post No. 437 Adjutant Dennis Alexander at 994-8115.
Post No. 437 is focused on community service and assistance to veterans, in keeping with more than 80 years of traditional American Legion service. Its members and inputs from local civic and community officials determine the scope and nature of the post”s community service.
“This is a perfect partnership,” Commander Ball said. “The coalition”s generosity teamed with the American Legion”s ?Heroes to Hometown” program and their members stand ready to assist with veterans and their families, along with community members of our own local Heroes to Hometown team in providing a vast array of assistance to ease their return to a productive civilian life.”
Since its inception in 1919, the American Legion has been an outspoken advocate for veterans” benefits, children and youth, patriotic American values, a strong national defense and quality-of-life issues for those serving in today”s armed forces.
The organization, which spearheaded the GI Bill, has been advocating reform of the veterans” health care system under its GI Bill of Health. Creation of the federal forerunner of the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the agency”s ascent to cabinet-level status is due in part to the American Legion”s advocacy. The American Legion was also instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Home Loan, veterans hiring preference and just compensation to veterans suffering from illnesses related to their military service, including those whose ailments stem from exposure to Agent Orange and mysterious Persian Gulf origins.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
