Leaders To Inspire Illinois Inhabitants To Participate For Veteran Patriots, At Posts Around the State

Media Advisory

BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 10, 2011 --- The annual community outreach effort by the American Legion Department of Illinois kicks off Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011, from Lake Forest and will travel throughout the state during a week-long state tour. This year's forum is centered around the theme of "Veterans Assistance and Rehabilitation," and will serve to share and update military service personnel about the issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the ranks to strengthen the backbone of the Legion's active base.

This year's membership Caravan will feature National Vice Commander John Mella, who will travel with the caravan for the entire trip, along with state and local leaders. Mella was elected during the closing session of the 92nd National Convention in Milwaukee in September 2010. A U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War era, he retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs; former positions he has held include chair of the Dickinson County Executive Board for Veterans in Michigan and member of Post 50 in Iron Mountain, Mich., along with many leadership positions at the post, department (state) and national levels. He is a past department commander for Michigan. He has also served on The American Legion National Foreign Relations Commission.

Several American Legion Posts are being specially honored by hosting National and State officers during this year's Membership Caravan. The drive will start at Post #264 at 5:00 p.m. and conclude at Post #794 in E Alton, Ill., on Jan. 23 at 5:00 p.m.

Special emphasis on Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation will be underscored by statewide visits to V.A. clinics from Tuesday, Jan. 18 through Thursday, Jan. 20.

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

Thursday (Jan. 13)
Lake Forest (847-234-9870)

Friday (Jan. 14)
Rockford (815-397-6672)
Albany (309-887-4819)
Moline (309-762-1126)

Saturday (Jan. 15)
Granville (815-339-6918)
StreatOr (815-672-6701)
Lockport (815-838-4515)

Sunday (Jan. 16)
Northlake (708-343-5545)
Morton Grove (847-965-9503)
Lansing (708-474-5906)

Monday (Jan. 17 - Jan. 20)
Visiting V.A. Clinics

Thursday (Jan. 20)
Carbondale
Murphysboro (618-684-3561)

Friday (Jan. 21)
Eldorado (618-273-9319)
Robinson (618-546-1418)
Chrisman (217-269-2421)

Saturday (Jan. 22)
Lovington (217-873-4465)
Mt. Pulaski (217-792-5219)
Springfield (217-522-3110)

Sunday (Jan. 23)
Quincy (217-222-8210)
Eldred (217-983-2781)

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 Commander Jimmie Foster stated in his acceptance speech, "My motto or slogan, is the word SAVED, meaning 'Serving America's Veterans Every Day;' I don't care how you do it, but I want you to ensure that you take care of our veterans in any way possible. It does not have to be something monumental. Just say, 'Thank you for serving our country'."

Foster affirmed his belief in the strength of the American Legion by saying, "I firmly believe in the Four Pillars of The American Legion. First, that this country has an adequate national defense to protect those who live within our country. Second, that after we have served our country, that those whom have borne the battle are properly taken care of. Third, that we continue to promote Americanism within our country. We can do this in many ways. Fourth, that we continue to enhance the children of our country to ensure they have a better life than we had."

"The hardest part is getting this message delivered, welcoming new members aboard and mentoring them to become leaders. I invite everyone to join us in our annual family membership caravan at a post near you," added Foster.

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: American Legion Department of Illinois