INDIANAPOLIS (October 26, 2010) - Wartime veterans of Clinton have a better outlet through which to serve the community.  The American Legion, the nation's largest veteran's organization, is inviting all wartime era veterans in the area to join them in revitalizing American Legion, Post 190 to better to provide service to the community and veterans of Clinton.

Officers and staff members of the Indianapolis-based American Legion National Headquarters and Des Moines-based State Headquarters will be in town to kick off this community and veteran service campaign.

Additionally, an open house and "Welcome Home" event for all veterans, present and past, will be held at the Wild Rose Hotel in the conference center on Tuesday, November 2nd from 4-8 pm and on Wednesday, November 3rd from 2-6 pm.  The meetings will be designed to answer questions about The American Legion, VA issues, i.e. benefits, claims, problems, veterans' rights and survivor rights.  State and County Veterans Service officers will be on hand to assist with VA claims or questions.

In keeping with the 92-year tradition of The American Legion, the Clinton American Legion Post is dedicated to refocusing on community service and assistance to veterans.  The scope and nature of the Post's community service will be determined by its members and inputs from local civic and community officials.

"Service!  That's what The American Legion is all about," said Jerry Sebben, Department Commander, The American Legion, Department of Iowa.  "We exist to help each and every veteran, their families and the communities they live in.   Clinton is an ideal place to strengthen partnerships between the veterans and the community.  The people here care about their community and practice good citizenship every day.  Now, wartime veterans have a special place from which they can make a difference."

Since its inception in 1919, The American Legion has been a key advocate for veterans' benefits, children & 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 original GI Bill, has been advocating reform of the veteran's 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.

Equally aggressive are The American Legion's efforts to instill values in young people through numerous programs, including American Legion Boys State, American Legion Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, the National High School Oratorical Contest, American Legion Baseball, Teenage Suicide Prevention, Child Health and a McGruff Safe Kids Program.  The American Legion has supported Scouting since 1919.  Many American Legion Posts also support Junior ROTC high school units, fund-raising for handicapped children, the Children's Miracle Network and partnerships with other nonprofit organizations such as Special Olympics.

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