Hillsboro American Legion honors members
Staff writer
Hillsboro American Legion had its annual steak dinner Thursday evening. More than 30 legion members, auxiliary legionnaires, Sons of the American Revolution, and guests enjoyed the meal and entertainment.
Guest speaker for the evening was the American Legion National Vice Commander, Sebastian Roll, of Mott, N.D., who spoke to the group and presented awards.
Roll told members about Resolution 169, funding of VA health care, flag amendment issues, the ACLU, and legion membership.
According to Roll, Resolution 169 was passed by the American Legion and says all members shall support the country's leader, armed forces, troops, and Congress in the fight against terrorism.
"We don't need another Vietnam," said Roll. "We need to welcome our soldiers home."
The American Legion has been working to pass legislation that would make funding for VA health care mandatory. Roll said as of the last vote in Congress, Kansas still had two senators who did not support mandatory funding for VA health care.
In another issue, Roll said the American Legion would fight until the flag amendment passes.
"We need to protect Old Glory," he said.
According to Roll, although American Legion membership is down overall, Kansas American Legion membership is second in the nation.
He said retention is a problem and the legion needs to think of new ways to draw more members and keep the ones it has.
Roll presented an award to the local Legion in appreciation of its help with hurricane relief.
The Kansas American Legion asked all chapters to contribute $1 for each of its members. They raised more than $25,000 in relief funds for veterans in hurricane-struck areas.
Roll ended his talk by announcing the local American Legion and Sons of American Revolution members who were being honored for recruiting new members.
Receiving awards were Loren Hiebert and John Dalke of Hillsboro, and Riley Reid of Florence.
