Commander's walk raises awareness amid cultural landmarks

Joining American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett on his 13th Walk for Veterans were World War II veterans, children and even Jawa characters from the "Star Wars" movie franchise.

The 5K walk in Hollywood, Calif., on Dec. 13 included members of The American Legion Family, other veterans groups and community members who helped raise visibility for the Legion and money for its National Emergency Fund (NEF).

“The national commander’s Walk for Veterans was something our family felt drawn to participate in,” said Heather Risinger, treasurer of Auxiliary Unit 43 in Hollywood. “Raising awareness for veterans and their needs is of utmost importance to our family. As a member of the Auxiliary, and being the mother of three Sons of The American Legion, we were happy to participate in a brisk walk through our town that we love. It was a win-win for all involved.”

Beginning at Hollywood Post 43’s historic World War I building and continuing through a residential neighborhood toward Sunset Boulevard, the walk passed many historic cultural landmarks, including the Tower Records building, Crossroads of the World, the Hollywood sign and the old Hollywood Cantina. The walk continued to Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, where Barnett put his hands in the concrete prints of Bob Hope.

“I love coming to this post, there is so much history,” Barnett said. “I can just see how you love your post, how you love this community, but I can also tell you you’re important to this community each and every day. A lot of organizations and a lot of people might find it strange that The American Legion has such a footprint in Hollywood, Calif., because when they think of Hollywood they don’t think of The American Legion. But I can tell you the people that live here in Hollywood look at The American Legion, and they do think about what you do each and every day.”

The walk raised awareness of issues veterans in this community face and showed what The American Legion is doing about it. It also showed the diversity of the veterans in the community.

One couple at a sidewalk café welcomed the national commander to Los Angeles and expressed their gratitude for the service of so many members of their community who served in the military. “We don’t always get a chance to let people like this know that we appreciate all they’ve done for our country, and the world. Thank you,” a Hollywood resident called out as the walk went by.

On the Walk of Fame, Barnett met some Jawas – the short, robe-wearing, droid-stealing characters in Star Wars - anticipating the world premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Some fans who were in line for days to see the film were military veterans and learned about The American Legion both locally and nationally.

Legion members presented the message of mutual helpfulness, part of the foundation of The American Legion. “What an experience to go through the community and have people stop you and say, ‘What are you doing?’ and you get to tell them your message of why you’re a member of The American Legion Family,” Barnett said.

The Walk for Veterans is inclusive of all American Legion Family members.

“I liked the walk because I got to help raise money for veterans, and I got a new T-shirt," said 7-year-old Zakary Risinger, who saw a great deal of the walk on the shoulders of his dad, Post 43 Adjutant Karl Risinger. "There were old guys walking, too. Everyone can participate."

Robert T. Kelly Jr., the Detachment of California SAL commander, called the walk a great opportunity to show the solidarity of the Legion Family. “As a dual member, it’s important to me that we express how important it is for us to speak in one voice about the issues that are important to the veterans, the Legion Family and the community,” Kelly said.

Many state, district and area leaders took part in the experience, including Past Department Commander Janet Wilson, Department Adjutant William Siler III, Department Sergeant-at-Arms John Wayne Yee and Department Service Officer Scott Mckee.

“I’ve lived most of my life nearby, but I’ve not walked right here since I was a kid,” Department of California Commander Larry Van Kuren said. “This was a different way to get out into the community and meet some folks we might not otherwise reach.”

Barnett acknowledged the importance of participation with groups like Team Red, White & Blue, who helped plan the route and kept walkers safe and on track. “The future of the organization is in these people, and we have a place for everyone in The American Legion,” Barnett said. “We have a proud history and a bright future. A big part of that future is getting young people involved.”

He also expressed his appreciation for Sons of The American Legion Squadron 43 and Boy Scout Troop 911 for providing lunch after the event. Barnett was involved with Scouting as a youth and gave many examples of the importance of Legion youth programs.

“We change lives in the American Legion,” Barnett said. “I got kinda hooked on this organization when I was 17 years old, and I’m glad for that today.

"If you can’t tell, I’m high on The American Legion. I’m high on the opportunity to represent you. It is truly my honor to represent you. I will continue to fight for veterans; I will fight for their causes. I’m not the most popular man with some groups who don’t want to do their job of doing what’s best for veterans. But if it’s good for veterans, if it’s good for the defense of this country, I will guarantee you with your support, I will stand up for America like The American Legion has been doing since 1919.”