Hundreds walk with national commander in Georgia

It may very well have been the largest American Legion Walk for Veterans yet. An estimated 220 Legion family members and veterans walked alongside a series of memorials adjacent to the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center in Fort Benning, Ga., on May 14. Part of the success can be attributed to the home field advantage of National Commander Dale Barnett. And in the spirit of a hometown hero, Barnett began the event with a pre-game pep talk to the large group of walkers.

“This really is a welcome home,” Barnett said, pointing out that his daughter Michelle was born at the local hospital. “I deployed for Desert Shield/Desert Storm from Columbus, Georgia, with the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry. I chose (to visit) Columbus, Georgia, Fort Benning and Callaway Gardens because this truly is a homecoming.”

He explained the rationale for the gold T-shirts given to registered walkers.

“We are wearing these funky shirts because they stand out," he said. "When people look at us and ask why are we here with our families and why are we here as veterans and why do we do what we do, I want you to tell your story about why you are an American Legion member. I’m proud that my family is part of this journey with The American Legion. I hope you can be visible in your community to raise awareness of veterans. God bless you for being with us."

The morning festivities began with a reading of a proclamation issued by Columbus mayor and city council, declaring May 14 as “Commander Dale Barnett Day.”

U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Ga., also attended the walk. “I want you to know that The American Legion is very, very special. It is the number one veterans service organization,” Bishop said. “As your member of Congress for the Second Congressional District, I can tell you firsthand that because of The American Legion, the issues that matter to veterans and their families are first and foremost on the table in Congress. And whenever (legislation) gets screwed up, The American Legion shows up, just like the cavalry, and gets it straight.”

The walk raised $14,811 for Barnett's primary fundraiser, the National Emergency Fund (NEF). The NEF provides financial grants to qualified posts and Legion family members affected by declared natural disasters to help with out-of-pocket expenses, such as temporary housing, food and clothing.

“Everything we’ve done for the past few years has been for Dale, our commander, our favorite son," said Department of Georgia Commander Thom Mash. "Our membership reflected that last year, and you’ll see it reflected again this year. We do it for Dale. We’re proud of him.”

While Barnett frequently reminds the public of the estimated 22 veterans a day that commit suicide, Mash added a few additional reasons why The American Legion needs to "walk for those who marched for us."

“A lot of thought went into that message,” Mash said. “It’s simple and right to the point. People from around the country tell me that they are in anti-veteran or anti-military states. Georgia is lucky in that sense. I think that the VA claims list and VA wait times need to be shortened, although it is going in the right direction.”

During an evening homecoming banquet, Barnett reflected on highlights of the more than 30 awareness walks that he has participated in from Florida to California. “I will tell you, my Georgia American Legion family, it would have never happened if you hadn't stood behind me and allowed me to have these wonderful adventures and raise awareness about our great organization.”