Legionnaire delivers The American Legion's message to military personnel and their families

American Legion Department of Georgia Vice Commander Mark Shreve recently had the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at the 1st Brigade 98th Training Division’s Military Ball in Columbus, Ga.

In his address to the 250 military personnel and their family members, Shreve said his three objectives were to:

1. Recognize the importance of the reserve component to America’s national defense;
2. Educate on the programs of The American Legion that support veterans, servicemembers and their families; and
3. Reiterate that The American Legion and the 98th Training Division are serving together and share the same goals. 

“It is imperative for our post members to get in front of the decision makers and leaders in our communities to tell the story of The American Legion,” Shreve said about his address to the 98th Training Division. “Reservists have been activated on a record pace during the War on Terror and there are many more reservists eligible to join The American Legion than in previous years. Reports show that 2.5 million Americans have served in the War on Terror with over 400,000 reservists who have deployed at least three times.”

The American Legion and the 98th Training Division share a time in history – they were both formed in 1919 with a tradition of service.

During his address, Shreve spoke on key points in the Legion’s nearly 100 years of existence. A few message points included:

• March 1919, members of the American Expeditionary Force convene in Paris for the first American Legion caucus.
• The organization’s single greatest legislative achievement is the GI Bill. And today, with the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Legion remains at the forefront of efforts to improve education and other benefits for all veterans.
• August 1921, the Legion’s efforts result in the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, forerunner of the Veterans Administration, and today’s VA. Today, the Legion continues to lobby for adequate funding to cover medical, disability, education and other benefits for veterans.
• August 2017, the Legion assists in the creation and passage of the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act.

“I wanted to build the bench of our organization and recruit new members. This will be their organization in a few years and they will be fighting to keep my benefits when I can’t,” Shreve said.

To see a timeline of The American Legion’s history for upcoming presentations your department, district or post may have, visit www.legion.org/history.