Legion raises $33,500 for OCW

The American Legion already has raised more than $33,500 for Operation Comfort Warriors, the key fundraising program of National Commander James Koutz.

Three weeks ago, during the 94th annual National Convention, Koutz announced his goal would be to raise $500,000 for the program.

"Every one of us has a role to play in this operation," Koutz said. "This operation depends on our financial support. All of you, don’t you wish there had been an Operation Comfort Warriors when you came home? We can’t undo the past, but we can see that it is not repeated."

OCW donations are used to supplement the high-quality care provided at most military hospitals and transition units in the United States and abroad.

One hundred percent of donations to OCW go directly to purchase comfort items for recovering warriors. In the past, these items have included loose-fitting sweatsuits for burn victims, exercise equipment, and entertainment in the form of DVDs, CDs and more.