Legion raises funds for recovering heroes

The American Legion family is renewing its Operation Comfort Warriors fundraising efforts during the holiday season to purchase comfort items for troops recovering in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world.“The government does a good job of providing the necessities,” said American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors we have been able to provide items that usually don’t appear in the budget, such as sweat suits, iPods, DVDs, calling cards and other comfort items. The American Legion family challengiesng its members and friends to continue giving to those who have already given us so much. I am grateful that American Legion Auxiliary National President Rita Navarreté and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Mark Arneson have given their complete support to this effort.”The American Legion family has already raised more than $215,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its the program began last December. Upon taking office in August, Hill set a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by year’s end. Donors can contribute online at www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of donations are spent directly on the troops.“Some people think that expecting $100,000 during an economic recession is too lofty a goal. I don’t,” Hill said. “Americans are generous, and what better way is there to show your holiday spirit than to remember those who have served and are still serving?”With a current membership of 2.5 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and children and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.