Oxford hosts visit from state American Legion officers
OXFORD – The Chenango County American Legion celebrated its annual Department Commander’s Visitation dinner Thursday to welcome Commander W. Michael Bowen, President Ann Geer, and Detachment Commander Dr. Greg Gibbs.
The day-long event included visits to the Veterans’ Home in Oxford, Mayhood’s Sporting Goods, the Sherburne and Norwich American Legions and concluded at the Oxford Legion for dinner and presentations.
Chenango’s just one of the 62 counties visited by the three commanders each year as they travel around New York State.
According to Bowen, the purpose of the visit was to spread the word of the benefits programs and entitlements available to veterans through various Legion programs.
“We want to let veterans know that we’re here for them and their families,” said Bowen. “And also spread the word about what we offer to the community, such as aid to the fire departments.”
Gibbs, head of the Sons of the American Legion, said his message focused on both past and future members of the Legion and their families, making sure beneficial programs, such as the child welfare program, were available and being utilized.
Bowen explained the American Legion played a pivotal role in writing the first G.I Bill in 1944 and its expansion in 2001.
“We’re constantly looking out for our veterans,” said Gibbs.
Another important program, cited by Auxiliary President Geer, is the Warriors Family Assistance program which provides aid to the families of soldiers still on active duty and veterans recently returned.
“They’re coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan and are finding themselves in financial need,” said Geer. “The program is designed to give a grant of $1,200 to veterans and active duty military who need money for rent, car payments, car insurance, food and clothing ... it’s been very successful.”
Geer explained that $74,000 in grants have been given out in the past four years.
The group was escorted through the county by members of the Legion Riders, which Bowen said was one of the best programs currently offered.
“It’s really helped our membership grow,” he said.
For more information about the American Legion, contact webmaster@ccalegion.org.
The day-long event included visits to the Veterans’ Home in Oxford, Mayhood’s Sporting Goods, the Sherburne and Norwich American Legions and concluded at the Oxford Legion for dinner and presentations.
Chenango’s just one of the 62 counties visited by the three commanders each year as they travel around New York State.
According to Bowen, the purpose of the visit was to spread the word of the benefits programs and entitlements available to veterans through various Legion programs.
“We want to let veterans know that we’re here for them and their families,” said Bowen. “And also spread the word about what we offer to the community, such as aid to the fire departments.”
Gibbs, head of the Sons of the American Legion, said his message focused on both past and future members of the Legion and their families, making sure beneficial programs, such as the child welfare program, were available and being utilized.
Bowen explained the American Legion played a pivotal role in writing the first G.I Bill in 1944 and its expansion in 2001.
“We’re constantly looking out for our veterans,” said Gibbs.
Another important program, cited by Auxiliary President Geer, is the Warriors Family Assistance program which provides aid to the families of soldiers still on active duty and veterans recently returned.
“They’re coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan and are finding themselves in financial need,” said Geer. “The program is designed to give a grant of $1,200 to veterans and active duty military who need money for rent, car payments, car insurance, food and clothing ... it’s been very successful.”
Geer explained that $74,000 in grants have been given out in the past four years.
The group was escorted through the county by members of the Legion Riders, which Bowen said was one of the best programs currently offered.
“It’s really helped our membership grow,” he said.
For more information about the American Legion, contact webmaster@ccalegion.org.
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