National commander to be American Legion speaker

“They know that this is a lasting issue” Lightburn said of post-traumatic stress disorder. “How many are walking around with this time bomb?”

National commander to be American Legion speaker
By Jolene Guzman, Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 08, 2008


Hundreds of people are heading to the Bay Area to talk about veterans’ issues — especially a big concern of many South Coast vets: access to health care.

About 200 people will be in North Bend this weekend attending the American Legion Department Oregon’s spring convention. Keynote speaker National Commander Martin Conatser will also address issues of recruitment and the changing needs of vets coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

“The purpose of this is really for the leadership to talk about core issues,” Chairman of Public Relations of American Legion Department of Oregon Jeff Lightburn said.

Conatser, a 25-year member and Vietnam-era veteran, will share his perspective on issues both statewide and local during his keynote address after dinner in the Salmon Room at 7 p.m. on Saturday at The Mill Casino-Hotel.

The American Legion has almost 3 million members in 15,000 Legion posts world-wide. The Legion offers programs assisting veterans with the transition from service to civilian life and finding resources they need after leaving the armed forces.
click post title for more