American Legion here to serve vets

Gravette and Bella Vista Posts inviting new members to join the service organization

Bella Vista American Legion Post members Norvil Lantz (left), Lewis Kaslow, Chris Cole and post commander Jake Greeling posed for a photo in front of the U.S. Flag at their recent post meeting.

Bella Vista American Legion Post members Norvil Lantz (left), Lewis Kaslow, Chris Cole and post commander Jake Greeling posed for a photo in front of the U.S. Flag at their recent post meeting.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

— “When a soldier was brought back from World War I, he was given $60 and a ticket to the train station closest to his hometown,” explains Norvil Lantz, membership chairman of the Bella Vista post of the American Legion. “These guys had limbs missing and suffered from “shell shock” - we call it PTSD now - but no one was there to help them.”

The American Legion was created in 1919 to fill that void. Founded to meet the needs of veterans returning from combat, the American Legion was the precursor to many of the modern institutions serving veterans today.

“We wrote the first G.I. Bill of Rights,” Lantzsays, watching veterans of all ages and from every military branch gather around coffee for the post’s monthly meeting. “When people came home sick from Vietnam, we hired labs to research Agent Orange. When the Navy vets started showing up with mesothelioma, we were there, asking why.Now, we’re advocating in Congress so that if the government shuts down, the people putting their lives in the line of fire will still get paid.”

In addition to advocating for veterans and active duty military, over 2.4 million members of the American Legion currently work locally in four areas: veterans’ services, national security, patriotism and child welfare.

Two local American Legion posts, Bella Vista Post #341 and Gravette Post #25, actively serve Western Benton County. These posts’ activities include Honor Guard and Color Guard, Memorial Day ceremonies, Flag etiquette classes, children’s activities and fundraisers to support veterans’ services. Upcoming events include Memorial Day activities and the May 21st American HeroGolf Tournament, with proceeds supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, Fisher House, Fayetteville Veterans’ Home and Boxes for Troops.

According to many members, though, the greatest service the American Legion provides is being a place for people whohave experienced combat to feel welcomed and understood.

When he returned from combat in Vietnam, Lewis Kaslow experienced the isolation common to soldiers returning from a divisive conflict.

“Even some of the veterans from World War II said, ‘You weren’t in a war. And anyway, you lost,’” Kaslow recounted.

Kaslow, now Congressman Steve Womack’s Military and Veterans’ Advisor, explained that being shunned helped him reach out to ensure that others never live through the same experience.

“If you were in front-line combat, you can come here and tell your story to other people who understand. Being veterans, we know what it feels like. We treat each other differently,Kaslow said.”

Chris Cole, a veteran wounded in his last of three tours in Iraq, agrees.

“If not for the American Legion and the people I met here, I don’t know where I would be,” Cole said. “The American Legion reminded me that I’m still a good person. It allowed me to help others. To anyone thinking of joining, I’d say, ‘Do it! It’s the best thing you can do for yourself and other vets alike.’”

Both Bella Vista Post #341 and Gravette Post #25 are actively encouraging new members from western Benton County to join. Bella Vista Post #341 meets on the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. The Gravette Post meets at 7 p.m. at the Gravette Civic Center on the third Tuesdayof each month. For more information about the Bella Vista Post, contact Post Commander Jake Greeling at 876-1108. Contact Commander Bill Howard at 781-6356 regarding Gravette’s post activities.

News, Pages 10 on 04/13/2011