Jimmie Foster is optimistic that veterans’ needs will remain a top priority in Washington, D.C., regardless of whomever is in charge.
Foster, national commander of the American Legion, made an appearance Thursday in Iola, part of a five-day tour of Kansas to visit 21 Legion posts across the state.
He spoke briefly about his visits with Republican and Democratic leaders after he was elected as national commander in September.
“There’s a lot of dialogue on both sides of the aisle,” he told the Register. After all, making sure those who serve the country are cared for after they retire is a bipartisan issue.
But still, legionnaires must remain in contact with politicians, he said. Politicians “like to tap dance, and avoid directly answering questions,” he said. “You have to get their commitment.”
FOSTER, a native of Oklahoma who now calls Anchorage, Alaska, home, spoke to area legionnaires about a number of topics, including the Legion’s “Four Pillars” of service to veterans and the country; the explosive growth of American Legion Riders groups; and how the American Legion can remain a vital organization for perpetuity.
The first pillar is to help ensure the United States retains a strong national defense. Foster noted that American servicemen are serving in 133 countries around the world, “half of which I can’t pronounce and the other half I can’t spell.” They need to continue to be the best trained, best equipped soldiers in the world, he said.
Another of the legion’s goals is to ensure returning servicemen have access to Veterans Affairs hospitals and other benefits.
The third pillar is to continue to promote Americanism, through traditional means, such as celebrating Memorial Day, Independence Day, and of course, Veterans Day.
And the fourth is to continue to reach out and serve children, “to ensure they live a better life than we had.” Foster noted the American Legion’s support of Scouting programs, Boys and Girls State events and a number of other activities.
Iola American Legion post commander Jeff Heinrich also touted the community service projects spearheaded by local legionnaires. Using proceeds derived from its twice-weekly bingo nights, the local post provides about $20,000 annually for scholarships, funds an Iola Indians baseball team and donates money to a homeless shelter in Chanute.
FOSTER NOTED that legionnaires must reach out to active military servicemen to recruit new members.
Retaining those who sign up is equally important, Foster opined. “It’s like ‘Field of Dreams,’” he said. “If you ask them, they’ll come. But you won’t keep them if you don’t interact with them.”
He suggested each post be equipped with Wifi Internet to appeal to servicemen fresh out of high school.
“These are kids who have lived with the Internet all their lives,” Foster said. “Don’t be afraid of technology, because it’s not going anywhere.”
Foster lauded the work of the American Legion Riders, which has grown to a large network of motorcycle riders across the country.
Since their inception, American Legion Riders have donated $2.9 million to the American Legion Legacy Fund, which provides scholarships to children of veterans who died in service.
“The American Legion Riders is one of our greatest areas of growth,” he said.
FOSTER’S one-year term involves being on the road 344 of 365 days. His next trip home won’t be until April.
“But I enjoy doing this,” he said of visiting with legionnaires across the country.
He was treated to a reception following his comments.
From Kansas, Foster will travel to New York, then Nebraska.
