Masthead, Editorial
The views of the Minnesota Legionnaire

The Minnesota Legionnaire

First published in 1920 as the Hennepin County Legionnaire, the Minnesota Legionnaire is now in its 86th year of publication.  It is published monthly by The American Legion, Department of Minnesota, 20 West Twelfth Street, St. Paul, MN 55155-2069.  The Legionnaire is a member of the Minnesota Newspaper Association and the National American Legion Press Association.

SUBSCRIPTION:  $10 for non-members. Members receive the Legionnaire as part of their dues.

PHONE:    (651) 291-1800       FAX:    (651) 291-1057     E-Mail:   <azdon@mnlegion.org>

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BOARD OF PUBLICATION MEMBERS:     President, Jim Copher, Mound; Vice President, Don Amundson, Blue Earth; Secretary, Lyle Foltz, Apple Valley; Treasurer, Richard Horn, Melrose; Board Members include:   Virgil Persing, Columbia Heights; Bob Hirmer, Marshall; Jack Schulstad, Underwood; Clinton Burt, Slayton; Joe Bayer, Minneapolis; Marie Goede, Plainview; Carol Barbknecht, Underwood.

Homecoming

There have been several news stories lately on how the Minnesota plan for welcoming back soldiers who have served tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan or other foreign places has become a model for the nation.
Much credit should go to Minnesota's Adjutant General Larry Shellito, to the Minnesota VA, and to Governor Pawlenty who has supported this effort strongly in the last few years.
As one veteran expressed it the other day, "One morning I was sleeping on top of the hood of a truck in Iraq waiting for a sandstorm to blow by, and the next day I was back in Minnesota." The transition from war service back to civilian life is extemely difficult. There are many factors including the quick re-immersion into normal life, the great difference in outlook between a war situation and a homeland situation, getting reacquinted with family, and even potential health problems encountered overseas.
These veterans deserve every effort the state can make to smooth and uplift their return.
As a veterans service organization, the American Legion can join in this effort in many ways including making sure we are there to welcome these heroes back into our midst with the love and recognition they deserve.
Legion posts must be proactive and energetic in making sure the new veterans know that they have come home to a place where their service is respected and honored.