To the Editor:
I just have to get this off my chest. It has been weighing heavily on my mind for over 35 years!
There are MANY military retirees and veterans that don’t realize that there are THOUSANDS of military veterans that are not eligible to join organizations such as the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Organizations that do a tremendous amount of good and volunteer work in support of all veterans and other charitable organizations. I’d even go so far to say that the politicians that control who can join these post-military organizations don’t realize that they are keeping willing, able-bodied and deserving men and women from joining.
Well, I’m one of those THOUSANDS that can’t join the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars!
Yes, I’m a veteran. I served four years in the United States Navy. I am an Honorably Discharged Cryptologic Technician Petty Officer Second Class Veteran! My four years of service was February 1976 to February 1980. The United States was not at war with any country or group during those years. Therefore, I am ineligible to join the American Legion or any other post-military organization that welcomes “wartime” veterans. I WANT to join the American Legion and have since I was discharged from the military. Honorably discharged, I must add.
To support me and the other THOUSANDS of Honorably Discharged men and women, to be allowed to join the American Legion, please write your United States Congressional Representative and/or Senator and asked them to recognize the service of Honorably Discharged veterans by allowing them to join the American Legion. Congress controls who can join these organizations! THANK YOU for listening.
Jerry Powers
Village of Lake Deaton
