Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, November 3, 2015
(BLOOMFIELD) - The American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett and Department of Indiana Commander Larry Lowry are scheduled to visit Bloomfield Memorial Post 196, located at 125 S. Washington St. in Bloomfield for a meet and greet Wednesday, November 4 from approximately 9:30 a.m. through 10 a.m.
Bloomfield Post 196 is also the home of The American Legion, Department of Indiana state champion color guard.
Barnett is touring each state and walking in cities across the nation during his term as national commander to raise awareness for veterans' advocacy mission of The American Legion.
"We are aiming to raise public awareness about the crucial issues facing America's veterans and their families," said Department Commander Lowry.
"An estimated 22 veterans a day commit suicide. Traumatic brain injuries have become a signature wound of the Global War on Terrorism and up to 20 percent of the men and women who served in Iraq or Afghanistan are believed to experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"Veterans still have difficulty receiving health care in a timely manner and many have been waiting years to have their disability claims resolved. We owe it to those who served our country to never forget their sacrifice and devotion."
National Commander Dale Barnett was raised in central Indiana. He attended Whiteland Community High School, where he was student body president, captain of the track and basketball teams and president of the Whiteland United Methodist Youth Basketball Team. He credits his experience with Hoosier Boys State in 1969 with his decision and opportunity to attend West Point.
He was elected national commander of the 2.2 million-member American Legion on September. 3, 2015 in Baltimore, Md., during the 97th national convention of the nation's largest veterans' organization.
Barnett graduated from West Point and served as an Army infantry officer from 1974 to 1996, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. A member of American Legion Post 105 in Fayetteville, Ga., he served The American Legion at every level, including Department (State) Commander of Georgia from 2007 to 2008. After leaving the military, Barnett taught high school social studies and coached basketball, baseball and cross country. He was the Creekside High School Teacher of the Year in 2005-2006 and a national board certified social studies teacher in 2003.
Barnett served from 1990 to 1991 as the battalion executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry in Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. His decorations include The Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2 Awards), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge and Pathfinder Badge.
In addition to an International Relations / Public Affairs degree that Barnett earned at West Point, he holds a Masters of Business Administration from Boston University and graduated from Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Barnett served as The American Legion National Membership and Post Activities Chairman from 2008 to 2010 and National Economic Chairman from 2010 to 2013.
Dale and his wife, Donna, live in Douglasville, Ga., and have five children: Michelle, Andrea, Desiree, Kathalyn, and Joseph. They also have four young grandchildren: Heather, Daniel, Joanne and Brandon.
For more information about The American Legion Walk for Veterans please visit: http://www.legion.org/walkforveterans
About The American Legion
The nation's largest wartime veterans' organization, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans care and rehabilitation, Americanism and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 14,000 posts across the nation. www.Legion.org
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