Bob Kleba, Adjutant - Letter to Editor

Last week I was honored to be the delegate from the Crivitz American Legion Post 413 to the American Legion’s State Convention in Appleton.  Over the course of four days, I met many men and women from the state and district levels who are dedicated to the Legion’s mission of taking care of veterans, their families, and the community.  Their dedication to the mission is truly amazing.  I listened to our new state commander, Jim Johnson, talk about the work done at the state and national levels to protect the rights the veterans have earned by their time in service.  I also met Terry McNulty, our new district commander and heard his vision for reaching out to local veterans to make sure their needs are taken care of.  And while a few of the positions at the top of the organization are paid, such as the state commander and people on his staff, the rest of the members, like everyone in Crivitz Post 413, are volunteers, working only for the satisfaction that comes from continuing to serve this nation in a slightly different capacity than what we did while wearing the military uniform.  

A few years back I was talking with my brother-in-law, a smart, college educated man, about the American Legion.  His impression of the organization was that it was a bunch of old guys sitting around drinking beer and telling war stories.  He was surprised when I told him about everything the legion does, from our scholarship programs, to Badger Boys State, to helping veterans in the community and at the VA Hospital in Iron Mountain.   

My intent with this letter is to reinforce to the community, that our post, Netzel-Zenz American Legion Post 413, has been, is now, and will continue to be a viable part of this community, as long as there are veterans who are willing to spend a little time each month supporting the programs that help those who served our country in uniform.  And if you are a veteran, I encourage you to join the American Legion and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from continuing to serve.   

Bob Kleba, Adjutant  
Crivitz