By Conrad Dudderar
Associate Editor
Yukon’s American Legion commander participated in the Legion’s largest annual meeting.
Michael H. Devenitch, the Post 160 commander since January, traveled to North Carolina as part of an Oklahoma delegation to the American Legion’s 104th National Convention Aug. 25-31 at the Charlotte Convention Center.
Devenitch serves on the National Security Commission, one of five committees that run the business of the organization during the convention.
“A number a great speakers presented information focusing on quality of life for servicemembers,” Yukon’s Legion commander said.
Senior military leaders convened a special “Military Quality of Life” panel discussion during the American Legion’s National Security Commission meeting.
Among the topics addressed in front of more than 400 American Legion members were: Mental health services, childcare, military housing, work and home life, and paying the Coast Guard during government shutdowns.
Each of the American Legion’s 55 departments – the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and Philippines – is entitled to send a minimum of five voting delegates to the national convention.
About 8,000 American Legion members attended the convention.
Attendees participated in commission meetings, workshops and training sessions; watched award presentations, and heard from distinguished guests.
NEW NATIONAL LEADER
During the final hour of the American Legion’s recent 104th national convention, Daniel J. Seehafer of Wisconsin was elected and sworn in as the organization’s new leader.
Seehafer will be visiting Oklahoma next year, according to Devenitch.
The American Legion’s mission is: “To enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
The Legion’s motto is “Veterans Strengthening America.”
American Legion Post 160 meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday each month at 1010 W Main. The Yukon Legion has 125 members.
A veteran service officer comes to Yukon’s American Legion Building from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month.
For more information about the American Legion, veterans are invited to attend a meeting or call (405) 467-0525.
