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The Commander's
Column 
If anyone should ever ask you, there are 597
American Legion Posts in the state of Ohio. Many
have their own post homes, but there are some that
meet in city buildings, libraries, and restaurants
or at other fraternal and veteran organizations.
The one thing they all have in common is their
support to the local communities and the programs
of The American Legion.
I am proud to be serving as your commander
knowing the great things our American Legion Posts
are doing. Every day I receive correspondence
noting that a Post has donated money to the Legacy
Fund, Child Welfare Foundation, National Emergency
Fund, or our own special project, Alzheimer's.
In my travels throughout Ohio I have had the
opportunity to participate in Veterans Day programs
at Orange Middle School and the Minster schools. We
appreciate the invitation from the members of
Delaware Post 115 and Commander John Smith. Virgil
and Martha Arling were great hosts when we visited
Minster. It was my first Veterans Day program at a
school and trust me, it won't by my last. I urge
all veterans to participate in your local Veterans
Day programs. It's all about honoring you.
During the month of December we traveled to
Sandusky for the annual "Gifts for Yanks Who Gave"
distribution at The Ohio Veterans Home. We
appreciate the help of all the volunteers who
assisted in giving the veterans their Christmas
presents. A good time was had by all.
A special thanks to Sandusky Post 83 for their
hospitality.
Also, I'm sad to say, during the month of
December we lost our last surviving World War One
veteran from Ohio, J. Russell Coffey.
What an interesting and rewarding life he had
during his 109 years. We thank the World War I
veterans for founding The American Legion. Thank
goodness they didn't give up.
Congratulations to the entire Twelfth District
and Commander James Refinati for being the only
district ahead of last year's membership.
If you're reading this article, we need your
help to promote membership in The American Legion.
Everyone knows of someone who is eligible to
join.
Congratulations also go out to Tyler Shoff, a
14-year-old girl and member of the Junior Auxiliary
Unit in Marshallville.
In June, Tyler won the local All American Soap
Box Derby and then went on to become the World
Champion. She had to compete against 298 other
racers.
I'd like to give a special thank you to
Department President Carol T. Robinson and The
American Legion Auxiliary for their donation to
Alzheimer's. It is greatly appreciated.
Please continue to pray for our troops.
Thanks for being a member.
Mike Morman, Department of Ohio
Commander
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