The Fred F. and Norman J. Bruning Breda American Legion Post #607 will be welcoming a very special guest during an event planned near the middle of the month. American Legion National Commander, James W. “Bill” Oxford, will be addressing veterans from throughout the region on Tuesday, March 16. District Membership Chair, Ed Rohner, says it is an honor the Breda post was selected to host Oxford as he completes a tour through Iowa.
Oxford will update members on the status of the national organization and provide details on what the American Legion has identified as priorities for their membership. Rohner says all veterans and their families, regardless of their involvement in the American Legion, are invited to join them at 5 p.m. on the 16th for a free soup dinner and to hear directly from the association’s leader. He hopes the visit will spur veterans who have chosen not to join to change their minds.
Rohner adds the average age of an American Legion member has been creeping steadily higher through the years, and this will be an opportunity to reach out to younger veterans. Four Breda members will also be recognized during Oxford’s visit for reaching 50 years of membership : Dale Wernimont, Arnold Tiefenthaler, Bill Stork and Mark Ludwig. There is no need to RSVP for the March 16 event at the Breda Legion Hall. Oxford will also be stopping at the Manilla American Legion Post #132 and Memorial Park earlier in the day around 11 a.m.
