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National commander visits Owatonna

He's definitely the man for the job.
The man is Vietnam veteran Paul Dillard of Texas, and the job is that of being the national commander of the American Legion, which is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization with a membership of nearly 2 million men and women.
Dillard arrived in Owatonna at about 5:30 p.m. on a rainy and windy afternoon April 12.
During his three-hour stay in Owatonna, Dillard showed evidence that he really cares about the veterans of the United States.
"We're here for our veterans," Dillard remarked as he stepped from an American Legion van, which had just pulled up to the Owatonna American Legion door.
Commander Dillard spent most of last week in Minnesota. He was in St. Paul on Monday; Red Wing, Dodge Center and Owatonna on Tuesday; Austin, Blue Earth and Fairmont on Wednesday and Brewster and Pipestone on Thursday.
Dillard was greeted in Owatonna by veterans in red coats and other attire. The red coats symbolized the various districts of Minnesota.
Reaching Out
Dillard quickly showed an outgoing personality, reaching out to shake every hand that came in front of him, young or old. Dillard then entered the Legion and quickly navigated the 15-step staircase leading to the location of an evening meal.
A smile generated throughout Dillard's demeanor, but he also could be serious when the topic deserved careful study.
First District Commander Mike Parry introduced himself and also pointed to this writer as the man who drove his father, a First Sergeant in the Army National Guard, to Camp Ripley in Little Falls, for every summer.
Later, a Legion member, told Dillard about this writer's membership in the Legion. "Yes, I know that he drove Commander Parry's father around military camps.”
Using some humor, he said, "See, I remembered. Now, can I be a reporter."
One on One
Taking time for a one on one interview, Dillard said his theme for his year as national commander is "No Veteran Left Behind."
Dillard said he worked long and hard to come up with a theme. The theme resonates care for those who may be flirting with suicide or other stressful situations.
Dillard said he "thoroughly enjoyed" seeing folks on these commander visits. "These people do so much for veterans and I get all the benefits," he remarked.
 
Explaining one of his major concerns, Dillard said it is imperative that Legionnaires talk to their senators and urge them to vote for Honoring Our PACT Act.
This legislation represents a comprehensive toxic bill protecting those who were affected by air hazards during the global and Gulf war.
Dillard is focused on increasing Senate support for the comprehensive bill that will provide needed care and relief for veterans sickened by exposure to burn pits, atomic radiation and other toxic substances during military service.
Before the anticipated vote at the end of May, he will travel to seven different states, including Minnesota, to meet with Legionnaires and build support for this once in a generation piece of legislation.
Showing Guts
Asked to comment on the Russian invasion into the Ukraine, Dillard said the Ukraine "is really showing guts." He said, "freedom is not free."
Tom Fernlund, state commander, introduced Dillard to an audience of about 65 spectators. He recited biography introduction outlining his involvement in the American Legion, an organization 103 years old.
Dillard and his wife Donna have two sons and two grandsons.
Kicking off his address, Dillard said his theme of "No Veteran Left Behind" is not only a theme but an agenda. He said it focused on suicide and BSO membership. "We pick up a paper and read of 18-20 suicides of veterans each day," Dillard said.
Make Buddy Checks
He encouraged veterans to make "buddy checks," meaning they make it a regular routine "to make sure our veterans are OK."
"You never know who is at risk. Get them professional help. By being buddies, we can save lives."
His speech reiterated what he said about pending legislation addressing Agent Orange and atomic radiation. He urged Legionnaires to talk to their congress men and women about issues that affect them.
Commander Dillard paid tribute to "the greatest generation, the veterans of World War II. He said 230,000 remain. "We are losing 200 a day, he said.
More Women Involved
Dillard emphasized support for getting more women veterans involved in the American Legion.
He also smiled wide when announcing that Minnesota has 23 girls softball teams ready to take the field this summer. This involvement echoes longtime involvement in Legion baseball.
Dillard pitched for a drive to strengthen Legion membership.
Commander Dillard thanked veterans for their support. On his way out of the dining hall, Dillard went to the dining window and thanked The Sisters for their preparation of a delicious meal.

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