Local American Legion Remains Advocate Of All Veterans

The Oskaloosa American Legion (file photo/Ginger Allsup)

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The American Legion Post #34 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, officially known as the Harry L. Anderson American Legion Post 34, has been serving the community’s veteran members since the days following World War I.

Today, the post and its members continue to be there, not only for their veteran members but all veterans in the community.

Recently, Congress passed legislation that changed the eligibility requirements for those who can become American Legion members.

Local American Legion Post Commander Darrin Alderson helped to break down some of the changes that have recently taken place.

The ‘Legion Act’ was signed into law by President Trump on July 30th that declares the United States has been in a state of war since December 7th, 1941.

During what has been regarded as ‘peacetime’ military service, approximately 1,600 service members were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The ‘Legion Act’ or otherwise known as ‘Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act’ then opened the door for veterans who had served during ‘peacetime’ to become members of the American Legion.

Previously, only veterans who had served during officially declared times of war were eligible to become American Legion members.

In a press release earlier this year, American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad said, “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Alderson also spoke about other changes that recently took place in the Legion’s Constitution.

One of the other changes was the replacement of the word ‘wife’ with ‘spouse’ related to the membership criteria for the American Legion Auxillary.

Alderson said that changing the gender-specific wording allowed the organization to keep up with the current makeup of the military. Female Legion members were saying they wanted their spouse to be able to join the Auxillary.

The Legion also works closely with Mahaska County Veterans Affairs to assist in various ways. Alderson praised Curt Grandia for his work in that office and the benefits that he’s helped local veterans receive.

One of the big items Grandia works on with veterans in regards to their property is the Disabled Veteran Tax Credit, and fighting for that relief to take place as soon as possible.

Alderson welcomes young veterans to come in and find out that the Legion’s not just a bar.

“Yep. That’s one of the things I thought of when I first moved to town, until I got involved.” Alderson said. “It’s really not just a place to go sit and drink.”

Alderson wanted to share that one of the important lessons from his time just after leaving the service. “I tried to disappear into the sunset, you know. Looking back at that, that’s about the worst thing I could have done. I should have reached out to a veterans group and got some mentorship then.”

“I never got signed into the VA and never had my final physical until four years ago,” explained Alderson. “After 20 years of being out, it’s kind of hard to say, ‘well, that happened in the service.’”

Alderson also highlighted some of the work the local Legion has been doing to become more visible to the public. They’ve been busy hosting a bags tournament at Friday After Five, a golf tournament, and more.

Steak night is always the first Friday of the month, with the first being September 6th. You can then relax to the entertainment in the canteen. This month its Renegade on stage.

Locally, the Legion has become more social media aware. You can find their latest events on their page, https://www.facebook.com/theamericanlegionpost34/