National commander visits GR

Last Thursday, the American Legion Tom Whitmore Post 28 members received a visit from a special guest.

American Legion National Commander Denise Rohan stopped by the Green River post as part of her year-long United States and world tour.

Rohan, a Wisconsin native, has been on the road visiting various American Legion Posts since she took over as commander last August during the American Legion's 99th conference. Rohan was first woman ever elected as national commander. As her term is coming to an end, Rohan is working hard to get her visits in Wyoming, Utah, Idaho and Washington completed.

Rohan was proud to say that by the time her year is over she will have visited all 50 states and eight countries promoting her theme of "family first," where she informs everyone she meets that it's not only the serviceman or servicewoman to serves, but their family.

"We have American Legions all over the world," she said.

As she traveled from state to state, Rohan started to notice something.

"Everybody's different, but we're still the same," she said.

Rohan said as veterans they took an oath to serve the county and many continue to serve the country long after their official service is over.

"Even when the uniform is off, they still have a need to serve." Rohan said. "American Legion Posts are filling a need the community may have."

The American Legion has four pillars of service: veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, children and youth. Each of these pillars provides programs that benefit the nation's veterans, its service members and their families, American youth and ordinary citizens.

Rohan said there are so many ways to give back to the community. It doesn't matter if it's a big city or a small town, the mission is the same -- to help people. In Wyoming, American Legions support Boys and Girls States, baseball leagues and often conduct fundraisers for various groups.

One area Green River is doing well in compared to other states is the growth of its membership. According to Ted Barney, Post 28 chaplain and service officer, Green River has had continued growth for the past six years. That's not only a remarkable number for Wyoming, but it's a growth other states haven't seen.

Barney said Post 28 members saw Rohan's visit as an chance to share as much as it would about its group and its efforts.

"It's just the opportunity to sell Wyoming nationally," he said.

While in Wyoming, Rohan also visited Casper, Lander, Rock Springs, the Bridger Valley and Evanston before heading to Utah.