American Legion National President visits Post 28

American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz visited American Legion Post 28 in Oak Orchard March 8.

Koutz entered the U.S. Army in August, 1969. He attended basic training at Ft. Knox, Ky. and Advanced Infantry Training at Ft. Ord, Calif.  In January, 1970, he reported to Vietnam and served an extended tour of duty with Co. C 169th Engineer Battalion. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5 in March, 1971, and quickly joined the American Legion.

He is a member of Boonville, Indiana Post 200 where his father, George, was a World War II veteran and a past commander of the post. Jim was honored as a life member of his post in 1991 and served as its post commander for nine years.

Koutz’s visited with President Barack Obama recently and received a promise he would not make any cuts to the Veterans Administrations. Koutz also requested that there should be no cuts to the military training and the military still receives the best equipment. Koutz is also involved in Operation Comfort Warrior, which provides items of comfort for wounded soldiers in any hospital in America.

Shown are (l-r) Post 28 Commander Jim Gallagher, National Commander Koutz and Delaware Department Commander James Brady.