Local American Legion prepares for national convention in Houston

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Veterans and active duty U.S. military personnel from every state in the union will converge on Houston at the end of the month for their yearly meeting and a bit of Texas hospitality.

The national American Legion convention is being held in Houston Aug. 23-29. The organizations, best known as an advocate for veterans issues, rights and recognition, has a membership of nearly 2.5 million active duty and honorably discharged veterans from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force.

“It’s a great honor to have the national convention so close to home,” said Pete Koch, commander of American Legion Post 305 in The Woodlands. “It’s an opportunity for many members to see old friends they have visited with for many years.”

The convention features a number of special activities, including a presentation by Emmy Award winning journalist and author, Rita Cosby, whose father was a prisoner of war; a concert by BeBe Winans and the debut of a feature film, “Approaching Midnight,” about a young soldier returning from war.

The convention will also have seminars and special programs on a number of topics of interest to veterans. Chief among them is membership.

“A lot of our members are World War II veterans who are getting up there in age,” said Koch. “The organization is losing close to 20,000 members a year because so many are dying off.”

Membership in the American Legion is restricted to U.S. military personnel who were in active service during a declared conflict – World War II, Korea, Vietnam or either of the Gulf Wars, Koch said. The applicant need not have been overseas or in a combat zone, but must have been in the service during a period of active hostility.

“In the past, there weren’t many alternatives so the American Legion got a high percentage of veterans,” said Koch. “Since the Vietnam era, there are a lot more groups that specialize in specific eras, branches of the service or other criteria. It’s a bit tougher to get active members.”

Age has also played a part in slowing down the participation of some members, acknowledged Koch. The national convention, however, has sparked interest and participation.

“There are 22 American Legion posts in the greater Houston area,” said Koch. “There are a lot of vets who want to volunteer if needed.”

Koch said each of the posts in the Houston area has a specified number of admissions for specific programs, but they many may want to attend just to be part of the event and renew old acquaintances.

“There’s a special bond veterans share,” said Koch. “We’re looking forward to hosting the annual convention in Houston and making it a memorable event.”

For those interested in volunteering to help at the convention, Koch suggested contacting the commander of the post where they belong.

American Legion Post 305 and Auxiliary meet at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at the South County Community Center. For information, visit the link below.