American Legion Marching Toward a Bright Future
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By Sebastian Langenberg
ong-time Middleburg area residents surely are familiar with the American Legion Post 295 headquarters on The Plains Road. Perhaps they’ve attended one of their pancake breakfasts, been guests at a party or wedding or even participated in one of their sponsored runs. Most recently, they held the annual “Rally Around the Flag” 5K run on November 9 as a fundraiser. Clearly, the Legion is always looking for ways to connect with the community, not to mention veterans from the local area. “I do as much as I can for vets all around the country,” said John Moliere, the current vice commander and a Post 295 member for the last thirty years. “I was a Vietnam vet, with my kids all grown up, and looking for some place where I could pay some earth rent.” “I always loved being with other guys with similar backgrounds,” said Franklin Payne, a World War II veteran, former post commander, and a longtime member who served in the European theater. “I always loved getting together to talk about old times.” Moliere indicated that more veterans, particularly those from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, are becoming interested in joining the Middleburg post, which has about 40 dues-paying members and recently added two Marine veterans in November.
He added that the effort to increase membership has also been helped by Loudoun County native Rob Jones, a combat engineer in the Marine Corps who lost both his legs when he was injured by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan in 2010. Jones, a graduate of Loudoun Valley High and Virginia Tech and now lives in Middleburg, is running for Congress in Virginia’s 10th District against Rep. Jennifer Wexton. Earlier this year, he received national coverage when he ran 31 marathons in 31 days to draw attention to veterans issues. He also was on hand to present awards at the Rally Around The Flag 5k run and has helped locate potential new members for Post 295. The Legion building last year received a $12,000
grant from the Home Depot Foundation to spruce up and repair the building. Out front, they’ve also added a mural of an American flag and eagle, along with the logos of each of the country’s military branches. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. It’s the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in their communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, veterans benefits and continued devotion to service members and veterans. It was initially formed by war-weary World War I veterans, and now has 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts across the country. Post 295 also hosts guest speakers, including a recent appearance by former Secretary of the Navy and Senator John Warner, also a veteran. And Moliere recently spoke about the importance of service to the country at MIddleburg’s Hill School. Moliere also wanted to remind local residents that the Middleburg facility is always available for a cost- effective $400 rental for any sort of event, from wedding receptions to private parties. With that rent money, it’s a wonderful way to say “thank you for your service.” For further information, go to http://www. middleburglegion.org/,
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