Published: November 09, 2008 10:46 pm      

VFW national commander will visit Kokomo

Gardner will focus on VA benefits and other veterans’ issues.

The national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will visit local veterans Friday as part of a 15-city Indiana tour.

Glen M. Gardner Jr. will brief local VFW posts on the progress of the organization’s grass-root effort to increase Veterans Affairs funding, provide sufficient long-term VA health care and to show how the VFW is supporting members of the military, National Guard, reserves and their families.

Gardner is expected to be at Post 1152, 920 N. Washington St., at noon Friday to talk with local veterans.

Post 1152 Commander John Ayers in Kokomo said he is looking forward to visiting with the highly decorated veteran.

“This is a big event to have him visit us,” Ayers said.

Gardner, who resides in Texas, was elected commander at the VFW’s 109th National Convention in August.

A Vietnam veteran, Gardner served in the Marine Corps from 1966 to 1970. While in Vietnam, he served as an aircraft mechanic with the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 12 in Chu Lai, Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969.

He was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

Founded in 1899, the VFW helps all veterans and their families obtain veterans’ entitlements and other services. In addition, the organization works for the well-being of those serving on active duty in the National Guard and reserves. There are 2.4 million members and auxiliaries in approximately 8,500 posts worldwide.