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Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff Addresses American Legion In Cincinnati

Tana Weingartner
/
WVXU
Gen. Joseph Dunford addresses the American Legion convention in Cincinnati August 30, 20016.

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph Dunford, Tuesday addressed the American Legion National Convention being held this week in Cincinnati.

Dunford praised the veterans organization for the work it does, especially supporting retired and active duty military."What you do," he told the group, "not only takes care of our people and makes a significant contribution to our communities, it directly supports our combat effectiveness."

Dunford talked about how various branches of the military are serving currently around the globe, then he thanked the Legion for all it does.

"When a recently separated veteran needs assistance in finding a job or transitioning back to civilian life, you are there. When a wounded service man or woman requires help with prosthetics or assistance in cutting through bureaucratic red tape, you are there. When families of service members or veterans require emotional, logistical or financial support, you are there."

And, Dunford concluded, "When a veteran or active duty service member is laid at their final resting place, you're there too."

Some 9,000 veterans are attending the American Legion convention. Dunford told the group that today's active duty service members don't have to worry about 'watching their six' because they know they're supported.

"No generation, I would argue, has deployed with more support at home, more appreciation at home, than the generation that currently serves," said Dunford. "And no organization - no organization - is more responsible for that than the American Legion."

Legion members will also hear this week from VA Secretary Bob McDonald and presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump.

Senior Editor and reporter at WVXU with more than 20 years experience in public radio; formerly news and public affairs producer with WMUB. Would really like to meet your dog.