Grant County is home to several groups dedicated to serving both local veterans and communities.

Three towns have active American Legion posts – John Day, Prairie City and Monument. Dayville’s post is currently listed as inactive, and in need of a commander.

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3597 is headquartered in John Day.

Any honorably discharged veteran or person currently serving in one of the five United States military branches – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Air Force – may join the American Legion.

VFW membership is for active or honorably discharged officers or enlisted people who meet one of the following requirements: served 30 consecutive or 60 nonconsecutive days in Korea, received hostile fire or imminent danger pay, or been awarded a military campaign medal for overseas service.

Veterans may belong to both organizations.

Both groups hold flag ceremonies and remembrances on Memorial Day, Veterans Day and other special patriotic occasions.

The American Legion Auxiliary is a patriotic service organization for spouses and family members of military personnel. Traditionally, in years past, the group was comprised of mostly wives. However, with an increasing number of women serving in the military today, husbands and other male family members are welcome into Auxiliary membership.

In addition to serving the needs of veterans, involvement in local schools and communities is also a key component to the groups.

Jim Jerome, the District 10 adjutant for the American Legion and VFW Post 3597 quartermaster, said, “The big thing for any veterans organization is involvement with the citizens of the community.”

The Legion and Auxiliary head up youth leadership and citizen programs, Girls and Boys State, and both the Legion and VFW sponsor youth essay competitions – Americanism Essay for the Legion, and Patriot’s Pen for the VFW.

The Auxiliary also runs the annual Memorial Day poppy program which raises community awareness and by-donation funds to help hospitalized veterans.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary or the VFW, or participating in any of the groups’ service activities, is encouraged to contact their local representative.

To learn more, visit:

• American Legion, Oregon, http://www.orlegion.org/

• American Legion Auxiliary, Oregon, http://www.alaoregon.org/

• Veterans of Foreign Wars, Oregon, http://www.vfworegon.org/