Fort Buchanan, PR- As part of the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico's effort to build effective partnerships with members of the community, the 1st Mission Support Command (1st MSC) received the visit of Mr. Fang A. Wong, National Commander of the American Legion, at the command headquarters, 31 Jan.
According to the organization's website, the American Legion is the nation's largest veteran's service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship programs in the community, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.
During the encounter, Brig. Gen. Fernando Fernández, commander of the 1stMSC, briefed the Legionnaires about the mission and capabilities of the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, the largest federal military command in the island and the Caribbean.
"We appreciate your visit today and we want to thank you very much for what you do for our Nation, the veterans and the soldiers," said Fernández during his opening remarks.
The American Legion delegation expressed their satisfaction with the presentation received, especially after learning about command's Community Outreach Program, and how it helps the local communities.
"After seeing your command presentation, I see that your community activities are pretty much parallel with what the American Legion is trying to do, so I can definitively see that there is a great opportunity for collaboration with the Reserve here in Puerto Rico. We certainly are looking forward to work together," said Wong.
During his visit, Mr. Wong was accompanied by local members of the American Legion, to include the organization's Puerto Rico Department Commander, Idelfonso Colon, Jr. who expressed his desire to help the local troops.
"We help out when troops are deployed. We have a temporary financial assistance program and many other family programs to help our soldiers and their families. This is more important now than ever, because most of the reservists already have been activated," said Colon.
Thousands of veterans are members of the American Legion, Puerto Rico Department, within seventy posts across the Puerto Rico and the US Virgin islands.
"It is important to say that you do not have to be a member of the American Legion to be able to receive our services. Still, we want to establish a bond with the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico and the soldiers, so we can better serve you. We are here to help," said Colon.
During the visit, Colon also expressed his intent of incrementing the American Legion's presence in the command, as a way to make their services more accessible to the troops and their families.
"This is your home. Together we can work to achieve better and greater things for our soldiers and their families," ended Fernández, while expressing his appreciation for the American Legion's visit and availability to help the troops.
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