The American Legion's National Commander visited Fort Jackson Monday to get a better understanding of how the post operates.
Dale Barnett, commander of the 2.2 million-member veteran service organization observed Soldiers in training and meet with leadership during his visit.
"He came to Fort Jackson to observe training -- to see what we do here and how we do things in today's training environment," said Capt. Ryan Knott with the garrison operations office. "It's an outreach visit -- kind of like the 'come see your Army' tour."
Barnett serves as the chief executive officer and official spokesman of The American Legion, with full power to enforce provisions of the organization's constitution, bylaws and resolutions. He will serve a one-year term as commander of America's largest veterans' organization.
"As National Commander of the American Legion, you visit all 50 states and each state has an opportunity to showcase what they want you to see," said Barnett.
While here, Barnett observed Soldiers in Basic Combat Training enhancing their marksmanship skills in the Engagement Skills Trainer.
Barnett, an Indiana native, said that his state visits "may be related to VA hospital visits where you're looking in to issues that affect our veterans -- it could be issues like coming to Fort Jackson (to observe training) for national defense."
As the West Point graduate continued his post tour he watched trainees practice their newly acquired medical skills, applying temporary tourniquets and pressure bandages on each other before going to post headquarters to meet with Fort Jackson's chief of staff, Col. Morris Goins.
The VSO routinely visits different installations to see how the force is being trained.
The American Legion "likes to keep abreast" of issues to ensure that not only is training up to date, but transition programs, such as transition assistance and the Soldier For Life program are up to speed. These are important, especially for Soldiers that have been out for a while, the VSO chief said.
The primary mission of the American Legion is to "advocate for our current veterans," said the former infantry officer. "(We also look in to) manpower, benefits, recruitment and in to signature wounds that a lot of our younger soldiers are experiencing, such as (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and (Traumatic Brain Injury)."
"When you're a Soldier, you're a Soldier for life," said Barnett. "These young troopers -- we need to look out for them for their entire life and that's what we're about at the American Legion.
Barnett retired from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 22 years of service.
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