OXFORD – The American Legion formed the National Emergency Fund (NEF) in 1989 to compassionately aid veterans and Legion family members in need due to the wake of disasters from national emergencies. The American Legion National Commander, David K. Rehbein of Ames, Iowa, has been campaigning to raise funds for the NEF. Patricia Marso of Oxford, The American Legion National Legislative Council member, congratulated Commander Rehbein, on raising $1700 for the NEF from the Eighth, Seventh and Sixth Districts as the result of a recent State wide tour.

A major disaster could happen to any Legionnaire in any town at anytime and make them homeless. The Federal Government declares National Emergencies such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, volcano eruptions, or other areas causing needs to be addressed. In New York, veterans received aid during floods, ice storms and loss of residences due to the above catastrophes. A family can receive a grant of $1500 to be used at their discretion or for their greatest need.