Falcon is the new home to The American Legion Falcon-Peyton Memorial Post 2008. The American Legion celebrated its Falcon beginnings Friday night, June 8.Spokesman Bill Marshall said there are at least 200 eligible veterans living in the area. The Legion is open to anyone – men and women – who have served in the military, reservists included. He said two women are among others who have signed up for the Falcon-Peyton Post.Marshall said the mission of the Post is twofold: veterans serving veterans and children and youth programs. The Legion sponsors Boys State and the Legion’s auxiliary, comprised of daughters, granddaughters, etc. of veterans, sponsors Girls State.Adam Geeskie of Falcon is participating in Boys State at Colorado State University in Pueblo, which began June 10 and ends June 16. The Legionnaires have added something new this year for the participants at Boys State. All of the boys can apply for four credits for their participation at Boys State at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs for $55 a credit hour. The credits are transferable as well, he said. The boys learn about government – crafting bills, lobbying, the election process, campaigning – and elect two “senators” who attend Boys Nation.Among other projects the American Legion has been involved with in Colorado Springs is the Crawford House, a facility and program that helps homeless veterans get back on their feet. The program is located in downtown Springs. Marshall said his post administered the first year of a $40,000 grant to the Crawford House.”Each post is autonomous,” he said. But combined the Legions have contributed greatly to many veterans throughout the country. Marshall said the American Legion posts spent $600,000 nationwide to help veterans last year. And $2.2 million was earmarked for veterans who were victims of Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina.The fee to join the American Legion is $30, and for anyone joining now, the $30 in dues includes membership through 2008. The new Legionnaires will meet at the Falcon Fire Protection District fire station.For more information, contact Bill Marshall at 495-0088 or e-mail him at wmarsh6869@aol.com.
