The American Legion is a worldwide organization of American military veterans and their families who believe in veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, children and youth and Americanism, said Chip Kossow, commander of the American Legion Dane R. Balcon Post 2008 in Falcon. At the heart of the Legion are the individual posts embedded in thousands of communities across the country.
“The Dane R. Balcon Post 2008 honors Dane Balcon, who attended Falcon High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army,” Kossow said. “Dane was killed in action in Iraq in September 2007.”
Post 2008 supports local veterans and their families through benevolence, advocacy for veteran affairs and funeral honors, Kossow said. For the children, they charter scouting, host junior shooting sports classes, provide awards and scholarships for JROTC at Falcon, Sand Creek and Vista Ridge high schools as well as Boys and Girls State programs. The Falcon Post 2008 also participates in patriotic holiday ceremonies, local charity donations, flag education; and they have adopted a portion of Eastonville Road for cleanup efforts.
The Falcon Post sponsors an Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders. They also sponsor Young Guns, a basic rifle safety and marksmanship course for students 12 to 18 years old. Young Guns will have another session in March.
Post 2008 is planning a golf tournament July 20 at Antler Creek Golf Course. They are looking for hole sponsors, prize donations and participants.
All veterans who have honorably served are eligible to join the Legion as well as their close family members. The Falcon Legion Post meets at Patriot Learning Center, 11990 Swingline Road every fourth Wednesday. For more information, call 719-749-1140, or email legionpost2008@gmailcom or visit the website at https://www.legionpost2008.com.
