News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville American Legion Post 46 has a new commander in charge.
Bob Luna named the new commander taking the place of Richard Buford. Luna served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Luna said the veterans in Cookeville inspired him to be the commander.
“Those gentlemen are amazing to talk with,” Luna said. “I love hearing their stories, it’s just a good group of people and we are all interested in helping other veterans whatever their issues may be.”
Luna said the American Legion posts often have a new commander every year to spark new ideas and new ways to help veterans. Luna said he is going to promote the slogan “Be The One” encouraging veterans to reach out to fellow veterans who are suffering PTSD.
“Suicide is so prevalent to veterans particularly those who have experienced combat,” Luna said. “Be the one is be the person in the American Legion that calls this person, that talks to them, that lets him or her know that there are other options besides suicide. That’s the main purpose of the American Legion and that’s one of the reasons I joined is to help other veterans who were not as fortunate as I was.”
Luna said another focus as commander is to help the veterans who are homeless.
“The American Legion wants to honor you they want to support you,” Luna said. “If you need help from the Veterans Administration, we have people who serve as our service officers who can help you navigate the paperwork and help you get benefits that you may be due.”
Luna said he is going to continue to assist with the Boys State Program. The program teaches high school senior boys how government, political, and military systems work.
