Norwich bulletin., 1920-07-28
LEGION POST
 TO HELP DISABLED MEN

zion. has received a letter from Arthur Woods, chairman of national American ism commission. American Legion, through Major Morris B. Payne of New London chairman of the state commis- sion, outlining a plan to help the 17,000 ex-service men who are now in hospitals suffering from disabilities received in the service. The letter follows;
 If there is any one thing that all mem- bers of the legion are agreed on more than anything else, it is that wounded men should be generously taken care of.
 We are therefore confident of your prompt and thoroughgoing cooperation in plan which this commission has been working on to help the 17.000 ex-service men who are now in hospitals suffering from disabilities incurred in the service. These men are in TOO different hospitals. Supposedly their hospital treatment is good.
 Many of them, however. never have vis- itors Many of them don't know where to go or how they are going to earn their living when they are discharged, and the discharges are at the rate of 150 day.
 Here is definite and splendid chance for the legion to show something of that spirit and comradeship which was so stl ong during the war On the attached -lsJ you will find the names and addresses of the hospitals in your state in which disabled service men are now under treat ment. Arrangements should be made so tat one or more posts will be immediate iy assigned to look after the disabled men in each of these hospitals. The women's auxiliary can be of the greatest assistance in this work and should, be given defi- nite share in it.
 As soon as a post has received the as- signment of a hospital in this way, it should get in touch with the superinten- dent, find out what ex-service men are there, and then send visitors to see them. Every man who has ever been cooped up in hospital knows what it means to have arother fellow come to see him.
 These men must he given to under stand that the American Legion stand behind them and that this feeling is to be expressed by the friendly interest of visitors while he is in the hospital and by sffording whatever help he may need when he comes out. If he lives in the town where the hospital and post are To- cated. it should be easy for the local post to see that he gets q suitable job and he should have the effective backing of a post in any troubles he may be having with compensation, insurance, etc. If he is in such physical condition that difficulty is found in getting a good job for him, the post should bring the case to the attention of the nearest district supervisor Of the bureau of war risk inusrance. whose ad- dress is furnished on she attached list and should keep at the matter until the bureau makes good. In case of trouble the national Americanism commission of the legion should he notified
 If the man upon being discharged from tle hospital expects to go to some other town. the local post should write to the post in the town to which he is headed giving his name and address, with full particulars about his case, and asking that the other post get in touch with him i'lInediately upon his arrival It may be the best plan for you to serd to these Hospital posts" a list of all the posts in yolr state, in order to make it easier for tlem to carry out this plan. If the man. upon leaving the hospital plans to go to some place out of the state, his name and Gestiration. with full particulars about his -dse, should be sent to the state Ameri- nanism chairman Of the state to which he is going. asking this chairman to in form the proper local post of the expected arrival of the man. with request that the r.st take proper action. A list of the state Amer1canism charmen is enclosed.
 In order to facilitate your work We en- close herewith copies of this letter which, if you wiah may be sent to each post whicA you ask to take upon itself the re- sronsibility for the friendly treatment of these men in hispitals. May We ask that you send to us the name and address of each post to which such an assignment is made? It is unfortunate that all posts cannot be given part in this work: those nearest the hospitals have the strategic advantage and will enjoy the privilege of this service. Eventually. however, as the men find their way from hospitals back home, many other posts will receive word of their coming and will have a chance to be on the job to do their part
 It is the personal contact with the man that counts. We must show him that we are genuine friends. No one has toe many, and certainly no man ever needs 8 shove upwards more than does a dis charged disabled service man, who has to make up so much lost time under such tremendous handicaps. I know you will | agree that this is challenge to service or | our part which we of the legion will not ] ignore.