The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1920-04-30
ALE EFFORTS.
GREAT BENEFITS FOR THE
FORMER SERVICE MEN
COMMITTEE IS FORMED
Explanation of the Govern.
ment's Plan Outlined at
Meet In kato

That Uncle Sam has lost no inter-
est in the man who served him dur
ing the recent war, was clearly dem
onstrated by the visit to Mankato
yesterday of Captain H. r. Packard
of the service and information branch
of the United States army, F. E. Lur-
ton of the federal board for vocation
al training and A. S. Thompson of
the bureau of war risk insurance.
Representatives of the Red Cross,
public health service, the American
Legion, the womans auxiliary of the
Legion, the Salvation Army, Knights
of Columbus and other people inter,
ested in the welfare OF the returned
soldier, met with the representatives
of the government yesterday after
noon at the city council chambers.
Captain Packard gave brief talk,
explaining the great problem, which
the government is facing in handling
the huge bulk of business concerning
the former service man who has
claims of one kind or another, be-
cause of his military or naval serv-
ice Captain Packard, who is in
charge of this work in Minnesota,
stated that a great deal Of the trouble
i'm adjusting claims for soldiers arose
from confusion caused by different
agencies and private individuals, each
taking up soldiers claims in an en-
deavor to secure a satisfactory ad.
justment In spite of the wonderful
work already done by the home serv-
ice section of the Red Cross and 9TH
er soldiers welfare organizations,
much trouble and delay is caused, be-
cause of the overlapping of jurisdic-
ton and duplication Of effort by the
various organizations and individuals
who honestly endeavor to help the
soldier.
Work Should Be Consolidated.
To eliminate this lost motion and
secure more prompt settlement OF
claims, Captain Packard suggested
that the work of all of the various
organizations and individuals be con-
solidated and placed in the hands OF
one committee, in each locality. This
has been done in great many cities
in the northwest and he stated that
at present they have a working or
ganization in Minneapolis, which has
already entered upon its duties. Aft
er discussion concerning the advis-
ability of organizing sucn committee,
it was decided to effect temporary
organization in Mankato. DR.. ]. A.
Hielscher was elected temporary
chairman and b. d. Grogan was elect
ed temporary secretary of the ex-
service mems welfare committee. 1t
is planned to effect a permanent Or
ganiZation as soon as possible and to
carry on campaign of publicity IN
order to acquaint the eX-service mel
of their full rights and privileges, be-
cause of their former service in the
military forces.
Mr.. Thompson, who represented the
bureau of war risk insurance, stated
that the most effective way, in which
to accomplish the work to be done
was through personal contact with
the eX-Service man. He stated that
while the government had sent out
tons of printed information on the
subject or insurance, that real results
were not forthcoming but that per-
sonal work was necessary. 1t will be
the aim of the welfare committee to
do personal work-with every individ-
ual who has any claim of whatever
nature to be adjusted and it is be-
lieved that when this idea Is followed
out. that all claims, of whatever ma
ture, will be promptly and satisfac-
torily adjusted.
Benefits Were Explained. !. p
The government representatives al
so spoke to the eX-Service men under
the auspices of the American Legion
in the Armory last evening. At this
meeting the benefits of war risk in
surance was explained fully to the
men and anyone who had any trouble
of any kind with his insurance met
with Mr.. Thompson after the meeting
and was instructed just how to pro-
Gees to adjust his claim.
Mr. Lurton of the federal board Of
vocational training also fully explain
ed the work which the board was do
ing and stated that since the board
has been functioning that over 10000
men have been placed in training in
this district alone, which consists Of
Minnesota, North and South Dakota
and Montana and that 10000 more are
being prepared for training so that
every three and one-half minutes a
man has either been placed in train
ing or has his case under considera-
ton by the board to determine whe-
Their or not he is eligible.
At the close Of the meeting a large
number o. local ex-service men who
had clcins in tie nature of vocation
al, training. compensation. back nav,
travel allowance. and claims of SINH
lar nature had their cases given indi-
vidnal attention nv. the government
REPRESENTATIVES. who were kept busy
until a lote hour getting facts in the
casos ard making final adjustment.
The visit Of the government renre-
sentatives to Mankato afforded fine
onnortunitv to oil av-service men to
settle their Difficulties and 1're"
-rnhnr took ADVANTAGE nf the visit Of
Cartair Packard and his assistants.
Vt is nlanned by these men to work
in co-oparation with the ex-service
mems welfare cor,mittee in every
'communitv and deal direct with the
government bureau. In this wav it Is
MANNED that sneedv action can be So
cured nv tho local committee in their
work with the federal government. as
thn committee will have the CO. oner-
alton and assistance of the povarn-
ment representatives in this district
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