Meet Tim Baranzyk, American Legion Post 416 Commander

What's your position with and how long have you been part of the American Legion?

I’ve been with the American Legion for over ten years plus. The last eight have been as Commander.

Can you give a short summary of what the American Legion does?

The American Legion is the world’s largest and most influential of US wartime veterans, families and communities. The Legion has something for everyone under its four pillars of service: Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, Children and Youth. It’s a grass roots organization, guided by resolutions that spring from local Legionnaires and are advanced to the state and national levels. From there, American Legion resolutions help shape U.S. policy on many fronts, including veterans’ healthcare, national security, foreign affairs and the economy. It brought into existence the modern VA, the GI Bill, and dozens of healthcare benefits. It helped build the Vietnam Memorial and the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Legion is a national leader in military –to-civilian transition assistance and home – front support for our troops.  

What are some things the Legion does throughout the year?

Throughout the year, we hold conventions, special events, volunteer activities, welcome-home dinners, concerts, and holiday observances. We volunteer at the VA, do funeral honors for departed veterans, hold flag retirement ceremonies, engage scouts and eagle scouts on their advancement path.

How does the Legion contribute to the community?

Our goals are to help the veteran and their families, educate our community’s children, keep our community safe, and lend a helping hand to those in need.

What are things people should keep in mind this Memorial Day?

On this Memorial Day, we should honor those who have honored us. This is a solemn time. Please REMEMBER!!!

Anything else?

Why doesn’t Greendale have a Veteran’s Memorial? What does it take? We’re one if not the only community that does not have one.

Check out the American Legion Post 416 newly designed website.