A new generation of leaders came to Indianapolis from 28 departments (states) of The American Legion. The 48 students of the National American Legion College honed their leadership, team building, communications and mentoring skills to pass the intensive course. They received diplomas from National Commander Marty Conatser during a ceremony held here this morning.

Members of the class completed the five-day crash course of the nation’s largest veterans organization that saw them lay a solid foundation for Legion post revitalization in a variety of geographical settings to include a rural area, the inner city, suburban communities and a metropolitan area. They were also provided the instruction and tools to construct resolutions for American Legion activities at their respective posts for presentation at a mock district meeting.

The students also toured the local VA hospital and had the opportunity to interface with some of the veterans receiving medical attention.

The National American Legion College is designed to reinforce a volunteer’s leadership, management and communication skills. The result is young members of The American Legion prepared to lead the nation’s largest wartime veterans organization on the local and state level. The importance of mentorship for both other members and special groups in the community was a central point to several of the activities for the class.

“You had a lot thrown at you in a short period of time,” American Legion National Commander Marty Conatser told the graduating class. “Now is the time to go back to your communities, share what you learned and make a difference.”

Mentors for the 2007 National American Legion College included Oscar Coward of Post 191 in Columbia, S.C.; James M. Rohan of Post 333 in Sun Prairie, Wis.; Jeanette Rae of Post 16 in Fallon, Nev.; Jin Kong of Post 484 in Cincinnati; and Bill Sloan of Post 67 in Sheridan, Ind.