The American Legion family is calling on all Americans to help purchase comfort items for troops recovering in U. S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world, through its Operation Comfort Warriors campaign.

“The government does a good job of providing the essentials,” said American Legion National Commander David K. Rehbein. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors, we have been able to provide items that usually don’t appear in the budget, such as personal sweat suits, I-Pods, DVDs, phone calling cards and other comfort items. The American Legion is challenging its members, friends and all people to give to those who have already given so much. These gifts provide welcome distractions to the tediousness that often accompanies prolonged hospital stays.”

The American Legion family has already raised nearly $165,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception in December. Donors can make online contributions by visiting www.legion.org/ocw, or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs are paid by the American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.

The American Legion was founded in 1919, and has a current membership of 2.6 million wartime veterans. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.