Press Release

Local Legionaire Recognized by Visiting National Commander

GULF SHORES. The American Legionís National Commander, Jimmie L.

Foster, recognized the service of World War II veteran and 65-year member of

The American Legion, Andrew J. Cooper while visiting American Legion Post 44

in Gulf Shores recently.

Cooper is a Purple Heart recipient from wounds received during the

Normandy landings in France in the summer of 1944. Heís been actively

involved in veteran and community service for over 65 years. He served as the

Department of Alabama Commander of The American Legion from 1968 to 1969,

and later as the National Vice Commander from 1989 to 1990. He also served as

a City Councilman of Gulf Shores for four years, 1984-1988. He continues to

provide his leadership and support to The American Legion never forgetting the

brave comrades he served with during World War II and the men and women

making the selfless sacrifice of service in our Armed Forces today. His wife,

Mary Agnes Segrest Cooper, of over 66 years has also worked in serving

veterans and the community.

Foster presented Cooper with a very special National Commanderís

medallion in recognition of his dedicated service to his nation, community and

The American Legion.

Foster from Anchorage, Alaska was elected the National Commander of

The American Legion this past summer at the National Convention in Milwaukee,

Wisconsin. He will spend 344 days away from home visiting American Legion

Posts and military installations worldwide until his tenure is up in August 2011.

Foster's motto is Serving Americaís Veterans Every Day, or SAVED. He'íd like to

see Legionnaires personally interacting with other veterans daily.

'I want all

veterans to know that The American Legion has their back. We appreciate them

and want to help with the issues that are important to their future; jobs, education,

healthcare, and family,' said Foster.

The American Legion is the largest veteranís organization in the United

States. Members are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, to include the reserve

and National Guard that served during wartime. These veterans, both young and

older, are ìstill serving America.î Veterans arenít required to be a member of The

American Legion to receive services and support.

For more information, call  Donna Stacey, 251-968-2693.