Two veterans with combined service of nearly a half-century in the U.S. Army and Navy are working to establish an American Legion Post at Smith Mountain Lake.
Robert Cardwell, a Campbell County resident, and James “Buck” Owen, of Appomattox, are leading the effort. The new post needs at least 15 charter members to form and meetings are planned at the Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library.
Cardwell, who retired from the U.S. Army in 1986 after nearly 23 years, said he has spoken to lake-area veterans about the idea of starting a new post there and the response so far has been supportive. Within the past year, he said a new post was established in Altavista in a similar manner.
“I feel there is a need there,” at the lake, Cardwell said. “Whenever we find there’s a substantial amount of interest and enough veterans to support the operation, then we are willing to work to pursue it.”
A post at the lake would be more convenient for veterans who have to travel the nearest one in Bedford, he said. Legion members at other posts, he said, could transfer into the new one once established.
A past commander of the American Legion Post 16 in Lynchburg, Cardwell now serves as the commander of the legion’s 10th District. He said areas covered in the district include Lynchburg, Bedford, Altavista and Big Island.
The new post would offer programs and activities to the lake area — it also works to assist veterans in filing claims for medical issues, he said.
Another goal is to attract new members and build on the camaraderie that Cardwell said the legion instills.
“For those returning from Iraq or Afghanistan, it’s nice to be part of a group of veterans because we all speak the same language,” said Cardwell. “Even though we are older…at least we can exchange ideas and can express ourselves.”
A meeting on the proposed post is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 31 at the library on Virginia 122 on the Bedford County side of the lake.
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