National Commander of American Legion Visits Newport

NEWPORT, RI—The National Commander of the American Legion was in Newport on Monday to meet with members of the local American Legion Post 18.

During his visit, Dale Barnett, national commander, toured the Artillery Company of Newport accompanied by members of Post 18, Post 7, Artillery Company of Newport, Legion Riders Chapter 2 and officials from the American Legion's Department of Rhode Island, among other dignitaries.

Barnett was sworn-in as an honorary member of the Artillery Company of Newport during his tour by Col. Robert Edenbach, commander of the Artillery Company of Newport.

The Artillery Company of Newport was chartered in 1741 by King Goerge II and today is called upon for remarkable cannon salutes and honor guards for parades, veterans' events and more.

The famed company fought in the French Indian Wars, the American Revolution, and at the Battle of Lake Erie in the War of 1812.

The company's museum at 23 Clarke St. houses an expansive collection of military artifacts and uniforms.

American Legion Post 18 has about 130 members including veterans from World War II to the current war on terror.

Barnett serves as The American Legion's chief executive officer and spokesman. A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he served as an Army Infantry officer from 1974 to 1996 and retired as a lieutenant colonel.

Barnett is a member of American Legion Post 105 if Fayetteville, GA.

Photo captions:

Photo 1 -Col. Robert Edenbach, Colonel Commanding, Artillery Company of Newport, swears in National American Legion Director Dale Barnett as honorary member of Artillery Company of Newport on Monday, April 11. From left, Arhur Perry, Artillery Company of Newport and American Legion Post 18; Dale Barnett, National Commander, the American Legion,Michael Pine, Artillery Company of Newport and American Legion Post 18 and Robert Edenbach.

Photo 2 - From left, Col. Robert Edenbach, Colonel Commanding, Artillery Company of Newport, Col. Robert Cassidy, USA, Senior Army Advisor and Professor, Naval War College; Dave Duggan, Commander, American Legion Post 18; Dale Barnett, National Commander, The American Legion; John Duchesneau, Commander, American Legion Post 7 and Artillery Company of Newport; Francis Gutierrez, Chaplain, American Legion Post 18 and Legion Riders Chapter 2. Back Row: David Williams, Sr. Vice Commander, Dept. of RI; Neil Tack, Jr., Vice Commander, Dept. of RI.