PITCHING IN (AND MOWING) FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AMERICAN LEGION SERVICE OFFERS SUPPORT.

Byline: RICK COCA Valley News Writer

To ease the burden on families of servicemen and -women during times of war, the American Legion Family Support Network helps families with everything from lawn-mowing to securing financial assistance.

Started in 1990 during the Persian Gulf War, the Legion network helps military families who suddenly find themselves without mothers and fathers to do yard work, cook meals or care for children. Also, many of the Reserves and National Guard troops sent abroad experienced a drop in salary from their civilian jobs once their military pay kicked in.

Jason Kees, an Army National Guard veteran, is the program coordinator for the Legion's support network, based out of Indiana.

He said during the Gulf War, there was a great need for the program.

``This was the largest call-up of National Guard (units) since World War II,'' Kees said. ``The Department of Defense was not prepared to handle this.''

The current conflict in Afghanistan and Iraq has proved challenging as well.

``A lot of these guys that we're asking to serve in the National Guard are leaving jobs and families,'' Kees said. ``What we're asking our National Guard and Reservists to do is unprecedented in American history. They're not going for six months. Typically, (they're) going for 24 months.''

Military families in need of assistance can call the group's 800 number. With about 1,500 American Legion posts nationwide, Kees said, responding quickly to a military family's request is not a problem.

``We can have someone there within hours,'' he said.

Kees said in today's digital age, it's not unusual for military personnel to find out rather quickly that things aren't going well at home.

``The last thing we want to happen is a guy who should be worrying about the mission and the job to complete is worrying about the stupid grass getting cut (back home),'' Kees said.

The program relies on the vol- unteer members of the American Legion throughout the nation.

``Really, what we offer is a lot of basic things, but they can be a huge burden for the family when they're on their own for the first time.''

Military families with young children experiencing financial difficulties might be eligible for aid through the Legion's Temporary Financial Assistance program.

To request assistance from the American Legion's Family Support Network, call the 24-hour hotline at [phone] or go to [e-mail].