MARSHALL - Members of American Legion Post 113 in Marshall are preparing for a special visitor next week, and they're also hoping area veterans and members of the public will be there to meet him.
American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong will be visiting the Legion in Marshall on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Jeff Gay, commander of the Marshall Legion post, said Wong is visiting Marshall as well as making other stops in southwest Minnesota. It's been about 12 years since a Legion national commander last visited Marshall, he said.
The event will be from noon to 2 p.m., although Gay said he hoped that people would start arriving before then.
There will be a chance for a meet-and-greet with Commander Wong, he said, as well as lunch.
"A meal will be served at a modest cost," Gay said. "Following the visit, there will be time for camaraderie."
Wong, a resident of East Brunswick, N.J., was elected national commander during the 93rd American Legion national convention in September. Born in Canton, China, Wong immigrated to the U.S. in 1960, at the age of 12. He volunteered for the Army in 1969, served 25 months in Vietnam, and retired from the Army as a chief warrant officer in 1989.
Wong has served as a former Legion national vice commander and a past department commander of New York, and has served as a director of New York Empire Boys State. He has also served on national committees and commissions, including a term as chairman of the Legion's National Security Commission.
In addition to hearing Wong speak, Gay said next Tuesday's event will be a good chance to network and talk about opportunities to keep community veterans' programs going.
Gay said people who would like to attend Wong's visit should RSVP by Friday, for the purposes of planning lunch and seating. Guests can RSVP by phone at (507) 530-8378, or by email at jeff.gay@us.army.mil.