National leader to speak

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LAKE IN THE HILLS - A lobbyist who is the national commander of the American Legion and is in the midst of a tour of Illinois will be in Lake in the Hills for a pancake breakfast and talk Saturday morning.

Marty Conatser, national commander of the American Legion, will discuss veterans' issues from 9 to 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post 1231 meeting hall.

The American Legion is an organization with 2.7 million members.

Conatser, who is a native of Champaign, will discuss consistency of care for battle stress and traumatic brain injury treatment, and revamping the GI Bill, which provides free college for veterans. Conatser said he testified before a joint session of Congress last year just before lawmakers approved a $3.9 billion boost in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affair's budget.

He has met with President Bush on several occasions to discuss veterans' issues. Conatser said he was backing legislation that would give low-interest loans to reservists who own small businesses and are called away for months and years of active duty.

"They need help getting back on their feet after being away for so long," Conatser said.

Also present Saturday will be representatives of the McHenry County Veterans Assistance Commission and the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, who will address the concerns of any former service member who has questions about benefits, said Gary Jenson, a member of the Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231.

An Army recruiter with a "dog-tag machine" will mint souvenir identification tags for children. State Sen. Pamela Althoff, R-McHenry, also will be in attendance.

Conatser's tour of Illinois includes stops at American Legion Posts in Effingham, Springfield, Bartonville, Belvidere and Elgin.

If you go

Lake in the Hills American Legion Post 1231 will host a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at its headquarters, 1101 W. Algonquin Road, Lake in the Hills. The American Legion's national commander will be there from 9 to 10 a.m. addressing veteran's issues. The cost of breakfast is $6 for adults, and $4 for children younger than 10. The public is invited.