From One Veteran to Another

The largest group of veterans at in Powder Springs are from the Korean and Vietnam wars. But there are a few World War II vets and some from the Gulf wars.

John Hollner, 65, falls in with the majority.

The senior vice commander was in the Air Force during the Vietnam War, but never served overseas. He was a training instructor stateside.

Hollner grew up in Albany, NY, and attended the University of Albany. The married father of two lived in Ohio and Pennsylvania before retiring from Norfolk Southern. He's been involved with the American Legion somewhere since 1987.

Post 294 tries to get as many young vets involved with the post as possible to "continue what we're doing," Hollner says. Recently, , those recently harmed in war.

It's a way to show that the community supports them and a chance for the vets to spend a day with their families.

Hollner said the main thing that is different for these vets is that they don't know who they are fighting. Terrorism can be anybody.

Hollner moved to Powder Springs because his son was in school at Georgia Tech. He's been in Powder Springs 12 years.

He said the best part of being vice commander is getting to meet so many different people. Hollner, who does the post's newsletter, says he enjoys service projects the organization takes on.

The post sends packages overseas to Iraq and Afganistan. At Christmas, members make gift bags to veterans in area nursing homes.

Hollner also enjoys the comraderie with the other veterans. Bingo is still their biggest fundraiser.

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