By Julie ConreyRecord Staff WriterAre you a veteran?Just like Uncle Sam, Patrick Knisley needs you.Knisley is commander of American Legion Post 122 in Warrenton. It currently has 152 members. He is actively recruiting veterans, especially those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He says he is certain there are more men and women veterans in the area who need help accessing government benefits they may not know they are entitled to, or those who can volunteer to help former members of the armed services who find themselves and their families in need.“The younger (veterans) need fellowship from the older (veterans). The Iraqi and Afghanistan veterans went through so much with the improvised explosive devices. We will be glad to help them out and we want their friendship.”With so many servicemen and -women returning from active duty, it’s taking a long time for our veterans to get help from the government, Knisley said. The American Legion can assist veterans in so many ways.“The government doesn’t tell veterans about their benefits. They just have to find out on their own,” said Dennis Van Bibber, service officer for the Warrenton American Legion. Van Bibber, a Vietnam veteran, is the individual who advises veterans how and where to obtain services they may need, such as resume writing, housing and educational benefits.He’s served in this volunteer position since 2005, and has helped approximately 100 veterans get a foot in the door at a Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital, he says. A veteran trying to negotiate his or her way into the VA can be tough.Without a complete 1040 EZ form, the VA won’t even see a veteran. Van Bibber carries the form with him at all times so he can walk a veteran through the process of filling it out. Once the form is complete, the veteran has access to a primary care physician, who can refer the individual on to other specialists, such as cardiologists, he says. TransportationVan Bibber also provides transportation to the VA. “We take them there if they don’t have anyone to take them,” he said. He stays with the veteran and brings him or her home once the appointment is over. Although some veterans can help pay for gas, some can’t. “Most of it comes out of my pocket. I don’t expect anything.” He estimates that he drives to the VA about four or five times a month. Van Bibber also helps veterans file disability claims. Just recently he helped a veteran obtain disability pay that his family needs. “There’s help out there. You just have to go to the right people,” he says.The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization, according to its website. It focuses on providing education, health care and other benefits to veterans, service members and communities.There are 2.4 million active members across the United States.The group is celebrating its 95th birthday on Saturday, March 15. Warren County members are hosting a dinner beginning at 6 p.m. to honor area first responders who have been nominated for special recognition by their department heads. Fred Sobotka, a retired master sergeant who returned from Afghanistan six months ago, is the featured speaker. American Legion Post 122 is a busy organization, Knisley said.The chapter was recently chosen as an active military service honor guard for veterans who have died. Members travel to funeral homes or gravesites. An honor guard presents the flag and fires rifles to honor the deceased. The Army asked them to help out because there were so many veterans dying that they couldn’t handle all the services, Knisley said.The group also donates hospital beds, wheelchairs and walkers to veterans who need them, Knisley added. There is also a motorcycle riders group that’s part of the American Legion as well. Riders attend school functions to talk to students about patriotism and to show off their bikes. “Some of those bikes are $50,000 to $60,000. The kids just love seeing them,” Knisley said. Last Christmas, the riders bought a $500 VISA gift card for a family of a disabled Iraqi war veteran whose family would not have had Christmas without the donation. “We sponsor baseball and soccer teams for youth. The American Legion is always into children,” Knisley added.Riders from California to St. Louis will be in town on May 19. They “run” to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. The annual event attracts an estimated 300,000 riders from across the country, said Knisley. Beginnings American Legion Post 122 has been around since 1974. It moved to its present location on Highway W just west of Warrenton on North Service Road seven or eight years ago, Knisley said.Groups from various branches of the armed services meet there. Nonsmoking bingo is held every Tuesday night beginning at 6 p.m. and is open to everyone. The Beachead Pub & Grill occupies part of the building. It’s a family-oriented restaurant with great food and all kinds of activities, including darts, pool and lottery machines. “It’s a one-stop shop,” Knisley said.It’s open to veterans and members of the public from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.The building can also be rented for special occasions. It’s $30 per year to join American Legion Post 122 in Warrenton. Veterans interested in joining can call Pat Knisley at 636-345-7888.Veterans who need assistance accessing benefits can reach Dennis Van Bibber at 636-359-6130. Riders looking for information about the American Legion please call Tino Patti at 636-456-2333.Veterans Needed!