IN BRIEF: American Legion Conyers Post 77 received a highly honored guest on Friday when the American Legion’s new National Commander James E. Koutz stopped by during his tour of posts throughout the state. 

Koutz was elected national commander of The American Legion on Aug. 30, 2012, during the organization’s 94th National Convention in Indianapolis

Post 77 Commander Zeste Debro said that this was the first time a National Commander has visited in the last two decades.

Koutz outlined his priorities as encouraging members to talk to members of Congress and the Senate to keep veterans’ services and healthcare in the budget.

 “The other big thing is Operation Comfort Warrior. What we’re doing is for these wounded soldiers when they come back, we want to make sure they get their comfort items. When an American soldier is in the hospital getting treatment, the American Legion is ready to get them whatever they need. We’ve bought gym equipment, Segways, TVs, whatever they need.”

For more information, go to www.legion.org/troops/operationcomfort

Here are a few scenes from the evening.