Smithfield American Legion Post 49 hosted a dinner on Aug. 29 for veterans who served during the Global War on Terror (designated as such by President George W. Bush after 9/11); this period includes Desert Storm through operations in Afghanistan. Over 30 guests were treated to a dinner of fried chicken, ham, fixings and a dessert table. The invited guest speaker was Army Command Sgt. Maj. (ret.) Tom Campbell of Gloucester. Campbell related his experiences during this period, from serving as a drill sergeant preparing trainees for military operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan through his own multiple deployments as an Airborne infantry non-commissioned officer. Organizers of the event, Legionnaires Gary Cassell and Charlie Shelor, expressed thanks to those who stepped up to serve during this period of U.S. history. Post Commander Joseph Grocki noted that these veterans are the next generation of servicemen and women, all of whom volunteered to join the U.S. military to fight terrorism throughout the world, who we as citizens need to recognize and thank. The American Legion is encouraging veterans from this era to consider joining their local Legion post, or another veterans service organization, to ensure their needs and voices of fellow veterans get presented to our government officials.