The National Commander of the American Legion, Dan Dellinger of Vienna, Va., paid a visit to the American Legion Post 45 home in Junction City on Tuesday.

Dellinger was on a three-day swing through Kansas to listen to the concerns of veterans, what they’re doing for their communities, and thanking them for their service to the nation.

He had a message for the Legion members. “We’re working hard for our veterans back in Washington D.C. to make sure their benefits are being paid, to tell Congress to get their act together, get a balanced budget, and stop this kicking the can down the street on continuing resolutions. It doesn’t do America a bit of good.”

Dellinger said the recent partial government shutdown “was almost a near catastrophe” for veterans. “Because if it would have gone to November first then you would have benefits cut across the board, which is totally unacceptable in today’s world.” He also noted there were some minor glitches in some locations. “Service officers couldn’t get into government buildings to help process claims. Some GI benefits were being delayed.” Dellinger also said, “There were some snafus but not as much as it could have been.”