LEWISTON – American Legion Post 22 has elected Joseph Paradis, long-time member, as service officer. Paradis said he has started a program of speakers that will benefit all veterans.

Mark E. Stevens, social worker, addressed the group at the last meeting. At a prior meeting, Rosanne Tousignant, Maine Veterans Homes in Augusta, spoke.

The November speaker will be Sen. Peggy Rotundo, who will speak on veterans issues in Augusta.

Paradis said the new program has been well received, and more veterans are attending the post meetings. It will continue to June 2004.

Paradis, founder of the Veterans Memorial Park in Lewiston, is serving as post chaplain and is in his second five-year term as trustee. He serves on the L and A Veterans Council.

Paradis is a life member of the Franco American War Veterans Post 31, Amvets Post in New Gloucester, Veterans of Foreign Wars of Lewiston, life member of the Disabled American Veterans, sergeant-at-arms in the Military Order of the Purple Heart Thomas J. Field Chapter 2699 and American Ex-Prisoners of War, Maine Chapter.

As Post 22 Building Committee chairman, Paradis said members are still looking for a permanent home and donations are welcome.