LISBON – American Legion Posts 158 and 66 presented two $500 checks recently to local disabled veterans injured while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Due to a grant presented by the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes to the National American Legion, District 3 Commander Kenneth Bouchard and Post 158 Commander David Wilson were able to present a $500 grant to Ryan Card of Bowdoin during a ceremony at Post 158 on Jan. 22.

Card served with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, in Iraq and Afghanistan. The regiment was organized on Oct. 3, 1943, in the Army in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations as an element of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional).

In addition, Bouchard and Post 66 Commander John Schlaack presented Thomas Robinson of Lisbon Falls a grant.

Robinson served in Iraqi Freedom at the age of 57. He served with the 133rd Battalion, Army National Guard, the largest battalion in Maine, which recently consolidated its Alpha, Bravo and Charlie Co., with a history that goes back to the Civil War.

“It is with sincere thanks that we present these grants today to two fellow military veterans who served our country with honor and pride,” said Department of Maine Representative Thomas Naragon, who served as master of ceremonies.

“We present this on behalf of your fellow veterans and a grateful nation,” Bouchard said.

“These grants are just a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many of America’s men and women in uniform,” said Thomas J. Palma, general manager of the coalition.

The American Legion Department of Maine is looking for veterans throughout the state interested in joining the Legion family. “We are committed to serving veterans and we need all the support we can muster,” said 3rd District Public Relations Historian Paul R. Bernard.

To view past activities in Androscoggin County, visit www.maineamericanlegion.com. Veterans can sign up at any Legion post.