ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- A Broome County American Legion welcomed a special guest Wednesday. State Commander Gary Schacher took a tour of Endicott and spoke to legionnaires at Post 1700.

Schacher is the first Iraq war veteran to lead the American Legion. The 26-year Navy veteran spoke about bringing in young veterans and supporting the community.

He says one of his goals is letting new vets know their doors are always open.

"The American Legion needs to adapt to meet the needs of the global war on terrorism veterans. Their needs are a bit different than what the needs of what the Korean and Vietnam veterans were," Schacher said.

Any veterans looking to join an American Legion can stop by their local post or call their office.