AMVETS REMEMBERS SONS PAST NATIONAL COMMANDER RICHARD MOONEY

WASHINGTON, March 24, 2010—On Monday, the AMVETS family lost one of its own when Sons of AMVETS Past National Commander Richard S. Mooney, 56, died at his home in Chambersburg, Pa. Mooney is the first Sons national commander known to have passed away since the group’s inception in 1972.

Mooney served as national commander in 1989-1990 alongside AMVETS Past National Commander Warren Eagles and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Past National President Jean Baxter.

Mooney, who remained active in his Sons of AMVETS Squadron at Pennsylvania AMVETS Post No. 224, was also very active in the state and national organization up until his death.

Last weekend, Mooney traveled to Washington, D.C., for the spring meeting of the AMVETS National Executive Committee and joined his fellow Sons of AMVETS for wreath-laying ceremonies at each of the war memorials on the National Mall.

Mooney also served as Sons of AMVETS Department of Pennsylvania commander and commander of his Squadron No. 224.

Mooney is survived by daughters Amy Stopyra, Holly Mooney, and Gwen King, and five grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Friday, March 26, 2010 at AMVETS Post No. 224 in Chambersburg.

About AMVETS:
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.