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Thousands Of VFW Combat Vets Gather In Wake Of Chattanooga Tragedy

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- From all over the nation, some 12,000 combat veterans -- members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars or VFW -- are heading to Pittsburgh for a special five-day national convention, starting Saturday.

Why Pittsburgh?

"Rich in veterans heritage, and rich in VFW heritage as well," VFW commander-in-chief John Stroud told KDKA's Jon Delano, "because it's been one hundred years since we had a convention here in Pittsburgh, and it was actually the year that the VFW became what is known as the VFW."

That's right.

Back in 1914 on the eve of World War I, veterans of the Spanish-American war renamed their organization here in Pittsburgh.

This year on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, those vets will get special recognition.

VFW Commander-in-Chief John Stroud says Pennsylvania has more combat veterans than any state in the union, a point of pride for the state commander.

"The department of Pennsylvania is comprised of 87,241 veterans that is filtered into 469 posts," PA Commander Glenn Umberger, Jr., told KDKA's Jon Delano.

On Friday local volunteers helped to set things up at the Convention Center, preparing welcome bags.

Already Pittsburgh is making visitors feel welcome.

"The people are absolutely wonderful. They are just wonderful," said Donna Holloway of Showlow, Arizona.

"I feel welcomed here. It's like home," added Betty Gripp of Tucson, Arizona.

Meeting in this hall, the delegates will pass resolutions to encourage Congress and the administration to do right by veterans, and that includes health care at the VA.

"The VFW, we do keep on top of it, making sure they do everything correctly for the veterans," noted Bob Body, the VFW Westmoreland County commander.

On Tuesday, President Obama will speak in the large convention hall where vets expect a simple message.

"That he's going to fight for veterans -- continuing to fight for veterans," hopes Henry Mannella of West Mifflin.

For local veterans like Mannella, there's a sense of pride that Pittsburgh is finally hosting the VFW.

"It hasn't been here for a hundred years -- and it's just a special time bringing all combat veterans together. Over 12,000 coming here to Pittsburgh. Being born and raised here in Pittsburgh makes it real special," added Mannella.

While thousands of combat veterans are gathered right here in Pittsburgh, there's another city that's on everyone's mind -- Chattanooga -- where military recruiters were gunned down enlisting young men and women to serve this nation.

"Those that put on the uniform know that they may be targeted at some point," said Umberger. "It's a shame. It's not right."

But it's especially painful to be targeted in your own country.

"They didn't get hurt on the battlefield. They get killed in their own country. That's very a shame," said Mannella.

So will it hurt military recruiting in the weeks and months ahead?

"I hope not. The younger generation needs to step up and serve the country," says Mannella.

"If anything, it might draw more people to join the military," says Body "They're going to be upset about it. One way to get back at these people is to join the military."

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