Some members of American Legion Riders, Post 9, in Owensboro, Kentucky have taken up a volunteer mission to guard the U.S. Armed Forces recruiting center in town, after five members of the military died as a result of shootings at two Chattanooga, Tenn. recruiting sites last week.
Phillip Evans of Owensboro was one of about a dozen American Legion volunteers who took turns at the local recruiting center Monday and Tuesday. Evans served in the Marines from 1990 to 1994.
“My active duty service ended, but I was never relieved of my duty to defend my brothers,” said Evans.
Evans said the current volunteer mission is clear.
"We're doing this to deter anyone that may seek to do harm to our active duty military," he said.
Evans said he has a concealed carry permit and brought two guns, an AR-15, which is a military style rifle, and an XDS-45, which is a pistol. He said the American Legion members talked with the local police and sheriff's departments, who asked them not to conceal the firearms, and the volunteers agreed.
Evans said the American Legion volunteers will continue to keep watch at the Owensboro recruiting center until they feel it’s no longer necessary.
