South Side American Legion Post Calls On Veterans To Fight Chicago Violence

(CBS) -- After shooting victims crashed into the headquarters of American Legion Post 800 on the city's South Side on July 5, members of that post are calling on area veterans to join in a fight to end the city's violence, reports WBBM's Mariam Sobh.

Three weeks ago, brothers Willie Hunter and John Hunter were shot to death while sitting in their SUV. Their out-of-control vehicle crashed through the front wall of the Legion Post 800 at 89th and Ashland.

It happened just weeks after the newly-established post had opened its doors.
both victims were nephews of State Sen. Mattie Hunter.

For Commander Robert Davis, it was a call to arms.

"It is time we put our uniforms back on," he said.

Davis says he wants to meet with Mayor Rahm Emanuel sometime before August to come up with a game plan and from there, Davis says he will gather up all of the veterans to discuss that plan and implement it.

"We've got to stop being numb to what is going on in our environment and in our community," Davis said.

Davis says he wants veterans to form Community Protection Committees to work with different community groups and report information to the authorities.

"We are not scared," said Rochelle Crump of the National Women Veterans United. "Our members have served in Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Japan, Germany and all over this nation and we can be in this community and not be afraid of anybody."

21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. says there is an inherent distrust of police within the African-American community and veterans can help alleviate that problem by becoming another source for people to turn out if they want to report a crime.