The remodeling of Veterans Hall under its belt, American Legion Post 202 in Brentwood plans to ramp up its service to veterans and the community under the direction one of that project’s leaders, Mike Clement.

At its August general meeting this week, the post installed Clement as post commander for fiscal year 2012. Other officers installed were David Martinez, 1st vice commander; Jose Arroyo, 2nd vice commander; Ken Barry, 3rd vice commander; Drew Hanson adjutant/finance officer; Dr. M. Elliott, judge advocate; Roger M. Cocksedge, sergeant at arms; and Johnny Johnson as service officer.

Graduating from Liberty High in 1984, Clement joined the Army in 1986 and served in the Gulf War. Upon leaving military service in 1991, he earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from St. Mary’s College. He lives in Brentwood, where he and his wife, Jorgelina, own Brentwood Embroidery. They have three children, ages 11 through 22.

Clement praised the outgoing commander, Dave Martinez: “Under Dave’s leadership and the hard work of Legionnaires George Martinez, John Hofstadt and the Board of Trustees we were able to obtain the needed grants to upgrade and modernize the front entrance, bathrooms and front kitchen areas of the Veterans Hall to current ADA standards.”

Clement is enthusiastic about Post 202’s upcoming community involvement: “We have been asked to provide the flag detail at Brentwood’s Arts and Wine Festival on Aug. 28, as well as the Sept. 11 ceremonies at The Rock Church and the East Contra Costa Historical Society barbecue.”

The project Clement most looks forward to, however, is Operation Out Reach, aimed at supporting wounded veterans. On Sept. 18, post members will visit the Veterans In-Patient Care Facility in Martinez to distribute care kits and possibly a new TV for service members currently receiving surgeries and rehabilitation there. Donations are still being accepted to help defray those costs.

For more information on how to participate in Operation Out Reach, call Clement at 925-634-5268, or stop by Brentwood Embroidery, 410 Beatrice Court.

The American Legion Post 202 next meets Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Hall, 757 First St. in Brentwood. All veterans and their families are encouraged to attend.