Oklahoma Legionnaires to resume local control

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Control of the American Legion in Oklahoma is to return to Oklahoma Legionnaires on Jan.1.

Officials with the national American Legion organization took control of the state organization nine months ago after forcing out or firing all state Legion officials because of allegations of embezzlement. As much as $1 million was discovered missing from the organization.

Oklahoma Department of the American Legion historian Marv Sandbek told The Oklahoman that Legionnaires in the state are "ready to get back to work."

Former state Legion leader David Austin Kellerman has been named as a suspect in the missing funds. Kellerman has denied any wrongdoing.