Wednesday, April 13, 2013 dawned clear, 55 degrees and very little wind as the Post and Units of the Tama County American Legion welcomed 137 Social Studies students from South Tama, North Tama, GMG and G-R High Schools to the 62nd annual Tama County Government Day. The volunteers arrived at 8 a.m. with school buses pulling up to the Toledo Reinig Center at 8:30. The students eagerly rushed in, registered, put on color-coded name badges, and proceeded to the voting table to vote on nine questions of current interest in our country. Special guests were State Commander Jim Peterson, and District President Shirley Warneke. Jolene Denbow, Co-chair and Tama County President welcomed the students with all standing to join in the Pledge to our Flag. The eight color-coded groups, joined by Legion escorts, then boarded their assigned buses and a short trip to downtown Toledo and the County officesNo community is immune as we hear of run-aways, abuse and neglect everyday.. A tour schedule is listed on the program allowing each group to visit the jail facilities, Public Health offices, Conservation, Clerk of Court/Magistrate and listen to the supervisors tell how they spend our tax dollars. At 11:45 they again board the buses for the ride back to the Reinig Center and a maid-rite lunch, with lots of homemade cookies prepared by the County Auxiliary ladies. The students were attentive as they heard State Commander Jim Peterson tell of the folds of the flag as Dick Denbow and Bob Knaack did the honors. Boys and Girls State attendees were introduced and Foreign Exchange Students visiting were welcomed and told names, home country and where they were attending school. The afternoon program continued with a panel telling of their duties in the County offices of Auditor, Assessor, Recorder, Treasurer and the 911 Director. Several years ago we included a special program for the students of a State Appeals Court Judge; last year a visit from Retrieving Freedom, the service dog training facility at Waverly; and this year were pleased to welcome Cathy O’Keefe from Davenport as she presented a powerful documentary called “Any Kid–Any Where” on the increasing problem of human trafficking. No community is immune as we hear of run-aways, drug/alcohol abuse and neglect everyday. She made the students aware of signs offering a nation-wide hot-line phone number to report any unusual indications, just call 1-888-373-7888. “The Trafficker is hoping you won’t call–The Victim’s only hope is that you will”.