POST FALLS - John Dunlap, commander of American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls and a local leader on veterans affairs, is expected to return home in two or three weeks after suffering from appendicitis recently.

Dunlap is recovering at the Sullivan Park Care Center in the Spokane area where his son, Glen, is the administrator.

"He was up eating his Cheerios (on Thursday morning)," said Dunlap's wife, Donna, who assists her husband at the Legion.

Donna said Dunlap, 78, was at the Legion prior to a meal when he bent over complaining of stomach pain on both sides.

"He had a ruptured appendix, which is not very common at his age," Donna said. "He turned white, and I took him to KMC (Kootenai Medical Center) for emergency surgery."

Internal bleeding after the surgery required a second surgery.

"He's doing OK," Donna said. "He just needs rest."

A portion of Dunlap's small intestine and colon were removed.

Donna said Dunlap is expected to continue to be involved in planning for the Legion's 10th anniversary ceremony of the Sept. 11 attacks along with the American Legion Riders.

Cards can be dropped off at the Legion at 1138 E. Poleline Avenue or sent to the Legion at P.O. Box 725, Post Falls, 83877.