INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 28, 2022) – With two votes still waiting to be cast, a unanimous National Executive Committee of the nation’s largest veterans organization passed a formal statement today calling for “a peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine,” and opposing combat operations for U.S. troops unless certain conditions are fulfilled.
“The American Legion was founded after World War I ravaged Europe,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. “We are extremely concerned about the horrific consequences that occur during war. There is absolutely no justification for Russia’s aggression. Our resolution calls for peace in Ukraine and, in conjunction with NATO and the Russian federation, supports a European security architecture which considers the national security interests of all parties.”
According to Resolution 1: Statement on Ukraine, The American Legion will not support related U.S. combat operations unless the president clearly explains why such operations are in “our vital national interests” and mission guidelines are established to include a clear exit strategy. The resolution also states that the organization’s support for such a mission be contingent on congressional authorization for the use of military force and that American forces be commanded only by U.S. officers.
The resolution also makes clear that the organization would not support combat deployments of U.S. troops “in defense of non-NATO member countries,” because of Russia’s actions.
“We agree with the White House’s decision to not send troops to Ukraine, as we continue to support a strong national defense and a strategy of vigilance,” Dillard added. “This resolution once again reaffirms our unwavering support for our men and women in uniform and our efforts to ensure their well-being. The American Legion is always here to assist veterans in crisis.”
INDIANAPOLIS (February 28, 2022) – The American Legion has announced a second call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be electronically received or postmarked is by 11:59 pm on March 1, 2022.
The American Legion awards multiple prizes to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print, broadcast and web-based media. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on Sept. 1, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2021.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
INDIANAPOLIS (February 9, 2022) – The American Legion has announced a second call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 1, 2022.
The American Legion awards multiple prizes to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print, broadcast and web-based media. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on Sept. 1, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2021.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 24, 2022) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization has called an emergency meeting of its top leaders to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and a recommended U.S. response.
“The American Legion is deeply concerned about today’s invasion of Ukraine by Russia and how this military action affects U.S. security, Europe and the rest of the world,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said. “The American Legion National Security Commission is meeting urgently to address the situation with plans to recommend to the organization’s National Executive Committee (board of directors) a statement of policy and recommended course of action that restores peace immediately.”
INDIANAPOLIS (February 9, 2022) – The American Legion has announced a second call for entries in the annual Fourth Estate Awards competition for excellence in journalism and its positive impact on society. The deadline for submissions to be received or postmarked is March 1, 2022.
The American Legion awards multiple prizes to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print, broadcast and web-based media. In addition to the award, the winner in each category will be presented a $2,000 stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses to The American Legion National Convention in Milwaukee. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on Sept. 1, 2022 at the Wisconsin Center.
Submissions are judged on the quality of the work and the impact that it had in producing a positive result for the community. The work must have been published, posted or broadcast in 2021.
All journalists or media outlets who believe their work improved society in a tangible and way are encouraged to submit their entry. There is no entry fee and no single medium is limited to the number of entries.
Past winners include CBS News, CNN, USA Today, The Washington Examiner, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Jackson Clarion Ledger and Military.com. The complete list can be found at www.legion.org.
INDIANAPOLIS (February 7, 2022) – The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization is demanding immediate action to fix unacceptable living conditions that reportedly exist in junior enlisted barracks at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
“If the reports in the Military Times and Reddit are accurate, the senior brass at Walter Reed and the Department of Defense have a lot of explaining to do,” American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard said today about the lack of hot water, broken locks and broken air conditioners that have reportedly existed for several years. “I understand that certain hardships are to be expected in combat zones, but Walter Reed is located near our nation’s capital. It is the flagship facility for our wounded, injured and ill servicemembers. By all accounts, their caregivers do an amazing job in treating our nation’s heroes. The Navy corpsmen and Army medics deserve far better living conditions than this. If a private sector company ran a housing facility of this kind, the company would be labelled a ‘slum lord.’”
Dillard said he was particularly moved by a source in the Military Times who reported, “They call Walter Reed the ‘corpsman killer.’ You come home after 10 to 12 hours and you can’t take a shower after working in a hospital with constant germs, it doesn’t feel like your getting clean, and we’re in a pandemic.”
Dillard noted that the names of the buildings are “Comfort” and “Sanctuary,” yet the conditions reported there describe the opposite. “While a full investigation into these longtime deficiencies needs to be launched, priority one must be to immediately improve the conditions for those impacted. The military needs to provide quality billeting for these men and women, even if that means using hotels as a temporary measure. Comfort and sanctuary are not mere labels to put on buildings, but a mission statement for those entrusted to provide housing for our military. We expect this situation to be resolved post haste,” Dillard said.
As we enter week four, the attached update of how each bill is fairing in the process. Please ensure that you are telling your comrades about the mail-list where they can sign up for updates as they come out. Not just for Legislative updates, but for other important information as well.
Thanks to all those who responded to the request about the type of beverage license each post possesses. This was very helpful in our discussion with DBPR and the enforcement section.
The Legislature is in full swing and there have been over 3,500 bills filed. Of those bills several have gained our attention and we are steadily tracking them for you. Please ensure that you have signed up for the mailing list so that you are aware of what legislation that The Department of Florida is tracking and what you may be called upon to assist.
On January 19th, the American Legion Department of Florida had their day at the Capitol. The teams began meeting at Post 13 for a “Know before you go” briefing and you could tell that they were excited to hear what the day would entail. The teams were met by Rep. Anthony Sabatini, District 32, Lake County, who gave them some energy for the day by briefing them on what he was doing on behalf of veterans in the great state of Florida.
As the teams ascended on the capitol building, they were assigned to meet with several legislators, where they discussed veteran issues as well as seeking information about what each legislator was doing for veteran related issues. The teams were able to provide history of the American Legion to each of the members of the legislature and it was beneficial for both the American Legion and each legislative member.
This year’s session has a primary focus outside of the mandatory budget and that is redistricting. We also have an interest in redistricting as this might add or subtract members from our own geographical areas. We will continue to monitor the legislative process through the conclusion of the 2022 session (ending on March 11th) and provide weekly updates. If you have specific questions concerning certain bills, please feel free to contact me.
Stay tuned for more updates in your next Legion Link or through the weekly email.
The American Legion, Department of Florida has organized a “March on Tallahassee” to taking place today, on January 19, 2022. Members will meet with political representatives to discuss and lobby on behalf of Florida veterans.
A meeting prior to the march was held at Tallahassee Post 13, at 0800. At Post 13, teams were assigned based on the number of participants. A “know before you go” briefing, informed members on the current issues regarding our Florida Veterans, and what we hope to accomplish.
As the “March on Tallahassee” continues, Legionnaires have enlightening conversations with numerous Legislators on current issues concerning our Florida Veterans. Below, Legionnaires visit with Florida State Representative, District 5.
L to R: Dennis Boland, Bill O’Hara, Randy Holeyfield, Representative Brad Drake, Steve Mears, Dianne Boland
The “March on Tallahassee” has produced some great discussions on current Veteran Legislative Issues. Below Legionnaires (Steve Mears, Randy Holeyfield, and Dianne Boland) visit District 2 Senator George Gainer’s office.
