Leader of Nation’s Largest Veterans Organization Urging Congress
to Oversee Implementation of PACT Act, Address Veteran Suicide
WHEN: Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 10:00 am ET.
WHERE:Room #50, Dirksen Senate Office Building – Capitol Hill
WHO: Vincent “Jim” Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion, will represent the organization’s nearly 1.7 million members when he speaks to lawmakers about the implementation of the promises made by the PACT Act, suicide prevention, health care for veterans and quality of life for military and family members.
WHAT: Commander Troiola’s testimony in a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, will point out that U.S. Coast Guard members risk going unpaid in the event of a future government shutdown, many military retirees still pay a “disabled veterans tax,” the U.S. Flag Code needs modernization and many other issues of importance for the veteran community. The testimony will be streamed live on www.legion.org
Leader of Nation’s Largest Veterans Organization, National Leaders to Address Public Policy Priorities of American Legion
WHEN: February 28, 2023, at 8 am-12:45 pm
WHERE:International Ballrooms, Concourse Level, Washington Hilton Hotel 1919 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
WHO: Vincent “Jim” Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion, will address members of the nation’s largest veterans service organization as they prepare to visit Congress to discuss the organizations top legislative priorities. Commander Troiola will also testify before a joint session the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs on March 1 at 10 am. Other Speakers at the February 28th “Commander’s Call” include Ukraine Ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova, VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.; Rep. Mike Bost, R-Ill.; Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif.; Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Lightfoot (USMC); and other distinguished leaders involving the veterans community.
WHAT: Commander Troiola, the Ukraine ambassador, the VA Secretary and other speakers will address The American Legion’s concerns about the state of VA health care, the U.S. military, national security and other issues of importance to American veterans.
WASHINGTON (February 17, 2023) – The American Legion and Hiring Our Heroes are holding a career event for veterans, transitioning servicemembers, military spouses and caregivers on February 28 at the Washington Hilton. The event is free and will be held from 9 am – 4 pm.
From 9 am to 1 pm, The American Legion will be conducting a series of Career Workshops at the International Ballroom West, Concourse Level The workshops include the:
Military to Civilian Translation Resume Workshop, where participants will recognize how to communicate their military expertise in their job applications and interviews.
Federal Resume Workshop , which will show job seekers how to adapt their resume to fit federal internship and job application requirements.
Financial Literacy Workshop, where participants will gain comprehensive knowledge of budgeting, emergency preparedness, and long-term investing.
Networking Luncheon with Employer Panel, which will connect job seekers with employers so that they can gain valuable information on how to succeed at networking events.
A Career Fair will be held from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Concourse Foyer. The registration page for the hiring fair can be found at: www.legion.org/careers/jobfairs.
INDIANAPOLIS (February 21, 2023) – The American Legion is still accepting entries in its 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, 2023.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. 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 Charlotte, N.C. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 31, 2023 at the Charlotte Convention 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 2022.
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.
“The American Legion is pleased that the White House is bringing needed attention to the tragedy of veterans’ suicide. More than 71,000 veterans have taken their lives since 2010. It’s time we stop focusing on that horrific number and instead focus on the one veteran we can save. As a society, we need to let veterans know that it is OK to not be OK. We ask all Americans to ‘Be the one’ to encourage any veteran in crisis to call 988 (ext. 1) and take the path toward mental wellness. We welcome the Biden administration’s plan to add 350 peer specialists to the Department of Veterans Affairs over the next seven years. The American Legion believes that buddy checks are an effective preventative tool that saves veterans lives. We believe that the veteran friendly initiatives offered by the president tonight will attract wide bipartisan support.” — Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola, National Commander of The American Legion.
INDIANAPOLIS (January 6, 2023) – The American Legion has announced its 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, 2023.
The American Legion presents the awards to recognize the outstanding achievements made in print and broadcast media. Website and podcast submissions are also encouraged to compete in the print or broadcast categories. 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 Charlotte, N.C.. The presentation will occur at approximately 9 am on August 31, 2023 at the Charlotte Convention 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 2022.
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.
The PACT Act expands Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxic substances, and it helps VA provide generations of Veterans and their survivors with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve.
However, predatory companies are targeting Veterans’ retroactive benefit payments and VA needs your continued support to help us educate Veterans and their survivors about the types of fraud tactics being used against them – especially now that the PACT Act has been passed.
Some predatory companies, not accredited by VA, are targeting Veterans by offering to assist them with their VA benefit claim. These companies charge absurd fees or require those applying to pay a portion of their VA benefits for this ‘help’. VA will never charge Veterans or their family members to apply for the benefits they may be entitled to receive.
Please share the following information with Veterans and their survivors to help them guard against fraud and scams:
Apply directly to VA. You may submit your application securely online via VA.gov or in person at any regional office. You may file your claim directly with VA, and VA will help gather the necessary evidence to support it. There are no costs or hidden fees to apply.
Be suspicious of media advertisements from companies which provide information about the PACT Act and suggest you can only obtain benefits with their help. These companies may not be accredited with VA and may be attempting to charge you illegal fees.
Use the VA Office of General Counsel (OGC) Accreditation Search to confirm and validate the credentials of anyone offering claims assistance. • Be cautious of aggressive law firms or companies expressing a sense of urgency and insisting you must act now.
Be cautious of companies claiming to be contacting you on behalf of VA. Contact VA directly at 1-800-827-1000 if you are unsure about the authenticity of a message you’ve received.
Review all documents thoroughly. Never sign a blank form for someone else to complete later. Always review the fully completed form.
Helpful Resources and Tools
Veterans and their survivors who think they might be eligible should apply for PACT Act benefits right now. Go to www.va.gov/PACT or call 1-800-MYVA411 for more information.
To report suspected fraud or predatory companies, please contact VA OIG (OIG) Hotline (va.gov).
Although there’s still a lot of work to be done, we appreciate your partnering with us to help protect Veterans and their survivors against fraudsters and PACT Act scams!
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our comrade, Tony King. Tony passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.
Tony King was a long-time member and acting commander for the Robert H.L. Dabney American Legion Post 192 in Tice Florida.
Please keep his wife, kids and family in your prayers as they deal with this giant loss in their lives.
It is with deep regret that we report the passing of Past Department Commander Reginald C. Beverly of Bear, Delaware, at the age of 89. Reginald is survived by his wife, Evelyn C. Beverly; son, Reginald C. Beverly, Jr.; and daughter, Larita R. Mason. The service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, with time and location TBD. Any new details regarding services will be communicated to you through email and posted on our website.
Reginald was a U.S. Air Force Korean War Era Veteran and a member of Port Orange Post 270, with 37 continuous years of membership. He served in every capacity within the Post, most predominately having served as Post Commander for four consecutive years from 1994-98. Under his leadership, the Post increased its membership and achieved an All-Time High. He served as 17th District Commander from 1997-99. During 2000-01, Reginald served as Department Membership Chair. He led the Department to achieve an All-Time High and was awarded the General Henri Gouraud Trophy for being the first Department to reach 100% in its category. Reginald served as Northern Area Commander from 2001-02, Department Vice Commander from 2002-03, and Department Commander from 2003-04. At the National level, he served on the Americanism Council from 1999-01 and the Foreign Relations Council from 2001-09.
If you would like to send your condolences, you may do so through his wife, Evelyn C. Beverly, at 35 Nairn Ln., Bear, DE 19701-4757.
—-UPDATE—-
The Memorial Service for Past Department Commander Reginald C. Beverly, Sr., will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Scarlet Note Church, 20 East Commons Boulevard, Suite 100, New Castle, DE 19720.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, from your Department Staff! We hope you have enjoyed “Luther’s 10 Days of Mischief Christmas Countdown” series. Now you can watch the full movie below.
We hope that your holiday season and coming new year are filled with hope, love, joy, family, and good friends! Please be safe, we look forward to another year.
Keep in mind our Service Members currently deployed and their families and pray for their safe return home.
