The Race-to-the-Top competition has concluded. The first place winners in each category will receive a trip to the 2021 national convention along with their guest or a $2,500 check. Second place winners will receive a $500 check for their efforts and third place winners will receive a check for $375. We would like to congratulate the following district commanders on a job well done.
Category I
1st Steven A. Anderson (UT) 116.43%
2nd Dean E. Welch (WY) 107.51%
3rd Keith Morris (CA) 106.92%
Category II
1st Jack “JD” Baker (NC) 110.90%
2nd Jacob W. Christman (GA) 106.84%
3rd Alan H. Caesar (TX) 103.61%
Category III
1st Devell “Bo” Durham, Jr. (NC) 114.66%
2nd Annette M. Johnson (CO) 109.26%
3rd Richard J. Cameron (MA) 103.95%
Category IV
1st Bruce Carl (FL) 104.60%
2nd -No Submission-
3rd -No Submission-
Category V
1st Robert G. Suelter (FL) 100.94%
2nd -No Submission-
3rd -No Submission-
Commander: ’Light a candle of remembrance for the fallen’
Burning candles with golden bokeh on dark wooden table for a festive occasion
(INDIANAPOLIS, May 18, 2020) — American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford is urging the public to honor the country’s fallen military heroes at dusk on Memorial Day by lighting candles of remembrance and placing them on front porches.
“As we continue to follow stay-at-home guidance during the coronavirus pandemic, we must not fail to remember the men and women who fought for our freedoms,” Oxford said. “Memorial Day observances around the country and beyond are certain to be much different this year, but we can show our respects by lighting and displaying candles to remind everyone why we must never forget the meaning of this sacred holiday.”
The commander also suggests that families make signs expressing their gratitude for military sacrifice, photograph friends and family holding up the signs and sharing the images on social media. “We can remind everyone by showing our candles and sharing our messages that no matter the circumstances, we will never forget those who are no longer among us.”
Oxford added that American Legion posts can alert their local media of this nationwide call for remembrance, with candles to be lit at dusk on May 25. He added that different-colored candles can symbolize different remembrances.
“You can light a red candle to remember those who shed their blood in combat and made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. A white candle can remind us all of the POWs and MIAs who are not yet home from wartime service. A blue candle can symbolize our eternal love of those who did come home but have since left us. Any way you choose, light a candle of remembrance, or three, for the fallen to let the world know that Memorial Day matters deeply to The American Legion, even if ceremonies and public observances are significantly changed this year.”
Stories and images from such Memorial Day observances can be posted on legion.org/legiontown as well as social media channels like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, tagging The American Legion National Headquarters. Participants are asked to use the hashtag #candlesofhonor so images and messages can be aggregated in social media.
Due to the uncertainty of when our nation will overcome the COVID-19 virus, and because we want to ensure that a minimum number of people are infected, we have taken the following steps to limit exposure of Legionnaires, program participants, and the national headquarters staff:
The National Oratorical Finals scheduled to be in Indianapolis near the end of April have been cancelled.
The Spring Meetings have been canceled.
The Junior Shooting Sports competition scheduled for July has been cancelled.
Boys Nation, also scheduled for July, has been cancelled.
We advise departments to consider similar measures. Right now, it is too soon to predict the effect that the virus will have on the American Legion World Series or the national convention, but those decisions will be made within the next couple of months.
In the meantime, your national headquarters continues to function – some employees are in the offices, many others working remotely from home. You should still be able to reach the vast majority of us via email or phone. If you need assistance with something and cannot reach the person responsible in a timely manner, please let my assistant Mary Rooney know (contact information below), and she will work at getting an answer for you.
The enemy we are facing isn’t hiding in the bush. Nor has it buried a roadside bomb unbeknownst to us. Yet the enemy is just as dangerous and deadly.
The coronavirus has been classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The number of people who will test positive for the potentially fatal COVID-19 remains unknown, but there are steps we can take, and must take, to protect ourselves and help our fellow veterans and citizens.
I encourage you to use extreme caution and adhere to the best practices put forth by the health experts. Namely properly wash your hands frequently, use antibacterial rubs and practice “social distancing.”
Coronavirus is particularly dangerous for those over the age of 50 who contract it so please be cognizant of the risks when planning post activities and functions.
At the same time, this is an excellent opportunity to perform Buddy Checks. Check in with older veterans in your communities to make sure they have the supplies they need, are feeling healthy and help them acquire the resources they need. Of course, Buddy Checks can be done with phone calls and emails so as not to risk spreading or contracting coronavirus.
The coronavirus situation will be changing rapidly so we have to be nimble in our approach to serving our communities, states and nation. Among the best resources to follow are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) and the World Health Organization (who.int).
Let’s also keep our thoughts and prayers with our servicemembers especially those overseas, our National Guardsmen, first responders and others who will be taxed in coming months. They need our support now more than ever.
We have faced down enemies, foreign and domestic, throughout our nation’s history. While this threat is ominous, we will once again work together to overcome it.
By John Raughter Mar 12, 2020
After touching on a series of historical accomplishments that defined the first century of American Legion legislative successes, National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford presented a three-step mission to lawmakers during a joint session of the Senate and House Committees on Veterans’ Affairs March 11. Watch here.
“Implementation. Oversight. Improvement. That triad is the prevailing theme in The American Legion’s legislative priority list for the second session of the 116th Congress,” Oxford said in a packed hearing room.
The theme is the logical follow-up to landmark legislation passed in recent years such as the VA MISSION Act, the Blue Water Navy Act and the Harry W. Colmery “Forever” GI Bill.
“Between Vietnam and 9/11, The American Legion and Congress worked together to reinvent the VA – one that is now described as quote, ‘the best care anywhere,’” Oxford said. “Today, so many of these issues, and new ones for a new generation, continue to occupy The American Legion’s priority list.”
That list went largely unchallenged to receptive members of Congress that attended the hearing.
“Reading today’s testimony, it is clear that we share many of the same priorities,” Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Rep. Mark Takano, D-Calif., said. “We must address the national crisis of veteran suicide. Veterans must receive high-quality healthcare. We must understand the full impacts of toxic exposures, and make sure that another generation of veterans don’t have to wait for the benefits and care they need and deserve.
“In addition,” Takano continued, “as our veteran population grows increasingly more diverse, we must support our women, LGBTQ, minority, and Native-American veterans. The legislation we pass must improve access to culturally competent care for all veterans.”
Though The American Legion recognizes that VA care isn’t always the best option for veterans living in remote areas, Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., emphasized the point while trying to assuage Legion concerns about privatizing the system.
“In my view the MISSION Act is nothing to replace the VA (but is) providing care and services for those who in their best interest need another venue,” said Moran, the chairman of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee. Moran mentioned that many Kansans would have to travel great distances in order to obtain care from a VA facility.
Another major concern for The American Legion is the high suicide rate among veterans. Most of the veterans who have taken their lives were not receiving care in the VA system. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., announced that the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act, which was supported by The American Legion, passed the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee 17-0 by unanimous consent.
“We got everyone from Blackburn to Bernie to vote for that bad boy, so now all we got to do is get Sen. (Mitch) McConnell to take it up on the floor,” Tester said, informally referring to Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who refers to himself as a “democratic socialist.”
It was likely the last opportunity House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Rep. Phil Roe, R-Tenn., will hear an American Legion national commander present congressional testimony. The physician and longtime Legionnaire will retire from Congress at the end of the year.
Roe reflected nostalgically on recent and historic Legion accomplishments. “It would be impossible for me to detail all the work that The American Legion has performed throughout your more than a century of service or the value that the Legion continues to bear on matters of military, veterans and national security policy,” Roe said. “Even now it is with the help of the Legion and working with our committees and partners in the Trump administration that the Department of Veterans Affairs has undergone such a positive transformation over the last few years. Thanks to our mutual efforts, I’m proud to report that veterans today have great access to care (and) greater control of their care than ever before. Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits whenever they choose. Veteran unemployment reached near lows.”
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) has announced additional steps to combat the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Florida.
• Effective March 11, 2020, FDVA is restricting visitor access to its State Veterans’ Nursing Homes and Domiciliary until further notice, with the exception of essential visitors, such as family members of those residents undergoing end-of-life care.
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also temporarily restricted access to their nursing and community living center facilities to only essential visitors until further notice.
• All VA Medical Centers in Florida are implementing enhanced screening protocols at their facilities. VA Outpatient Clinics are also implementing enhanced screening protocols. Please plan to arrive at the facility well in advance of your appointment to allow additional time for the screening process.
• Veterans who are concerned they may have symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) are encouraged to contact the VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 (toll free). Clinical staff provide 24/7 virtual care and support, including nurse advice and triage. The service is available at no cost to veterans enrolled for care in the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8).
• All FDVA and VA facilities remain fully operational.
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 20, 2020) — Citing The American Legion’s “historic victory” during an important Supreme Court ruling last year, the head of the nation’s largest veterans organization welcomed another court decision yesterday as a sign that veterans memorials will now have permanent legal protection.
“Last year, The American Legion easily prevailed by a 7-2 ruling protecting a veterans memorial in Bladensburg, Md.,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “We said at the time that the ruling in The American Legion v. American Humanist Association was not simply about one cross. It was about protecting the religious freedom of those wishing to honor and memorialize veterans. Thankfully, the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals used our earlier victory to reverse a previous decision that called for the removal of a World War II-era cross at a park in Pensacola. The Bayview cross in Florida will remain in place. The American Legion is grateful to our friends and allies in the veterans and legal community who have helped us in this long struggle to protect these precious memorials.”
(INDIANAPOLIS, February 9, 2020) — American Legion National Commander James W.
“Bill” Oxford released the following statement regarding allegations that senior leadership at the Department of Veterans Affairs attempted to retaliate against a staff member for reporting a sexual assault.
“Generally, The American Legion does not comment on VA’s internal personnel matters. We invest full faith and credit in the administration, the Inspector General, and department leadership to faithfully execute their duties, serve in a manner that honors their sacred positions, and work to protect the communities they serve. We are not privileged participants in any formal investigations and learn of publicly available reports from the same sources the general public does, and we rely on these reports to inform our membership, our voice, and positions.
In cases where evidence is uncovered of malfeasance or wrongdoing, The American Legion expects that the perpetrator or perpetrators will be held accountable and either disciplined, dismissed or prosecuted accordingly. The allegations that have been reported over the past week at the Department of Veterans Affairs are extremely concerning and bring into question the ethical suitability of the leadership at VA’s highest levels.
The American Legion calls on the administration and Congress to thoroughly investigate the recent allegations of improper employee behavior and report their findings to the American people with complete transparency. We expect that any persons found to have acted outside of their authority and the scope of their duties will be held accountable and dealt with in an appropriate manner. This was one of the core tenets of Veterans Affairs Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 that The American Legion supported, and still supports today.”
Maj. Bill White is the oldest living Marine at 104 years old, a Veteran of World War II and survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. “The fact that I even survived is something. There weren’t too many of us,” White recalled.
White was near the front lines of the battle on March 3, 1945, when a grenade exploded about six inches from, he and his fellow Marines. The injuries he sustained took him off the battlefield, but he recovered and went on to enjoy a long military career. “I spent 30 years active duty and 54 retired,” says White.
Maj. Bill White is “A Veteran Sweetheart” who has a special request this coming Valentine’s Day…. He has many medals and keepsakes from his long military career and life. This year the spirited veteran hopes to grow his collection of keepsakes with Valentine’s Day cards from friends old and new. “I’ll save every one of them…” he told Fox News.
Maj. Bill white is a fellow Veteran, and we would like to honor his request, and encourage all of you to do so as well. Such a simple request, that will have a huge impact on someone who has given so much of himself.
Join in and send a Valentine’s Day card to:
Operation Valentine
ATTN: Hold for Maj Bill White, USMC (Ret)
The Oaks at Inglewood
6725 Inglewood Ave.
Stockton, CA 95207
A huge thank you to Fox News for bringing this story to the public eye.
You can purchase, personalize and send a printed card online through www.postable.com for a small fee. (Postable is not a sponsor or paid advertiser. We do not give any guarantees or claim any liability to the service they provide.)
The American Legion proudly decrees “For God and Country”. Today our Country calls us to unite, to put aside our differences, to put aside our political opinions, to put aside any disdain of our chosen leaders. Today we call on God to watch over our brave Troops, our Country, our Homes and our Families.
The American Legion is non-biased on many issues, but when it comes to the treatment and safety of our Service Members and Our Country, we are one united front and a force to be reckoned with. Today we throw our support behind our Leaders, trusting that God will guide them in the tough decisions to follow. We place our faith and pride in our Service Members, as they bravely leave their homes and their families to risk their lives for our protection and freedoms. Bless this country as we pull from the strength of our great Nation, and May God bless our American troops!
January 3, 2020 our President ordered an airstrike resulting in the death of Qasem Soleimani, who was hailed as a hero in Iran and beloved by Iranian troops. A hero to Americans, he is NOT! The pentagon credits Soleimani with the deaths of hundreds of American and coalition service members and the wounding of thousands more. The Defense Department stated that Soleimani was “actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.” Soleimani was undoubtedly an enemy to our country and our people, for his decommission we show no remorse.
Iran retaliates, endangering our American troops stationed there to aid in peace and order. They vow further attacks against our country and intend to divide us even more. To them we call their bluff and raise them 300 million plus citizens of the United States ready to protect, defend and support our Country.
What say you? Will we, the American people, unite in support of the protection of the United States of America and all that we hold sacred? Tell us at facebook.com/floridalegion. How do YOU choose to support your country?
Are you interested in supporting our Service Members, Veterans, Communities and Family?
Our Department is experiencing issues with myLegion, the online membership portal. myLegion is ran through the National office and they are closed until Thursday, December 26th. We are sorry for any inconvenience. Please have a wonderful holiday.
(INDIANAPOLIS, December 9, 2019) — In the wake of the apparent terrorist attack at Naval Air Station Pensacola, the leader of the nation’s largest veterans organization called for greater scrutiny of all foreign nationals visiting or training at U.S. military installations.
“Our hearts break for the victims and families of this horrific attack,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “Just like there were signs that U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan adhered to anti-American ideologies before he unleashed his attack at Fort Hood with an army armed with AR-15 rifles 10 years ago, there are disturbing reports that Mohammed Alshamrani revealed extremist views on social media before he engaged in Friday’s killing spree. The American Legion finds it disturbing that a military officer from Saudi Arabia had access to a firearm at a location where our own servicemembers were unarmed. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called for a review of all U.S. military programs that train foreign nationals. The American Legion agrees. We understand the need to train our allies. But we must first ensure that we are not training those who wish us harm.”
Oxford added that the recent anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is a poignant reminder that America must always be vigilant. “In addition to the tragedy in Pensacola, innocent Americans were killed in recent weeks at Joint Expeditionary Base Fort Story in Virginia and at the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. I recognize each case had entirely different circumstances, but servicemembers and civilian employees of our military work in an inherently dangerous profession. They take these risks on behalf of the United States of America. The American Legion believes that every effort must be made to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent such tragedies. This includes learning from each incident and making the necessary adjustments. It also means offering our complete support, compassion and prayers for those impacted.”
Commander’s Message National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford
Dear American Legion Family and Friends,
This is a wonderful time of the year for making special memories with family members, friends and other loved ones with whom we celebrate the holidays. It’s a time to count our blessings, give to others and express our gratitude.
I am thankful for you — the volunteers who make our veterans service organization the largest, strongest and most influential in the nation. We are truly blessed to have selfless volunteers who serve their communities day in and day out.
It’s just one of hundreds of example of American Legion posts bringing holiday cheer to families in their communities, now through the Christmas holiday. Share what your post is doing on our Legiontown website.
There are many other ways to spread cheer and goodwill at this time of the year. I hope that you consider:
Using AmazonSmiles to benefit The American Legion when you make purchases through the online service. When you sign on to AmazonSmiles using your Amazon account, simply choose The American Legion as your charity of choice. Then Amazon will donate 0.5 percent of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to The American Legion — at no cost to you.
Purchasing a collector’s item, The American Legion centennial coins, for yourself or a loved one. Once 2019 turns into 2020, these centennial keepsakes will no longer be available.
All of these opportunities help fund American Legion programs for the coming year and beyond. You have my gratitude for all that you do for The American Legion today, throughout the holiday season and into the new year.
November 8, 2019 update: Last year the combined donations to The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation totaled $562,052.59 from The American Legion family. June 1, 2019 started our new awards years and tracking.
Donations for the Awards year end on May 31, 2020. Presently we stand at $177,791.08 in donations for the 2019/20 year.
At the October 2019 Board of Directors meeting we granted $811,282.00 to 22 Children Organizations for the 2020 year.
The following are the present donations from June 1, 2019 to November 8, 2019. Each organization with the highest donation on May 31, 2020 will be awarded the Garland Murphy Shadow Boxaward.
Presently the 8/40 Departmental de Arizona is leading in contribution with $576.00.
The Department of Kentucky Auxiliary is in 1st place with $4,402.00.
Department of Ohio American Legion is leading in donation with $10,100.00.
The SAL Detachment of Florida is in 1st place with $16,270.00 in donations.
Below shows 1st to 3rd place in donations:
1st place 8 & 40 Aux Legion SAL Arizona, Kentucky, Ohio, Florida
Donations $576.00 $4,402.00 $10,100.00 $16,270.00
2nd Place Indiana, Florida, Arizona
Donations $469.00 $3,407.00 $2,768.96 $8,900.00
3rd place Texas, New York, Virginia, New York
Donations $295.00 $3,181.94 $2,600.00 $7,503.43
All donations have to be in by May 31, 2020 to qualify for the Garland Murphy and U.S. Udie Grant awards.
Send Checks to: Child Welfare Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206
The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Today, those pillars remain at the Legion’s core as the organization continues its commitment to our Nation’s veterans, its servicemembers, their families, the youth of America, and ordinary citizens. The United States Mint is proud to mark The American Legion’s extraordinary milestone—a century of dedication—with a new ensemble of commemorative coins.
Americanism Division
Weekly Report to the National Commander
November 8, 2019
Jill Druskis, Director – (317) 630-1203
The American Legion Legacy Scholarship
Online application for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship opens on November 15th at www.legion.org/scholarships/legacy. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship is a needs-based scholarship designed to fulfill a financial gap remaining after all federal and state educational grants/scholarships available to an eligible applicant have been utilized. Children of U.S. military members who died while serving on active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and children of post-9/11 veterans having been assigned a combined disability rating of 50 percent or greater by the Department of Veterans Affairs qualify. Each needs-based scholarship provides up to $20,000 in aid for undergraduate or post-graduate college. Recipients may reapply for additional annual awards up to six times.
Youth Education and Scholarships
During the month of October a total of 15 national-level scholarships totaling $35,403 were disbursed as two-party checks to youth and their academic institutions.
(WASHINGTON, November 8, 2019) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will require certain prominent federal properties to display the POW/MIA Flag every day with the U.S. Flag.
“Yesterday I was humbled to stand with my fellow veterans inside the Oval Office and watch the president of the United States sign this symbolic but important legislation,” said American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “It is important that Americans never forget that there are still more than 82,000 men and women who were taken prisoner or never had a full accounting. The American Legion reveres their memory and will continue to honor them at all of our meetings. I plan to visit the headquarters of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency later this month to observe their work firsthand. DPAA does a remarkable job of identifying and repatriating so many heroes who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The American Legion is eager to explore additional ways to lend our support.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veterans Day.
INDIANAPOLIS (October 17, 2019)—The head of the nation’s largest veterans service organization extended its condolences over today’s passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of this distinguished leader in Congress,” said The American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford. “He was a lifelong passionate champion of civil rights. He strived every day to make his country a better place and his voice will continue to resonate in congressional halls for decades to come. He will be missed by many.”
With a current membership of nearly two million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, patriotic youth programs and Americanism. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 13,000 posts worldwide. From the drafting of the original GI Bill to the creation of the Department of Veterans Affairs, The American Legion is the most influential voice for America’s veterans. The American Legion, www.legion.org, will be celebrating its centennial through Veteran Day.
(INDIANAPOLIS, October 8, 2019) — American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford issued the following statement regarding the passing of the organization’s national treasurer, George A. Buskirk:
“The American Legion lost more than a national treasurer today. We lost a treasure. George A. Buskirk was the kindest of gentlemen. We will certainly miss his sound financial leadership, but we will mostly miss our time with this affable, decent and smart man. He served his country during the Vietnam War and rose through the ranks of the Indiana National Guard to become its adjutant general. His intellect was without question. A senior executive in the banking industry, we were fortunate to have this great Legionnaire as our national treasurer for 21 years. We were more fortunate to have known him. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are extended to the Buskirk family. We shall miss him.”
(WASHINGTON, November 8, 2019) — The head of the nation’s largest veterans organization thanked President Trump for signing a bipartisan act which will require certain prominent federal properties to display the POW/MIA Flag every day with the U.S. Flag.