News
March 16th, 2010
American Legion National Commander praises 9th Circuit Pledge ruling
INDIANAPOLIS (March 12, 2010) – “A great victory for common sense,” was how The American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill characterized yesterday’s ruling by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the phrase “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance is constitutional.
In a separate ruling yesterday, the Court also upheld the use of the national motto “In God We Trust” on coins and currency.
“The American Legion was very critical, in fact outraged, when the same Court ruled in 2002 that the Pledge was unconstitutional because of a phrase that has existed in the Pledge since 1954,” Hill said. “But it is time to give credit where it is due. The Ninth Circuit corrected its earlier mistake and now there is absolutely no reason why schools across the nation should not lead their students in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance every day.”
The latest ruling answers the call of a resolution unanimously passed by delegates at The American Legion’s 90th National Convention in 2008 which stated, “That The American Legion reiterate its continuing support for the Pledge of Allegiance in its current form, voicing opposition to any and all attempts to revise it beyond the version approved by Congress in 1954…”
The California atheist who filed the complaint said he would appeal the ruling, a move that would once again put him at odds with The American Legion, which has filed numerous “friend of the court” briefs in support of the Pledge.
“While this was an important victory in protecting American values, the Pledge isn’t the only great American institution under attack,” Hill said. “Since 1989 it has been legal to desecrate the Flag of the United States. The American Legion calls on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment that will allow Congress to protect the flag from desecration. Now that the Pledge is legally protected, let’s show Old Glory the same respect.”
Hill also compared attacks on the Pledge to legal attacks being waged by the ACLU and other groups against veterans memorials that they deem “religious.”
“During this session the U.S. Supreme Court heard a case dealing with the constitutionality of a cross in the Mojave desert, which was erected as a war memorial,” Hill said. “We hope that the U.S. Supreme Court rules that these are symbols of patriotism and not the establishment of a state religion. The vast majority of the American people are not offended by references to God. There is no reason why our legal system should be.”
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 748-1926 /(317) 441-8847. A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill is available at www.legion.org.
March 16th, 2010American Legion offers help for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans in employment crisis
WASHINGTON (March 12, 2010) – The American Legion is tackling a problem suffered by an alarming number of military veterans: unemployment.
A report just released by the Dept. of Labor says that last year’s unemployment rate for young veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars as 21.1 percent. Meanwhile, the jobless rate among non-veterans in the same 18-to-24 age range was 16.6 percent.
“The American Legion has been aware of this situation for some time,” said Joe Sharpe, director of The American Legion’s Economic Division in Washington, “and we are addressing it with frequent, well-attended job fairs and business workshops for veterans.
“The unemployment problem among some of the younger vets is being exacerbated by substance abuse and homelessness. We are working hard to help solve those problems, too,” Sharpe said.
Homelessness, a natural consequence of unemployment, was the topic of a recent day-long workshop held Feb. 26 by The American Legion as part of its 50th annual Washington Conference. Workshop panelists included officials from the departments of Labor, Veterans Affairs, and Housing and Urban Development. They cited unemployment and substance abuse among veterans as contributors to homelessness.
During its Washington Conference, the Legion also sponsored a job fair and small business workshop, attended by about 200 veterans.
“Given today’s economic realities, the unemployment challenge among young veterans is especially difficult,” concluded Sharpe, “but we are doing everything we can to help our country’s most deserving job-seekers meet it.”
The American Legion maintains an online Career Center to disseminate employment information to veterans. It can be accessed at www.legion.org/careers .
Media contact: Craig Roberts, ( 202) 263-2982/301-792-7500.
March 4th, 2010President Obama official schedule and guidance, March 3, 2010.
In the morning, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing and meet with senior advisors in the Oval Office. These meetings are closed press.
In the afternoon, the President will deliver remarks about moving forward into the final stage of the health insurance reform debate. He will reiterate why reform is so crucial and what it will mean for American families and businesses: they will have more control over their own health care, they will see lower costs, and they will see an end to insurance company abuses.
March 4th, 2010Legion Honors Rep. C.W. Bill Young with Award
WASHINGTON – (Business Wire) The American Legion presented a Florida congressman with its prestigious Distinguished Public Service Award during the organization’s 50th annual Washington Conference held at the Renaissance Washington, D.C., Hotel today.
March 1st, 2010Legion honors GI Film Festival with National PR Award
WASHINGTON (March 1, 2010) – The nation’s only festival dedicated to honoring military films will be the recipient of The American Legion National Commander’s Public Relations Award during a luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel Wednesday.
In a letter to GI Film Festival President Brandon Millett, National Commander Clarence E. Hill wrote, “The GI Film Festival was selected to receive this honor because of its support of one of The American Legion’s corporate goals: promoting the honorable nature of military service. Since 2007, the annual festival has honored works that exclusively celebrate the successes and sacrifices of the American military through the medium of film. As the GI Film Festival Web site states, you present films “that honor the heroic stories of the American Armed Forces and the worldwide struggle for freedom and liberty.”
“Our mission from the beginning has been to honor the service and sacrifice of the American veteran,” said GI Film Festival co-founder Laura Millett, in a statement from the GIFF. “What a special honor to be recognized by The American Legion, one of the nation’s most respected veteran service organizations. We’re very proud of the growing reputation of our film festival and we look forward to building on this success in 2010 and beyond.”
The fourth annual GI Film Festival, www.gifilmfestival.com , will be held May 12-16 in Washington and will feature a number of first-time film screenings and celebrity panels.
Past recipients of the award include the late Meet the Press host Tim Russert, entertainer Ben Stein, former NBC anchor Tom Brokaw and former Secretary of Education William Bennett.
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
February 26th, 2010Unemployed Veterans in South Carolina Look for Help
Columbia, SC (WLTX) – The state’s unemployment rate is above the national average, and one group in the Midlands may soon be receiving help.
Clarence Hill, the National Commander of The American Legion, visited Fort Jackson early Monday morning meeting soldiers, touring the facilities, and speaking with reporters. Hill is addressing a joint session at the State House Tuesday, he hopes to explain The American Legion’s position on unemployed veterans in South Carolina.
February 17th, 2010National Commander Of The American Legion Visits Mankato
The National Commander of the American Legion made a stop in Mankato today as part of a four-day visit to Minnesota.And as News 12’s Nathan Harrington tells us, the leader of the Legion wants to change the way the Legion reaches out to new veterans.
It’s been over a decade since the National Commander of the American Legion has come to Mankato.Clarence Hill of Florida visited Post 11 in downtown this afternoon.
January 29th, 2010American Legion National Commander Praises White House for Military Family Budget Hike
INDIANAPOLIS – (Business Wire) “A great start,” was how American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill characterized the president’s plan to increase funding for military families to a record $8.8 billion in 2011.
January 27th, 2010American Legion Leaders to Inspire Illinois Inhabitants to Participate for Veteran Patriots, at Two Dozen State’s Posts
BLOOMINGTON, Ill./EWORLDWIRE/Jan. 12, 2010 — From a history of decades of dedication and service to country to an annual community outreach effort during a week-long state tour, military veterans have long been served – and continue to be supported – by activities of the American Legion and community members. The annual membership caravan offers a forum to share and update military service personnel about the issues that directly impact them, and to attract new members to the ranks to strengthen the backbone of the Legion’s active base.
December 16th, 2009American Legion to DoD: Fix the Combat Gear
WASHINGTON (December 16, 2009) – The American Legion called reports that soldiers are being sent to combat with deficient gear and lack of training “completely unacceptable.”
“The American Legion supports our troops’ missions in Iraq and Afghanistan but they must have the best equipment and training that we can possibly give them,” National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “Representatives Ike Skelton and Solomon Ortiz should be commended for bringing these serious concerns to the attention of the Pentagon leadership.”
The two House members wrote in a Dec. 10 letter that they are “greatly troubled” by what they have been told by soldiers.
For instance, a military historian found that the M4 carbine failed at critical moments during a July 2008 firefight in Afghanistan, in which nine U.S. soldiers were killed.
“Even though these weapons routinely rank lower than other military weapons in testing, they are still being issued as the Army’s weapon of choice,” the lawmakers wrote.
“I am also concerned that troops are reportedly being taken from bootcamp and being sent to combat, with little or no additional training. Soldiers are also saying that their rucksacks are poorly designed and make it difficult to fire their weapons,” Hill said. “My question to military leadership is ‘Who has the backs of our troops?’ The American Legion would like some answers. Training and equipment should be factored in as essential costs of war, just like VA health care. We will take this issue up with the Secretary of Defense and even the president of the United States if it is not addressed quickly.”
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: Marty Callaghan (202) 263-5758, Cell (202) 215-8644; Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 441-8847/ (317) 748-1926. A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill is available at www.legion.org .
December 11th, 2009American Legion Gives High Marks to FY 2010 Funding Bill for VA, Military Construction
WASHINGTON – (Business Wire) Congress is on the verge of passing the fiscal 2010 omnibus bill that includes appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction. It will provide $134.6 billion for programs and projects of critical importance to America’s veterans, military forces and families.
December 11th, 2009American Legion Applauds Decision to Drop Request to Remove Flag Pole
The leader of the American Legion congratulated all parties involved, calling the decision of the Sussex Square Homeowners’ Association Board in Virginia to withdraw legal action against a WWII hero, “a great decision.”
December 9th, 2009White House: Let veteran fly his flag
President Obama’s spokesman says it’s “kind of silly” for homeowners associations or local neighborhoods
to have bans on displays of the flag.
“The president believes, and I think all of us believe that the very least we can do is show our gratitude and thanks to somebody that served our country so admirably,” White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said today.
December 9th, 2009All-America Concert Band presents
Fred Wells presents the All-America Concert Band’s Christmas 2009 Concert “Holiday Harmonies” at 3 p.m. Dec. 13 at Eppley Auditorium.
Admission is $10; (students free). All of admission revenue goes to the Clarence Carney Scholarship Fund. Tickets will be on sale at the door.
Briar Cliff University’s Department of Music will present “Christmas at the Orpheum” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18 at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Downtown Sioux City.
December 9th, 2009Legion to Support WWII Veteran’s Fight for Flagpole
The American Legion has joined the fight being waged by a Medal of Honor recipient against a Virginia homeowner association’s demands to remove a flagpole.
December 1st, 2009The American Legion Praises Passage of Caregiver Bill
WASHINGTON – (Business Wire) The national commander of The American Legion applauds the Senate for their overwhelming support of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 with a resounding 98-0 vote yesterday. “This legislation will improve the lives of so many veterans and their families,” said National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “Especially those with serious health care challenges.”
Click for more…
Senate – The American Legion Praises Passage of Caregiver Bill
The national commander of The American Legion applauds the Senate for their overwhelming support of the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2009 with a resounding 98-0 vote yesterday ?This legislation will improve the lives of so many veterans and their families,? said National Commander Clarence E Hill.
Click for more….
Legion hails Supreme Court decision to hold photographs
Decision affirms Legion’s fight to protect troops from publication of harmful images
WASHINGTON (November 30, 2009) — The American Legion today praised the Supreme Court for vacating and remanding an appeals court ruling which would have ordered the release of photographs of detainees allegedly being abused by their U.S. captors. The Supreme Court ordered the 2nd U.S. Court of Appeals to take another look at the case due to a recent change in federal law, advocated by The American Legion, which allows the government to withhold the release of the photographs.
“This is a victory for our troops,” said National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “Too often images are used to inflame tensions in the Middle East and are used as propaganda by terrorists. Whether these pictures depicted torture or not, we may never know. But we do know that the president, some members of Congress and many military leaders believed it would put our troops at greater risk. This may be a defeat for the ACLU but it is a victory for America.”
In a May 8 editorial in The Wall Street Journal, then-National Commander David K. Rehbein asked, “A picture may be worth a thousand words, but is it worth the life of a single American soldier? Is any photograph worth the life of your Marine Corps daughter? Or your neighbor’s deployed husband?”
The editorial garnered mentions in Time Magazine, blogs and other media. As Rehbein appeared at a media event in the Capitol with U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn to criticize the pending release, The White House announced it had reversed its earlier decision to release the photographs which were requested by the American Civil Liberties Union.
“We are still very much at war,” Hill added. “The American Legion is calling on all Americans to remain aware of that and remember that our troops are in harm’s way and need all the support that their fellow citizens can offer. The American Legion will always oppose any efforts to undermine our troops. It’s one thing to say that you support the troops. It’s another thing to mean it.”
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contact: John Raughter (317) 630-1350, Cell (317) 441-8847 or Marty Callaghan,(202) 861-2700, Cell (317)445-3029. A high resolution photo of Nat. Cmdr. Hill is available at www.legion.org.
December 1st, 2009The American Legion supports troop increase, Opposes ‘Surrender Strategy’
WASHINGTON (December 1, 2009) – The American Legion praised President Obama’s decision to send more troops to Afghanistan, but is troubled by some reports that the administration might set artificial timelines for withdrawal.
“The American Legion is opposed to any exit strategy that takes place before the mission in Afghanistan is accomplished,” National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “To do otherwise would more correctly be called a ‘surrender strategy’ to which the Legion would be opposed.”
Hill said the 30,000 additional troops that President Obama reportedly will send to Afghanistan are a step in the right direction. “As I said back in September, I would have liked for him to send the 40,000 that Gen. Stanley McChrystal requested but at least the president is not heeding the call by many in Washington to scale down our efforts. The best way to address the extremely high demands that we are placing on our military heroes is to increase our overall military troop levels, a policy that the Legion has advocated since long before the War on Terrorism started.”
In October, The American Legion unanimously passed Resolution 1, which states, in part, “The American Legion fully supports the men, women and leadership of our armed forces as they are engaged in the global war on terrorism…” Although supportive of the military leadership, The American Legion was reminded that special weight must be given to the commanders in theater. Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told The American Legion National Convention that the war cannot be won from the Pentagon.
“You have to be there,” he said. “You have to see and hear firsthand what the issues are. You can’t hope to see problems through someone else’s eyes if you aren’t looking into those eyes.”
“We wholeheartedly agree with Adm. Mullen on this point,” Hill said.
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: Washington – Marty Callaghan (202) 861-2700, Cell (317) 445-3029; Indianapolis – Joe March or John Raughter (317) 630-1253, Cell (317) 441-8847/ (317) 748-1926. A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill is available at www.legion.org.
November 30th, 2009U.S. Legion Nat’l Commander visits Taiwan
Clarence E. Hill, National Commander of The American Legion, and Mrs. Rita Navarette, National President of The American Legion Auxiliary, have just completed their annual visit to Taiwan at the invitation of the minister of Veterans Affairs of the Republic of China, General Tseng Jing-ling (Ret.).
Click for more….
American Legion assisting Ft. Hood shooting victims
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 23, 2009) – The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors program is donating gift cards to the men and women who were wounded at Ft. Hood earlier this month.
“Americans everywhere have reached out to these victims,” American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “It’s only appropriate that The American Legion family does its share. We have sent $3,800 so each of the 38 wounded can receive $100 gift cards to use at the Ft. Hood AAFES (post exchange). This is on top of the $10,000 of electronic games and instruments we sent in Operation Comfort Warriors donations to Ft. Hood just prior to the shootings. These gifts won’t make the injuries go away, but they do show that we care.
“The government does a good job of providing the necessities,” Hill continued. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors we have been able to provide gifts to troops in military hospitals everywhere. These are items that usually don’t appear in government budgets, such as personal sweat suits, I-Pods, DVDs, phone calling cards and other comfort goods. The American Legion is challenging its members and friends to continue giving to those who have already given us so much.”
The American Legion has already raised more than $217,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception last December. Upon taking office in August, Commander Hill set a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by year’s end. Donors can make online contributions by visiting www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.
“Some people think that expecting $100,000 during an economic recession is too lofty a goal. I don’t,” Hill said. “Americans are generous and what better way is there to show our holiday spirit than to remember those who have served and are still serving?”
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Contact: Joe March or John Raughter – (317) 630-1253, Craig Roberts – (202) 263-2982; Cell – (202) 406-0887. A high resolution photograph of Cmdr. Hill is available at www.legion.org .
November 16th, 2009Federal government trying to help vets find jobs
It’s been the law since 1944 that federal agencies must give preference to veterans when hiring.
From time to time since then, presidents have drawn attention to that law, usually with little effect. But President Barack Obama on Monday went a good bit further when he signed an executive order creating the Council on Veterans Employment.
November 10th, 2009Legion Family Raising Funds for Recovering Heroes
INDIANAPOLIS (November 10, 2009) – The American Legion family is renewing its fundraising efforts for the holiday season to purchase comfort items for troops recovering in U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units around the world through its Operation Comfort Warriors campaign.
“The government does a good job of providing the necessities,” said American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors we have been able to provide items that usually don’t appear in the budget, such as personal sweat suits, I-Pods, DVDs, phone calling cards and other comfort items. The American Legion family is challenging its members and friends to continue giving to those who have already given us so much. I am grateful that American Legion Auxiliary National President Rita Navarreté and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Mark Arneson have given their complete support to this effort.”
The American Legion family has already raised more than $215,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception last December. Upon taking office in August, Commander Hill set a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by year’s end. Donors can make online contributions by visiting www.legion.org/ocw or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.
“Some people think that expecting $100,000 during an economic recession is too lofty a goal. I don’t,” Hill said. “Americans are generous and what better way is there to show your holiday spirit than to remember those who have served and are still serving?”
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Contact: Joe March or John Raughter – (317) 630-1253, Craig Roberts – (202) 263-2982; Cell – (202) 406-0887. A high resolution photograph of Cmdr. Hill is available at www.legion.org.
November 9th, 2009The American Legion characterizes new Council of Veterans Employment as “a decent start”
WASHINGTON (Nov. 9, 2009) – The American Legion is cheering, with reservations, an Obama administration initiative to provide more federal employment for military veterans. The president will sign an executive order tonight, establishing a Council on Veterans Employment and creating allied programs to help veterans get federal jobs.
“For many decades, The American Legion has played a leading role in creating job opportunities for veterans,” said Clarence E. Hill, national commander of the nation’s largest veterans service organization, “so it is heartening to see our advocacy paying off in such a tangible way. It’s a decent start.
“However, there is more to be done,” Hill continued. “For instance, we would ask the President to do more to end age discrimination in the hiring of veterans. While age discrimination is technically banned, it is not unusual for National Guard and Reserve servicemembers to lose employment due to time spent away while deployed. After all, employers may downsize and go out of business. When this happens to a middle aged servicemember, re-employment can be especially challenging. Still, the Executive Order certainly has great merit, though we will continue to fight for more such initiatives.”
Besides establishing the Council, to be chaired by the secretaries of Labor and Veterans Affairs, the president’s executive order also creates a Veterans Employment Program office within most federal agencies. These offices will help veterans identify federal employment opportunities, assist with job applications and help veterans move from military life to civilian employment. Additionally, the program will ensure that hiring officials understand how to use tools available to them to increase the number of veterans employed within their agencies.
“In many ways, this executive order replicates and amplifies the work done by the Legion through its long-established veterans job fairs and small business workshops,” Hill said. “So we are especially grateful to the president for this worthwhile move.”
Hill also reflected on the fact that several months ago, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano made a personal promise to The American Legion that her agency would redouble its efforts to employ veterans. “It is gratifying to see that this policy has become that of the Obama administration as a whole,” Hill said.
About The American Legion
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans organization. It was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: For interviews with Cmdr. Hill or other requests, call Craig Roberts, (202) 263-2982, cell (202) 406-0887;Joe March or John Raughter, (317) 630-1253; cell (317) 748-1926.
November 9th, 2009The American Legion offers support to families of Fort Hood victims
WASHINGTON (November 6, 2009) — The leader of The American Legion says his organization is reaching out to victims of the tragedy at Fort Hood, Tex., where the rampage of a lone gunman – an Army officer – reportedly killed 13 people and wounded 30.
“As the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, and the one with the greatest number of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, we have the resources to assist the newest generation of warriors.”
“We invite those who have been touched by this horrific experience to make use of the Legion’s services to military families and active-duty servicemembers,” said Clarence Hill, national commander of The American Legion.
“We are also initiating outreach through our local Legion posts to families and individuals at Fort Hood who have been affected by this event.”
American Legion posts are part of a nationwide Family Support Network that provides hands-on assistance and emotional support to service members and their families.
At the national level, The American Legion offers aid through its Temporary Financial Assistance program to distressed military families with minor children suffering monetary difficulties.
“Financial assistance can be a great comfort in times of turmoil,” Hill said. “It can help with temporary daycare costs, travel expenses for family members and other burdens so that families can concentrate on caring for loved ones – healing wounds both physical and emotional.”
Another Legion program that helps our troops is Operation Comfort Warriors. It
provides clothing, personal and recreational items to wounded service members during their recovery. “Up until now most, but not all, of those we have aided have been service members who have suffered injuries in our theaters of war,” Hill said, “but those who were hurt in this tragedy at Fort Hood should, and will, receive our help as well.”
Hill won’t speculate on the motive for the Fort Hood shootings. “We will reserve comment until the Army’s investigation is complete,” he said. “Once all the facts are assembled and analyzed, The American Legion will lend its aid and advocacy to the Army, the Department of Defense and lawmakers to help prevent tragedies such as this.”
Those touched by the Fort Hood event seeking assistance from The American Legion are invited to call 1-800-504-4098 or email familysupport@legion.org.
About The American Legion
With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans organization. It was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.
Media contacts: For interviews with Cmdr. Hill or other requests, call Craig Roberts, (202) 263-2982, Cell (202) 406-0887; Joe March or John Raughter, (317) 630-1253; Cell (317) 748-1926/(317) 441-8847.
November 3rd, 2009Making Smiles
It looked a lot like Christmas Thursday at American Legion Post 28 in Triangle.
Lined up on a counter inside the post home was an array of laptops, digital cameras, DVD’s, books, and video games, bound for a group of soldiers from Fort Carson, Colorado who had to call in an air strike on their camp in Afghanistan.
November 3rd, 2009The American Legion Urges Congress to Pass Post 9/11 Troops to Teachers Enhancement Act
WASHINGTON–(Business Wire)–
The American Legion has delivered letters of support to four members of Congress
for introducing bills that would improve the Troops to Teachers (TTT) program,
which is designed to make it more accessible for military veterans to transition
into careers as educators.
“Since 1999, The American Legion continues to support the concept of offering
incentives and assistance to former U.S. service members seeking certification
and employment as educators,” National Commander Clarence E. Hill wrote in
letters to Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.; Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Rep. Joe
Courtney, D-Conn.; and Rep. Tom Petri, R-Wis. “We are pleased your bill seeks to
make the Troops to Teachers program more accessible to a greater number of
veterans and more school districts…Clearly, Troops to Teachers meets the needs
of local schools and is an excellent employment opportunity for recently
separated service members.”
Military Voting Reforms Inspire Cry of “Mission Accomplished” from Leader of The American Legion
WASHINGTON–(Business Wire)–
Rounding out the month of October with the enactment of legislation
strengthening the political franchise of active duty military personnel has made
the leader of The American Legion feeling good.
“It`s with a sense of great satisfaction,” said Clarence E. Hill, national
commander of the nation`s largest veterans` service organization, “that The
American Legion can celebrate victory in our long-fought battle to award the
Department of Veterans Affairs advance appropriations and, with the President`s
signing this week of the Fiscal Year 2010 Defense Appropriations Act, applaud a
3-point-4 percent military pay raise and the strengthening of our Army by
30-thousand troops.
Soldiers who survived attack in Afghanistan to get a ‘thank you’
Care packages bound for Afghanistan boasts Xboxes, iPods, laptops
By Tad Vezner
Click for more…
American Legion commander praises Kansas
Engaging in the traditional practice of meeting face-to-face with American Legion members in each state, National Commander Clarence Hill spoke to a gathering of locals at Post No. 173 in Hays on Wednesday.
Hill, a retired Navy captain who hails from Jacksonville, Fla., is in his 27th year of membership with the American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veteran’s service organization. He was elected national commander in August.
