Committee promotes strong defense

Strengthening and supporting military servicemembers and their families maintains and promotes this purpose.  We can support military families by working with command groups and family readiness groups. Offer kindness and understanding and be there when a lonely spouse or child needs someone to talk to. Put yourself in their place for a moment and do whatever it takes to make sure our military families know they are not alone.

Working and supporting the American Legion Family and partnering with initiatives that strive to improve the quality of life of our servicemembers, and their families is another way to promote a strong national defense. Some of the initiatives are bills that support payment for all branches of service in the event of a government shutdown, bills for educational resources and improved living quarters.  Needs with childcare, healthcare, base housing, spousal employment, financial security, food security are a few more.

Let’s remember our POW/MIAs and continue to support the work being performed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). Missing personnel are being found and identified by the continued work of the DPAA.

The Salute to Servicemembers Award was established in 2003 and has evolved from honoring women veterans to honoring active-duty women, to honoring all enlisted personnel who are currently serving our country in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force and the National Guard/Reserve.

One enlisted servicemember from each branch of service as well as the National Guard/Reserve will be recognized at the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention. Who from Minnesota can we nominate?  Wouldn’t it be awesome to nominate a service member from each branch of the military!

Talk to Blue Star Parents, church families, and neighbors to inquire about their son or daughter in the military.  The nomination form is online at alaforveterans.org along with more information.