6th District Commander’s Report

Greetings from the Big 6th District.

Well, here we are in the busy season of the American Legion Family. Seems like every time I look at my calendar, there is something coming up. Add to that all the reports and on-line meetings, and time slips away quickly. I always look forward to seeing many of you at the many testimonials, conventions, and other events happening around the Department and especially the Big 6th District.

Speaking of reports, let’s make sure to get all the reports that are coming due turned in on time. Early would be even better. We need to get this information into national and department because this is how we show our lawmakers the impact we are having within our communities. No post should say that they aren’t doing anything, remember that 25 cents out of every membership goes towards the hospital relief fund, and that can be reported on the CPR.

Membership is always an ongoing issue. We have been doing great things here in the Big 6th District, but more work is still needed. The more veterans we can get to renew, or join our organization, the more ammo we have when we fight for veteran’s rights.

And don’t tell me it isn’t important, because we just saw a prime example of what the power of 2.5 million veterans can do.

The VA decided to make a policy that if a veteran’s service-connected disability was being well-managed by medication, then the VA should take that into consideration, and they could reduce the veteran’s rating.

Within 1 day, over 2.5 million veterans expressed their opinion that this wasn’t acceptable. Within 2 days the VA suspended the enforcement of that policy. And within 2 weeks, the VA had reversed that policy all together.

This was all because our National Commander Dan K. Wiley, and other service organizations, dropped everything to fight against it.

It proves that Together We Can make things happen.

Until next time, stay safe, and Be the One because Together We Can do wonderful things.