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Veteran-Friendly Legislation
Legion weighs in on multiple pieces of veteran-friendly legislation Submitted written testimony outlines support for helping veterans land jobs in the trucking industry, increasing financial benefits for catastrophically disabled veterans, and more. The American Legion is submitting three Statements for the Record (SFRs) this week. First up was an SFR for the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, submitted Dec. 2 by Steven Betsch, an Amer
mmaxa8
3 hours ago2 min read


F-16 Pilot Awarded Silver Star
F-16 Pilot Awarded Silver Star for Dodging Surface-to-Air Missiles over Yemen Dec. 1, 2025 | By Chris Gordon An F-16 pilot was awarded a Silver Star Medal for a harrowing mission in which he dodged multiple surface-to-air missiles during the opening weeks of the operation against the Houthis rebels in Yemen earlier this year. Lt. Col. William “Skate” Parks, the former commander of the 480th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, was awarded the Silver Star, the nation’s third-highe
mmaxa8
4 hours ago4 min read


Step Up and Help Members
National Commander Wiley calls upon American Legion Family members to step up amid the government shutdown. This is not a drill. Not a media event. The federal government shutdown enters its second month next week. Our military families, our veterans, and our neighbors all face grave challenges until Congress finds a solution. The American Legion Family must act now. The failure of Congress to have a fully functioning government is having a significant impact on military fami
mmaxa8
Oct 303 min read


National Commander Wiley to Congress: Do your job
National commander calls on Congress to end government shutdown, pass the Pay Our Military Act during remarks to the National Executive Committee.
Mike Maxa
Oct 84 min read


What’s affected by the government shutdown
Here’s what the current shutdown means for veterans, servicemembers, their families, and national security.
Mike Maxa
Oct 14 min read


The American Legions Critical Legislation
This week, the House of Representatives passed 14 pieces of veteran-related legislation. These bills represent a wide array of American Legion priorities, including improving access to care, investing in education opportunities for veterans transitioning out of military life, and properly honoring our fallen servicemembers.
Mike Maxa
Sep 175 min read


America’s Last Living Ace Pilot from World War II Dies at Age 103
Donald McPherson served as a Navy fighter pilot aboard the aircraft carrier USS Essex in the Pacific theater, where he engaged Japanese forces during the final years of the war.
Mike Maxa
Aug 222 min read


Message From VA Secretary
A news story published by the Guardian on Monday, June 16, 2025, has misled Veterans, our employees, and the public.
Mike Maxa
Jun 231 min read


HOUSE PANEL PUSHES AHEAD $453 BILLION FUNDING PLAN FOR VA NEXT YEAR
House Republican appropriators early Wednesday advanced a $453 billion budget plan for Veterans Affairs next year despite hours of objections from Democrats that looming reforms at the department could blunt the impact of the record funding levels for veterans programs.
Mike Maxa
Jun 153 min read


AMERICAN LEGION TESTIFIES TWICE ON KEY VETERAN LEGISLATION
American Legion representatives testified twice June 11 on Capitol Hill on behalf of the nation’s veterans, servicemembers and their families.
Mike Maxa
Jun 153 min read


National Commander Address’s National Executive Committee
The national commander addressed American Legion leadership on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, base visits, Legion Baseball centennial and more.
Mike Maxa
May 74 min read


History of the USS SAINT PAUL (CA-73)
The USS SAINT PAUL joined Admiral Halsey’s Third Fleet in July 1945, participating in the final stages of the war against Japan. She fired the last salvo by a major naval unit on Japan’s home islands on August 9, 1945.
Mike Maxa
May 52 min read


New Air Force Academy Mission Statement Changes
New Air Force Academy Mission Statement Drops Educate, Adds a Different Focus. The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) | By Mary Shinn The...
Mike Maxa
Apr 212 min read


American Legion Mobile Apps
The American Legion is the nation’s largest organization of U.S. military veterans. This app offers a succinct description of the Legion’s forms of advocacy, opportunities to join, donate and find nearby posts.
Mike Maxa
Apr 21 min read


Soldiers killed in Lithuania training accident part of a close-knit unit
The soldiers who died last week during a mission in Lithuania were remembered as a mix of dedicated young fathers, talented Army...
Mike Maxa
Apr 24 min read


Message from VA Secretary Collins
VA Secretary Doug Collins released a video from his office today addressing misinformation circulating about Veterans’ benefits and VA health care.
Mike Maxa
Mar 61 min read


Delays In Administering The GI Bill
Republican lawmakers blasted Department of Veterans Affairs officials for mistakes in administering the GI Bill that led to delays in rolling out its digital platform and delivering direct deposits to veterans to help pay for books and student housing.
Mike Maxa
Feb 184 min read


THE LEGION’S NATIONAL AGENDA FOR CONGRESS
The American Legion is revving up its advocacy efforts, highlighted by dozens of crucial topics important to veterans and their families.
Mike Maxa
Feb 33 min read


The American Legion Expresses Condolences to Crash Victims
American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere, Jr., issued the following statement today concerning last night’s collision of a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter and a passenger plane attempting to land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Mike Maxa
Jan 301 min read


Determine your GI Bill benefits expansion under Rudisill decision
Veterans who served at least two qualifying periods of service may now qualify for up to 48 months of total GI Bill benefits.
Mike Maxa
Jan 282 min read
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