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 families and communities nationwide. Many are facing increased food insecurity, worrying about their bills, and dealing with elevated mental health issues. This shutdown is fast evolving from a political impasse to an all-out crisis for many Americans.

Military personnel are expected to be paid Oct. 31, but there is no guarantee any paychecks are coming after that, or when. This puts immeasurable stress on those brave men and women who serve our nation, especially junior enlisted personnel with children. 

I am calling on you to step in and do what you can to provide assistance for military families, servicemembers, and others who are affected in your communities. When down times occur, American Legion Family members have always risen to the occasion to uplift others, even save lives, for generations. 

In Washington, we will continue to pressure our elected officials to find the way to a federal budget reconciliation, or at least a continuing resolution to keep federal spending at last year’s[MMA1]  levels, on behalf of veterans, the military, public safety, border security, and other vital arms of the federal government that serve our communities.

As Regional VA Offices are now closed or seriously impaired by the shutdown, American Legion service officers are working with thousands of veterans and their families right now, free of charge, to navigate the challenges of disability benefits application and processing. 

Remember that many vital civilian employees are furloughed not only at military bases but other critical federal offices and agencies, and they need help, too.

Here’s what you can do:

·         Contact commands at military installations and elsewhere to find out what they need now, and offer The American Legion Family’s support.

·         As we did in the previous federal shutdown and during the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s collect and stockpile supplies that are needed for low-income families and children who depend on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits to put food on the table. The[MMA2]  U.S. Department of Agriculture won’t issue SNAP benefits in November, further burdening some military families who faced food insecurity even before the shutdown. Food banks across the country are already reporting up to 75% increases in demand. American Legion food drives have been highly successful during past challenges. It’s time to do it again.

·         American Legion posts nationwide commonly serve as beacons of relief and even civil defense centers in emergency situations. Critical items for families, such as baby formula, diapers, and other household items, also are a struggle to purchase. Legion posts can help with a collection drive and distribution plan for a local military base, National Guard installation, or the community at large.

·         We must also remember our national memorials and monuments may need volunteer maintenance work or other forms of assistance. Ask about them and offer American Legion Family help.

·         Let’s also act on the important role The American Legion plays by checking in on veterans and, in this case, others in our community who may need help – through our Buddy Check program. A call from The American Legion Family can make a big difference. Moreover, the more we call, the more Buddy Checks we make, the more we learn what is needed locally during this difficult national journey.

The American Legion also has a helpful resources guide for veterans, servicemembers and their families.

From feeding unemployed families during the Great Depression to supplying blood when collection facilities were not functioning during the pandemic – through fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods – The American Legion Family has always leaned into any and all problems facing our communities, states, and nation. We’ve done this for over a century. At this time, and in the uncertainty that lies ahead, let’s step up once more. Make the contacts we need to make. Assemble teams. Gather the supplies, food, or other goods. Offer to help. Be the One to make a difference.

Let’s show our communities that The American Legion has their backs.

I look forward to learning how your local American Legion Family community is stepping up at this crucial time. Please send your messages to National Headquarters, with details and contact information, to sbrooks@legion.org. 

Let’s go.

Dan K. Wiley

National Commander

The American Legion