Supporting our veterans at legislative conference

I was flying into Washington, D.C., for the legislative conference the last week of February, sitting by a nice middle-aged man who seemed to want to engage in conversation; when he asked the usual question about where I was going and why. I mentioned that a number of us were flying into D.C., to lobby for our veterans.

He knew about the American Legion Baseball program; he had played Legion baseball for his post in Bottineau and his brother had attended Boys State. He knew about the Legion’s greatest legislative achievement, the GI Bill. But, what he didn’t know was what we do for our veterans in the way of Congressional lobbying.

The Hill Walk is a critical component of the Washington, D.C. conference. Representing nearly 1.6 million members, the American Legion family has a strong voice on Capitol Hill. Our congressional leaders work with elected officials every day to introduce and pass bills that protect veterans’ benefits, quality of life, Veterans Affairs (VA), health care, national security and job opportunities.

My first D.C. conference was in 2016. It was without question the most humbling, spellbinding moment I ever remember. In my mind’s eye, all the legionnaires in that room were in camouflage, carrying green grenades and MI16s into battle at Verdun, Midway, Bloody River, Hanoi, Iraq and Afghanistan. They were once again young heroes dodging bullets, fighting for the oath they had taken to preserve, protect and defend the country they loved. It was surreal. But more so, the legionnaires in that room were connected to one another by a bond of mortar that only they understood. The striking realization was that for over 100 years those veterans were there for one another, paying it forward to fellow veterans setting up posts and units around the country and lobbying for the best health care and benefits for veterans anywhere in the nation. I couldn’t help but think of Ronald Reagan’s famous quote, “Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world, a veteran doesn’t have that problem.

This year’s 118th Congress was just as memorable. Each state met with their representatives in Congress. Representative Armstrong and Senators Hoeven and Cramer, thanked the veterans for the annual “Hill Visit,” and assured them that without their voice in Congress, much of the shoddy and poor performance by the VA would go unchallenged. These veterans were not stonewalled by Congress or the VA. Their lobbying efforts fulfill Lincoln’s promise, “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan.”

Each day around 75,000 veterans are working with American Legion service officers. The Legion conducts site visits to VA regional office to review claims and ensure accuracy. They asked for a single electronic record to follow a veteran’s medical history from the time of enlistment to death. We know that the technology is available to do this. So, get it done!

Highest among the American Legion’s priorities this year is an all-hands commitment to prevent and reduce veteran suicide, part of the PACT Act, passed in the 117th Congress. We have all been touched by the suicide demon, either in civilian or military life. The suicide rate among veterans is nearly double that of their civilian counterparts, with more than 6,000 veterans taking their lives annually. It is imperative to destigmatize mental health. There is a great need for high quality, competent and trained mental health professionals. The idea of VA’s peer-based programs, particularly in rural areas like North Dakota, are especially valuable. We let our representatives know that the American Legion is doing its part with the “Buddy System,” also known as “Be the One.” But, we need resources and support from the VA.

A valuable perspective on Camp Lejune, the burn pits and toxic carcinogens made us aware of how important it is to deal with reparable law firms and depend only on veteran law firms and your local Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) to make sure veterans are dealt with fairly. Many of the TV ads for Camp Lejune are predatory actors. One of our own VSOs with us in D.C. is dealing with just such a scam. His advice to veterans is Do Not call that 800 # on your screen.

Equally valuable was the information about veteran employment. We, as the Legion family, need to let our veterans know how valuable their skills are to businesses all around the country. Maybe you are familiar with a veteran-owned company in North Dakota advertising using the catch phrase, “Two Vets and a Truck,” referring to their moving business. They tout their credentials of being punctual, being reliable and being affordable – skills certainly sought after in the business world. We need to get the message out that veterans have these skills. Many businesses were on hand at the conference looking for veterans with just such a resume.

Another important legislative request was Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity. According to current law, National Guard and Reserve servicemembers only accrue GI Bill entitlements when called to active duty under federal orders. The American Legion believes that every day in uniform counts and urges Congress to recognize the service of National Guard and Reserve servicemembers are eligible for the GI Bill.

Our veterans want support for our Afghan allies. In the U.S. military, there is a code: “No one left behind.” For two decades, members of the Armed Forces fought shoulder-to-shoulder with brave Afghan allies who served with and protected Americans, fighting for the freedom of Afghanistan and its people. The United States must honor its promises and provide genuine, lasting protection for the Afghans who have made it safely to the United States and for those who were left behind. The American Legion urges Congress to pass legislation that would grant permanent legal status to Afghan refugees and improve the Special immigrant Visa process for Afghans who served alongside U.S. servicemembers.

It was an unearned privilege to walk beside our North Dakota veterans and deliver our requests to Congress. Thank you to all who made this possible.

(Marlene Boyer is a representative of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #25, John Raymond O’Hara of Carrington.)