100 Miles For Hope

BY HENRY HOWARD

American Legion Riders have the opportunity to earn incentives while contributing toward the Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF) as part of the third annual American Legion 100 Miles for Hope.

Last year, a special Riders Challenge ran for one month. This year, individual Riders and chapters have until Sept. 5 to log their miles, raise funds for the V&CF and earn special incentives.

“We were honored to be part of 100 Miles for Hope last year,” Riders Chairman Mark Clark said. “We are always happy to contribute toward worthy causes. And the Veterans & Children Foundation is such a worthy cause. While the American Legion Legacy Scholarship will always be our priority, this year’s longer time frame allows us to also provide assistance to our disabled veterans and families of servicemembers who are struggling.”

Proceeds of the 100 Miles for Hope campaign go directly to the V&CF. Those funds cover training, education and resources to support 3,000 accredited American Legion service officers, and provide aid to military families with minor children at home who are facing financial struggles through no fault of their own. To register for 100 Miles for Hope, please visit this Emblem Sales page. Please note: We are not using the Kilter app this year but have created an easier way to track your miles. Here are all the details.

“I was impressed last year with how many Riders and chapters supported 100 Miles for Hope,” Clark said. “But I know we can do even better this year. My chapter members and I will be doing a lot of riding in the next five months. I’d encourage other chapters to plan a ride — or rides — to support 100 Miles for Hope.”

For their fundraising efforts, Legion Riders can receive incentives. Here is a breakdown:

Tier 1: $100 in donations Incentive: downloadable certificate from national commander

Tier 2: $250 in donations Incentive: coin from national commander

Tier 3: $500 in donations Incentive: plaque from national commander

American Legion Riders chapters can also earn rewards throughout the challenge for their fundraising accomplishments. Here are the details:

Tier 1: $500 in donations Incentive: downloadable certificate from national commander and chairman

Tier 2: $1,000 in donations Incentive: plaque from chairman

Tier 3: $1,500 in donations Incentive: plaque from national commander

TThe American Legion 100 Miles for Hope, now in its third year, takes place through Sept. 5 (Labor Day) in 2022. Proceeds from registrations and donations go directly to supporting disabled veterans and military families through The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).

To get registered, please visit the Emblem Sales web page. Please note: We are not using the Kilter app this year.

Just like in the inaugural challenge during 2020, this year participants register for $30 and receive a T-shirt and a finisher’s certificate for downloading upon completion of their miles. There also is the option to decline the T-shirt.

THE AMERICAN LEGION

BY PHILLIP WALTER WELLMAN/STARS AND STRIPES

TThe Marine Corps’ top officer said Wednesday that it’s still too early to tell whether more Marines will be sent to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Commandant Gen. David Berger made the comment as the number of U.S. troops on the Continent recently reached 100,000 for the first time in nearly two decades.

Berger spoke to reporters in northern Norway, where he was on hand for the 27-nation Cold Response exercise.

“There are Marines deployed in response to the conflict in Ukraine in many of the same countries (to which the Army has deployed soldiers) in a complementary role,” Berger said.

The number of Marines sent to Europe in that role was unavailable Wednesday. The service does keep about 1,500 Marines stationed in Europe, including a crisis response force stationed in Spain that works with U.S. Africa Command.

About 3,000 Marines and sailors are on hand for Cold Response, the largest military exercise Norway’s hosted since the end of the Cold War. It has brought together some 30,000 troops from NATO and partner countries for land, sea and air drills that will continue until the beginning of April. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, sparked the deployment of thousands of U.S.-based service members for temporary missions in Europe. Many of those troops were sent to eastern Poland, which shares a border with Ukraine.

The personnel have been deployed to reassure allies, train with host-nation forces and contribute to contingency plans, U.S. European Command said in a statement last week.

Berger said there are no plans to permanently deploy troops to Norway, which shares a roughly 120-mile border with Russia and has condemned the Kremlin’s war on Ukraine. But he said the situation remains fluid.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin “looks at the posture of all the U.S. military forces, where we are now and where we need to be in the future,” Berger said. “I don’t know how much the war in Ukraine might impact his thinking on that.”

Berger also thanked allies for helping to recover the bodies of four Marines who were killed Friday when their Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed about 25 miles south of Bodoe during training.

Norwegian, British, Dutch and Italian forces sent out search and rescue operations in severe weather to recover the Marines, Berger said, adding that Norwegian special operations forces had moved overland to recover the bodies despite avalanche threats.

“I can’t adequately express how grateful I am to all those nations and their military forces,” Berger said.

SSince its creation in 1925, The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation has delivered over $30 million in financial assistance for disabled veterans, military families and young people who lost parents in service to our nation. Income from the foundation investments is used to fund Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation programs and Temporary Financial Assistance, which provides funds to minor children of active duty or American Legion members.

BY STEVEN B. BROOKS

On the same stage where he was elected the 2021-2022 American Legion national Commander, Texas Legionnaire Paul E. Dillard shared his theme for his year: “No Veteran Left Behind.”

And then he shared why that sentiment is so critical.

“There are many consequences for a veteran who is left behind,” said Dillard, who was elected unanimously by delegates at the organization’s 102nd National Convention. “Isolation, denied benefits, lost opportunity, lack of decent housing or employment are just a few. But the most tragic outcome for a veteran left behind is suicide. We must not let them down. Male, female, Iraq vet, Vietnam vet, Korean vet, World War II vet – it doesn’t matter. We all serve, and we must be there for each other.”

Dillard shared some statistics on veteran suicide that he researched online. “Veterans are at a 50-percent higher risk of suicide than their non-serving peers,” he said. “More than 114,000 men and women who have served in our armed forces have taken their own lives since 2001. That is nearly double the American lives lost in Vietnam. By 2030, it is estimated that the total of veteran suicides will be 23 times the number of post-9/11 combat deaths.

“Each statistic represents a real man, a real woman, and impacts thousands of real families. That is why we must, folks, we must regularly continue our Buddy Checks – not just for past and present members, but for every veteran that we know. If you have any other ideas about what we can stop these tragedies, please share those ideas with your fellow Legionnaires and members of our national staff. There are many important issues facing veterans, but no issue is more important than this: to save a life. Real stories. Real people. No veteran – and I mean no veteran – left behind.”

A Vietnam War U.S. Navy veteran, Dillard joined The American Legion in 1969 and is a paid-up-for-life member of American Legion Post 265 in Lake Kiowa, Texas. He has served in leadership roles on every level of The American Legion, including post and department commander, national vice commander, Alternate National Executive Committeeman, and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, the Veterans Employment & Education Commission and the Legislative Commission. He was elected as national vice commander in 2013.

Dillard said The American Legion will continue to advance the legacies of veterans “by sharing their love for this country with the next generation. We do this through our youth programs, such as Boys State, Boys Nation, Oratorical, Baseball, Junior Shooting Sports, JROTC and supporting Scouting. We also reach out directly to veterans through our Veterans & Children Foundation, Operation Comfort Warriors, National Emergency Fund, Buddy Checks and many scholarship programs.”

Dillard said when he testifies before a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees during the 2022 Washington Conference, he wants to be able to paint a complete picture of what The American Legion does on a large scale.

“In order to give a full report in my testimony of The American Legion, we must strive for a 100-percent Consolidated Post Report,” he said. “I need to report on the hours donated, the monies raised to support our veterans and our programs. Although these are being done at the post level throughout the nation, we must complete the forms. The mission is not completed until the forms are filed.”

As for donations, Dillard said his Commander’s Project will be the Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), which provides vital support for military and veteran parents in unexpected financial crises, and support for American Legion service officers in their efforts to obtain care and earned benefits and opportunities for disabled veterans and their families.

Dillard said his goal is raise $2 million for the VCF, but added “the monies that are raised each year for Operation Comfort Warriors, the National Emergency Fund and the Child Welfare Foundation have been very successful and need to continue to be.”

Dillard said he has conducted one-on-one Zoom meetings with each department to establish membership goals. He’s also issued another challenge: a retention rate of 90 percent for 2021 members. “We must make personal contact to our members to thank them for their continued support of The American Legion by keeping their membership current, and ask them if we can count on them this year,” he said. “Again insuring ‘No Veteran Left Behind.’”

Dillard has been married to his wife Donna since 1983. They have two children and two grandchildren – all members of the American Legion Family. Donna served as Department of Texas American Legion Auxiliary president from 2017-2018.

“It is indeed an honor and privilege to be elected as your national commander of this great organization,” Dillard said. “As we continue to build a foundation for the future, we will ensure ‘No Veteran Left Behind.”

THE AMERICAN LEGION

PPrior to enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, Chris Earl was a professional gamer. He gave that up after entering the military, but after leaving the Marines in 2020 he decided to start Regiment Gaming in order to keep his military camaraderie and unite veterans in a gaming community.

But as more and more veterans flocked to Regiment Gaming – including during a successful online gaming tournament collaboration with The American Legion in December – Earl wanted to expand his efforts in the veteran gaming community. And now he has.

Earl has launched the Veteran Gaming League, which labels itself the “official gaming league for military veterans and service members.”

“Our mission is to give veterans and service members of the U.S. Armed Forces unique professional gaming opportunities through both online and in-person gaming events,” Earl said. “We’re going to host a lot of free-entry cash-prize tournaments, allowing veterans and service members to gain exposure in the gaming industry.”

Regiment Gaming, which also teamed with The American Legion for a live-streamed Department of Veterans Affairs assistance workshop for military veterans and service members, already has launched the new league. Earl said the league’s tournament platform website will be completed in May.

“When I started Regiment, it was always in the back of my head ‘this is a great idea. This is going to be huge.’ But that’s just in the back of my head,” Earl said. “I never really thought it would get to the point where it’s at today, especially so quickly. I didn’t think that a year and a half after starting my first company I’d be launching a second one. It definitely blew up a lot faster than we ever expected.”

Earl encourages any veteran interested in participating in the league to sign up via Discord.

“This is kind of a way for veterans and active service members to actually participate in legit, professional leagues through a multitude of online and in-person events. And it’s really a way for them to showcase their skills and play alongside the top players in these video games. It will give them a real shot to make a name for themselves.”

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BY MACKENZIE WOLF

AAmerican Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard testified March 8 before a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. The leader of the nation’s largest wartime Veterans service organization (VSO) addressed lawmakers on critical issues and legislation veterans are facing.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a stark reminder that peace is fragile, Dillard told lawmakers.

“At any time, with or without notice, military personnel may be called upon to defend freedom,” he said during the testimony. “An essential purpose of The American Legion is to ensure that those personnel are not forgotten after the fighting is done.”

Peer support is the backbone on which The American Legion continues to fight for service members and veterans, Dillard said.

Throughout various war eras The American Legion has led campaigns to ensure that service members exposed to toxins receive the proper benefits. Those battles include fighting for government accountability to service members exposed to dangerous toxins while in uniform, securing health-care benefits for bomb-test veterans who were exposed to atomic radiation and proving Agent Orange poisoned tens of thousands of Vietnam veterans.

Now The American Legion is fighting for Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism veterans who were exposed to toxic fumes of burn pits in the Middle East.

• Concede that exposure occurred to all veterans deployed to identified locations during the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror.

• Establish a list of presumptive illnesses associated with exposure to burn pits and other toxic hazards where scientific evidence exists. • Create a framework for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish additional presumptive illnesses when scientific evidence shows an association.

“Veterans who are suffering now cannot wait decades to receive the care they need and rightfully deserve,” he said. “Whether a veteran was exposed to toxins in the jungles of Vietnam or a combat outpost in Iraq, we in The American Legion all stand as peers who have been down this road before and know the government can do better to accept responsibility and help these veterans as they confront illnesses caused by preventable exposures.”

On March 3, Congress again took action on one of The American Legion’s legislative priorities when the House of Representatives passed the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2021 — also known as the Honoring Our PACT Act.

Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (HVAC) Mark Takano, DCalif., applauded the work of the VSOs for their efforts during the first session of the 117th Congress. Notably, the passing of the Deborah Sampson Act and the Blue Water Navy Veterans Act were signed into law. The American Legion lobbied strongly for both pieces of legislation.

“I want to personally thank the VSO community for the tremendous help you’ve provided during this legislative process,” Takano said. “The work is not over, but I was encouraged to see 42 VSOs send a very strong letter to the House leadership supporting the PACT Act.

“We have big goals,” Takano added. “But I know that with your support and insight here today — along with the support of the administration — we will be able to deliver on them and fulfill the promises we’ve made to the nation’s veterans.”

Suicide prevention continues to remain at the top of The American Legion’s priori-

ties. The organization has led from the front in these efforts by implementing yearround Buddy Checks conducted by American Legion posts and members.

The Buddy Check program is one of the best examples there is of peer support, Dillard said. Since its spring 2019 launch, The American Legion’s Buddy Check program has assisted approximately a half million veterans through outreach services performed by more than 3,600 Legion posts in 2020 and 3,800 in 2021. Some veterans needed food, medicine or help in the home, said Dillard, but many were simply happy to hear another veteran’s voice during hard times.

“Isolation is no friend to the veteran who may be confronting post-traumatic stress disorder, possibly at risk of suicide – and in need of connection with others who understand,” he told the committees. “That is why we strongly support the expansion of Buddy Check into a national week of outreach by VA.

“A National Buddy Check Week can help bridge the gap between veterans in need and VA services to help them.”

Recent surveys have shown that over 60% of veterans who die by suicide lacked consistent contact with VA and 40% were unaware they were eligible for VA mental health services.

“That is why we also strongly support the attachment of trained, peer-support specialists to posts of The American Legion and other Veterans organizations around the country,” Dillard added.

Sen. Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., applauded the Senate passing bipartisan legislation that she and Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, sponsored together to build on suicide prevention efforts by directing VA to designate a “National Buddy Check Week.”

American Legion peer support extends to immigrant veterans. Military service has opened a reliable pathway to U.S. citizenship. More than 760,000 immigrants have become naturalized U.S. citizens since the nation’s inception through serving this nation. However, said Dillard, this pathway has become obstructed as citizenship assistance programs have disappeared from military bases.

“U.S. veterans from other nations are serving honorably – and then discharging as resident alien non-citizens,” he said. “They come out confused. Why did their service did not bring them citizenship, let alone expedited citizenship they believe was promised to them?”

In the worst cases, they are deported and disconnected from the VA benefits they earned. Dillard thanked Takano for his leadership on behalf of veterans who served honorably but were later deported because obtaining U.S. citizenship was next to impossible for them while they were in service.

“The American Legion proudly supports the Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act that addresses naturalization during service and protects non-citizen veterans and their families from unwarranted deportation,” said Dillard.

Peer support drives much of The American Legion’s agenda, Dillard continued.

Improving VA health-care services for women, fighting for GI Bill education benefits for reserve and National Guard veterans, advocating for better quality of life for military personnel as stories of the deplorable living conditions at the barracks of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center came to light, and demanding that U.S. Coast Guard personnel are protected from pay interruptions in the event of government shutdowns are just some of the ways in which The American Legion continues to fight for veterans.

“Today — as U.S. troops deploy to eastern Europe to defend our allies in case the war expands — history reminds us again that we never know when — or with what notice — men and women will be called upon to fight.

“How we treat them now — and in the years ahead, when the effects of their sacrifices are upon them — is certain to be more than a matter of compassion — but one of national security as well,” said Dillard.

As the largest ground war since World War II rages on European soil, it is disheartening to know that there are WWII veterans alive today that still do not have access to VA health care, Dillard said.

“The American Legion is fighting to correct this lapse with legislation pending in Congress. Our World War II veterans halted the spread of tyranny, securing our democracy for generations to come.”

Fewer than 240,000 WWII veterans remain and hundreds pass away every day, he added.

“Time is running out for these veterans.”

SVAC Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., highlighted issues currently being seen in VA’s caregiver program as a result of the department narrowing eligibility.

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BY JOHN RAUGHTER

IIt wasn’t just an ordinary department visit for American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard April 1. The former petty officer and Vietnam War veteran toured the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy, the USS Constitution, during his visit to the Department of Massachusetts.

“It’s amazing,” Dillard said. “I’ve read about the ship but going on board and seeing how the sailors lived back then, along with the gun power of the Constitution, is mindboggling.”

Dillard and American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Daudistel led a delegation of prominent Massachusetts American Legion Family members during a morning visit to “Old Ironsides,” and the adjacent USS Constitution Museum, in Boston’s Charlestown district.

Launched in 1797, the three-masted wooden-hulled frigate is the world’s oldest ship that is still afloat.

“She’s still sea-worthy,” said Lance Garrison, who guided the tour. Though the ship is towed when it makes about seven short trips each year to sea, the tugging is a cautionary measure to preserve the historical floating monument to early Navy history.

Navy Commander Billie J. Farrell added to the Constitution’s illustrious history in January by becoming the first woman to captain the 225-year-old ship. “Every sailor is interviewed and hand-selected to come here,” she said of her 80-member crew. “I can honestly say that I have the best sailors in the U.S. Navy today.”

She was also recruited by Dillard as the newest member of American Legion J.W. Conway Bunker Hill Post 26 in Charlestown. She was complimented an additional American Legion Auxiliary membership courtesy of Daudistel.

Past National Commander Jake Comer pointed out that The American Legion supported an initiative for Massachusetts school children to donate their penny collections toward the refurbishment of the Constitution in the 1990s. The pennies added up to a “significant amount,” according to Comer.

“If the national commander didn’t visit the Constitution, it wouldn’t have been worth having him to come to Massachusetts,” Comer added. “We’re very proud of this ship. He’s a Navy veteran and to walk in to the Constitution is like walking in to history.”

“I am disturbed by reports that veterans and caregivers … are being rejected at very high rates,” he said. “What is your membership experiencing with the caregiver program and the application and appeals process?”

American Legion Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Ralph Bozella told lawmakers that they are finding that caregivers who apply for those claims are being rejected at a rate of 86% to 87%.

“We don’t know why those caregivers cannot appeal those claims through the VBA system,” he said. “That needs to be fixed. We have to care for those who care for our veterans.”

SVAC Ranking Member Jerry Moran, R-Kan., highlighted the installment of a Project ATLAS pod at American Legion Post 5 in Emporia, Kan. This is the newest test site for the initiative involving The American Legion, VA and Phillips.

“Anything we can do to help support our veterans, especially in mental health care during this time, we are happy to be involved with,” said American Legion Director of Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation Katie Purswell. “The Kansas pod is now complete,” she added, noting they hope to begin seeing patients immediately.

“It’s critical things like the ATLAS pod go through because there are rural veterans and veterans who have trouble with access to internet to be able to go to their appointments,” Purswell said. “It’s vitally important that this pilot succeeds. We need to have more pods like this in other rural communities.”

Takano praised The American Legion for its support of veterans.

“You are a very special voice,” he told The American Legion panel. “Your voice is instrumental and essential in moving the Capitol to do the right thing and to keep our promises.”

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BY JOHN RAUGHTER

IIn the midst of a multi-state tour, American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard is focused on increasing Senate support for a comprehensive bill that will provide needed care and relief for veterans sickened by exposure to burn pits, atomic radiation and other toxic substances during military service. Before the anticipated vote at the end of May, he will travel to seven different states, ranging from Alaska to Georgia, to meet with Legionnaires and build support for this once in a generation piece of legislation.

“The Honoring Our Pact Act is aptly named because it is a solemn promise that we must honor,” Dillard said. “It took far too long for the government to recognize the high cost that the men and women of my generation paid because of Agent Orange. This bill will provide VA health care for more than 3.5 million contaminant-exposed veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism. It also includes benefits for atomic vets and others who have been exposed to dangerous substances and have gone decades without government accountability or rightful treatment for diseases they contracted because of it. This bill has passed the House. I’m calling on every member of the U.S. Senate to support it. We have called for a vote before Memorial Day, and I can think of no better way to honor the fallen than taking care of their brothers- and sisters-in arms.”

Dillard and his team of national vice commanders have been carrying this message to Legionnaires across the country. Dillard has already given several media interviews in Minnesota and is scheduled to visit Georgia, Alaska, South Dakota, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day.

“People are dying,” Dillard said. “This bill establishes a service connection for 23 illnesses and cancers linked to these exposures. I would like to ask any member of Congress who opposes this legislation, which veterans do you want to leave behind? Those with Gulf War Illness? Camp Lejeune vets? Those with stage 3 cancer? I call on all Americans to contact their U.S. senators and insist that they vote for the Honoring Our Pact Act. These benefits were earned by our veterans who put their lives on the line for America and suffer today due only to their willingness to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.”

Putting up the flags on the Ave. of flags at Porterville cemetery

Miss Porterville and her court work the crowd

Joe Flory accept the Honor flag of his father Legionnaire Ed Flory

Fourth District

SUPERVISOR

1115 Truxtun Avenue, Room 504 | Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: 661.868.3680 | Fax: 661.868.3688 | Email: couchd@co.kern.ca.us

The American Legion is the voice of nearly 2 million U.S. military veterans and service members. A resolution–based organization, The American Legion’s positions represent the views of its members.

The future of VA healthcare is as a hybrid system consisting of VHA-provided inpatient and outpatient care, telehealth, and community care. Ensuring VA is equipped to meet the unique needs of an increasingly diverse veteran population requires that VA fully leverage all healthcare modalities and ensure a seamless transition between them. Modernizing electronic health records, veteran centric access standards, and a transparent online scheduling system for both VHA-provided care and community care is essential to ensuring our veterans receive the care they deserve. The means by which VA delivers care may change, but one thing will not: VA should continue to deliver the best care anywhere to our nation’s veterans.

Suicide Prevention & Peer Support Several studies have shown that peer support is beneficial for people who are experiencing mental health issues or are making the transition back to civilian life. The American Legion has its own peer-support program known as the "Buddy Check" which encourages outreach and veteran peer-to-peer engagement. The American Legion urges Congress to pass legislation requiring VA to establish a national Buddy Check Week to encourage veterans to reach out to those they served with. The American Legion also encourages legislation to establish a peersupport program that would offer grants to place peer-support specialists in local posts of veteran's service organizations.

S.544 - "Buddy Check Week" Act

A disturbingly high percentage of veterans have been exposed to airborne toxic hazards, often the result of proximity to local environmental hazards during their military service. For decades, The American Legion has fought for service-connected disability benefits for adverse health conditions linked to exposures from a variety of toxic substances. The American Legion urges Congress to pass legislation that (1) creates a list of presumptive illnesses based on scientific evidence, (2) requires VA to presume exposure for veterans deployed to areas with known environmental hazards, and (3) mandates VA toxic exposure studies.

H.R.3967 - Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act Of 2021

S.3003 - Comprehensive and Overdue Support for Troops (COST) of War Act of 2021

VA has an obligation to develop and expand healthcare services for women, the fastest-growing demographic in the veteran community. A high percentage of women veterans who are not enrolled in VA healthcare say lack of gender-specific services and awareness about VA benefits are primary reasons. The American Legion urges Congress to diligently oversee implementation of recently passed VA pilot programs, research initiatives, and policy revisions to address this issue. Additionally, The American Legion encourages expansion of child and newborn care services at VA.

S.2533/H.R.4794 - the Making Advances in Mammography and Medical Options (MAMMO) for Veterans Act

H.R. 344 - Women Veterans TRUST Act

Currently, 42,000 military retirees with combat-related injuries qualify for retirement pay for their service from DoD, and compensation for service-connected dis-

abilities from VA. However, for retired veterans with a disability rating less than 50%, their VA compensation is deducted from their DoD retirement pay. The American Legion strongly supports ending this unfair policy of forcing many military retirees to forfeit their retired pay to receive equal amounts of disability compensation. The Major Richard Star Act would repeal this draconian offset, allowing disabled veterans to concurrently receive both their retirement pay and their disability compensation.

S.344 - Major Richard Star Act

National Guard and Reserve service members are being deprived of education benefits that active-duty service members enjoy, despite completing the same duties. According to the law, as it is currently written, National Guard and Reserve service members only accrue GI Bill entitlement when called to active duty under federal orders. When National Guard and Reserve service members are activated under state orders, they do not accrue eligibility for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits like their active-duty counterparts do. The American Legion believes that every day in uniform counts, and urges Congress to recognize the service of National Guard and Reserve service members as eligible for the GI Bill.

H.R. 1836 – Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act of 2021

To receive most VA benefits, a veteran's character of discharge or service must be "under honorable conditions." However, education assistance benefits, within the GI Bill, has a requirement that service members receive an "honorable discharge." If the character of service is "general under honorable conditions", the Post-9/11 GI Bill remains out of reach for these veterans. The American Legion urges Congress to correct this statutory incongruity by amending U.S. Code to allow access to VA educational assistance to veterans with general under honorable conditions discharges.

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Many veteran immigrants say they have been deported after discharge because they failed to acquire U.S. citizenship while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Legion supports measures to ensure the process of naturalization through military service is completed prior to discharge, to include reinstitution of the USCIS Naturalization at Basic Training Initiative, training for military recruiters and commands about the naturalization process, and the reopening all USCIS field offices abroad to serve service members stationed overseas. We also support providing expedited citizenship applications and the resources to complete the applications to deported honorably-discharged veterans.

S.XXXX - Naturalization at Training Sites Act of 2022

H.R.1182/S. 3212 - Veteran Deportation Prevention and Reform Act

After decades of protracted military conflicts overseas with little congressional input, Congress needs to reclaim its rightful role in matters of war and peace. Too often, the use of military force, as opposed to diplomacy, is considered the primary instrument of national power. The American Legion urges the renewal of a proper constitutional balance to U.S. foreign policy decision-making by urging Congress to renew its war-making oversight role beginning with repealing outdated Authorizations for the Use of Military Force (AUMFs), reforming the 1973 War Powers Resolution, and properly resourcing civilian tools of diplomacy.

S.J.Res.10 - Repeal the 1991 & 2002 Iraq AUMFs,

S.2391 - National Security Powers Act of 2021

U.S. Coast Guard personnel carry out missions vital to our national security, but they are the only military branch working without pay during government shutdowns, due to their status under the Department of Homeland Security. The repeated and common threat of government shutdowns brings severe and unnecessary hardship on these men, women, and their families. The American Legion urges Congress to reintroduce and pass the Unwavering Support for our Coast Guard Act, which would guarantee that Coast Guard personnel are paid without delay, even in the case of a government shutdown.

S.1845 - Unwavering Support for our Coast Guard Act (USCG) Act

The American Legion urges Congress to approve an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow Congress to prohibit the physical desecration of the U.S. flag. Additionally, The American Legion urges Congress to pass the Flag Code Modernization Act of 2021 to amend the U.S. Flag Code to codify multiple common patriotic customs and practices as described in The American Legion Resolution No. 19: Flag Code Amendment.

H.J.Res. 51/S.J.Res.20/H.R. 4212

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PPurple reigns on The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast this week. Co-hosts Jeff Daly and Ashley Gorbulja-Maldonado open by discussing the 100 Miles for Hope challenge, now in its third year. The hosts are forging a friendly battle to see who can raise the most money for the challenge’s beneficiary, The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).

“We’re having fun with it, but it’s a really great cause,” Daly said of the V&CF, which helps disabled veterans receive their due benefits and military families obtain grants to offset financial crises. All proceeds from the 100 Miles for Hope challenge go to the V&CF. To join the challenge, learn more about it and the foundation, visit the FAQ page.

They also discuss The American Legion’s 103rd birthday, which is celebrated March 15 to 17. Gorbulja-Maldonado reminds American Legion members to share how their posts celebrated the birthday by uploading stories and photos to the Legion town web page.

As part of that segment, they talk about the numerous ways the Legion helps veterans, service members and their families through programs such as the National Emergency Fund, Operation Comfort Warriors, 100 Miles for Hope and more.

“All of our charitable organizations are incredible and if you have not had an opportunity to check them out, go to our website and see how you can give back to our veterans and their families,” Gorbulja-Maldonado said. “I cannot think of a better way to give back.”

This episode is among more than 110 Tango Alpha Lima podcast for veterans, service members and others. All episodes are available in both audio and video formats here. You can also download episodes on iTunes, Stitcher or other major podcast-hosting sites. The video version is available for viewing at the Legion’s YouTube channel.

Remember Membership is the foundation of the American Legion without it we don't exist we all worked together at one time to maintain the free nation that our forefathers created for us. And as it says over the doors at our V.A. Hospital FREEDOM ISN'T FREE so work on our young brothers and sisters to join and become members of the largest Veterans organization in the USA 100 years old this year. God bless America.

Veterans Service Department 1120 Golden State Avenue (661) 868-7300 Bakersfield (Main Office) Bakersfield, CA 93301

Veterans Service Department 455 Lexington Street (661) 868-7300 Delano Office Delano, CA 93215

Veterans Service Department 7050 Lake Isabella Blvd. (661) 868-7300 Lake Isabella Office Lake Isabella, CA 93240

Veterans Service Department 400 No. China Lake Blvd. (661) 868-7300 Ridgecrest Office Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Veterans Service Department 414 W. Tehachapi Blvd., Suite H (661) 868-7300 Tehachapi Office Tehachapi, CA 93561

DDepartment of Veterans Affairs hospitals outperform community hospitals, on 10 of 11 metrics, in Medicare’s latest Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems patient survey report.

The Jan. 26 report found 54% of VA medical centers received 4 or 5 HCAHPS Stars for the Patient Survey Rating compared to 35% of community hospitals.

“VA has seen significant improvement in our patient experience scores since first being included in Care Compare in 2018,” said Deputy Under Secretary for Health, performing the delegable duties of the Under Secretary for Health Steven L. Lieberman, M.D. “Four years ago, only 26% of VA hospitals received 4 or 5 HCAHPS Stars for Patient Survey Rating — rising to 54% — in the latest January 2022 results.

There are 11 HCAHPS Star Ratings appearing on Care Compare: one for each of 10 specific measures of patient experience plus an overall Summary Star rating. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services updates the HCAHPS Star Ratings each quarter.

The most recent ratings provided scores for 109 VA hospitals. Hospitals with fewer than 100 completed surveys are not assigned HCAHPS Star Ratings; however their HCAHPS measure scores are reported on Care Compare.

HCAHPS Star Ratings are developed from patient surveys administered through VA’s Survey of Health Care Experience of Patients and in the private sector through the HCAHPS survey. The same questions are asked on both VA and community hospital surveys to evaluate the patient experience.

In addition to hospital comparisons, the VA Quality of Care site provides ratings for outpatient care, nursing homes including State Veterans Homes and MISSION Act quality comparisons.

THE AMERICAN LEGION

The American Legion National Security Commission met virtually Saturday, March 5, for the Legion’s Washington Conference.

This year’s commission meeting focused on reviewing The American Legion’s stance on illegal immigration. As part of the analysis, commission members reviewed nine current resolutions and heard from speakers with the U.S Border Patrol, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Center for Immigration Studies.

National Security Commission Chairman Steve Brennan of Maryland said that it’s estimated that 11.4 million people are in the United States illegally; this includes those who have overstayed their visa.

“Forty percent of people in the country illegally are believed to have arrived by visa legally and have overstayed that visa,” said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Center for Immigration Studies. “We need to focus on more than just the border itself in order to achieve border security."

The commission asked the speakers what The American Legion can do at the national level to assist their efforts with immigration needs.

“Tell our story. I think a lot of folks don’t understand what we are up against every single day,” said Alfredo Lozano, acting deputy chief of law enforcement operations for the U.S. Border Patrol, and a U.S. Marine veteran.

Lozano shared with the commission that last year, border patrol agents apprehended 1.6 million migrants at the Mexico-United States border. And from October 2021 to today, they have encountered over 800,000 migrants. These stats do not account for recidivism and are not the number of unique individuals but the number of total encounters on the border between ports of entry. Additionally, 75 percent of the people that border patrol agents encounter are single adults. The other 25 percent are families and unaccompanied children – about 400 unaccompanied children are seen every day.

“I’ve been doing this for 19 years, and I can see that the cartels really do shape the environment, really do control who comes into the country,” Lozano said. “They are the gatekeeper for all this activity. That’s the traffic that we are up against. I think that gets lost in translation.”

Lozano gave appreciation to those that assist the U.S. Border Control, such as the Department of Defense, ICE, DHS volunteers, and medical staff which is about 4,000-5,000 personnel. “We couldn’t do our work without them,” he said. But still, the Border Patrol “needs support.”

There are about 19,000 border patrol agents overseeing a population the size of San Antonio, Texas, (over 1.5 million) Lozano said. They are transporting, processing, detaining, feeding, and caring for these individuals. While the media “may say we are heartless, that is the total opposite,” Lozano said. “When they run to us, we give them water, we give them shelter, we give them safety and a lot of times medical services that they haven’t had their entire life. I have seen it myself.”

To support the growing migrant population, recruiting for more personnel is a need Lozano has this fiscal year. “When folks ask me what we need – do we need more technology? Do we need more personnel? Do we need more infrastructure? Yes to all,” he said. “We need all three because it’s a system.”

Bakersfield, CA 93301 ARSbakersfield.com

Phone: (661) 324-6170 shop@arsbakersfield.com

661.565.6358 dahmmatthew@yahoo.com

4208 Rosedale Hwy, Suite 302-120 Bakersfield, CA 93308 Almost 40 percent of U.S Border Patrol men and women “in green” are military veterans. “You have a lot of veterans that come into this service to make it great and what it is.” Lozano also would like to see the Border Patrol have surveillance technology that the military uses out in the field “to actually respond and deploy and resolve. The more we know about what’s coming up from Mexico … the better we can react.” He too wants to see a “100 percent” vetting process.

“The border patrol is so overwhelmed they do not have the ability to screen everyone thoroughly,” said Vaughan, who added this is visible in the increase in criminal activity by illegal immigrants who were removed from American communities and made their way back. Criminal apprehensions went from 2,400 in year 2020 to about 11,000 last year she said.

For there to be immigration reform, a few of the ways Vaughan gave that she believes is for Congress to provide border security, visa security and vetting; provide more steps to prevent illegal employment; promote the value of citizenship; and provide enforcement to the interior of the country with deportation of criminal illegal immigrants, this includes having law enforcement and ICE working together in sanctuary cities.

“The right to vote is one of the last privileges left for citizens,” Vaughan said, adding that the value of citizenship for legal immigrants who become citizens “is what we want to encourage. That is the purpose of our immigration policy is to make new Americans. I think the Legion could be a strong voice in pushing for those policies.”

ICE removed 185,884 illegal immigrants from the United States in 2020, said Daniel Bible, acting deputy executive associate director for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and an Army veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“Our job is to identify, arrest, retain in some circumstances and then ultimately remove those people that are deemed removable from the United States,” Bible said. “We use intelligence to identify non-citizens who present a threat to public safety, national security or threaten the integrity of the United States immigration system. We receive a lot of our intake, especially this year, from cases that were apprehended at the border.”

One of the nine National Security Commission resolutions is Resolution No. 29, passed in 2018 at the 100th National Convention of The American Legion in Minneapolis. Brennan read the resolution to Lozano, which states that “The American Legion recognizes the U.S. Border Patrol’s mission to be an essential contribution to our national security; greatly appreciates the practice of the U.S. Border Patrol to employ military veterans; highly commends the U.S. Border Patrol for its noble and heroic efforts, frequently in the face of danger and adversity, to preserve our national security; and commits its steadfast support to the U.S. Border Patrol.”

“I really appreciate that support. I really do,” said Lozano, who mentioned a local American Legion post was there for the loss of a border agent who passed away from COVID. “I appreciate all that you do. My heart is out to you and thank you for your service.”

WWhen veterans return from combat, some turn to drugs and/or alcohol to cope with their experiences on the battlefield. Sadly, too many veterans end up in the criminal justice system as a result of their service. Veterans Treatment Courts give our veterans the opportunity to live a sober and stable life while restoring their military honor and their commitment to family and community.

Judge Robert Russell, presiding judge of the Buffalo Drug Court and Buffalo Mental Health Court, created the nation’s first Veterans Treatment Court in January of 2008 in response to the growing number of veterans appearing on his dockets who were addicted to drugs and/or alcohol and/or suffering from mental illness. Immediately following the launch of the Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court, Judge Russell and his team were inundated by requests from courts, elected officials, veterans service organizations, and concerned Americans around the country witnessing the same increases in veterans entering the criminal justice system.

The bonds of military service run deep. Veterans have many shared experiences not common among civilians. Research suggests that traditional community services may not be adequately suited to meet the distinct needs of veterans in the criminal justice system.

In Veterans Treatment Courts, those who served in our nation’s Armed Forces go through the treatment court process with their fellow veterans and are connected to the federal, state and local services that are uniquely designed for the distinct needs that arise from military service.

Veterans Treatment Courts follow the Drug Court model. Veterans Treatment Court participants receive first class treatment and other services they require to get back on track and lead constructive lives, yet they are also held accountable by a judge for meeting their obligations to society, themselves and their families. Participants are regularly and randomly tested for alcohol/drug use, required to appear frequently in court for the judge to review their progress, and immediately receive rewards for doing well and sanctions for not living up to their obligations.

Veterans Treatment Courts involve cooperation and collaboration with traditional partners found in Drug and Mental Health Courts, with the addition of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (Veterans Justice Outreach), Veterans Benefit Administration, state department/agencies of veterans affairs, Vet Center, veterans service organizations, volunteer veteran mentors, and other veteran support organizations.

The American Legion provides an extremely valuable service to Veterans Treatment Courts. The American Legion can assist Veterans Treatment Courts by providing Service Officers, mentors, and linkages to federal, state and community veterans’ resources.

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces may be eligible for a broad range of programs and services provided by the federal U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

These benefits are legislated in Title 38 of the United States Code. Veterans may also be eligible for specific programs and or benefits through their states’ veterans agency to include other agencies due to their veteran’s status.

Many veterans who enter the criminal justice system are unaware of their eligibility in VA programs and services. Veterans often require additional expertise from accredited American Legion Department (State) service officers in navigating the filing and/or appealing of a claim, peer support and guidance.

Justice For Vets, The National Clearinghouse for Veterans Treatment Courts is a professional service organization of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and is the lead organization in the nation implementing, advocating, and influencing public policy for VTC’s.

Our Lights are Always On We stay awake all night…so you don't have to. Care & Support 24 hours/day; 7 days/week.

The night can seem extremely long when you must wait until morning to talk with your health care provider. That's why Bristol Hospice promises care and support all the time. At Bristol Hospice, we are always available to quickly meet patient and family needs. For our Bristol program patients, our goal is always to be at your home within one hour from the time of the call. Hospice program admissions are scheduled based upon patient and family desires. Bristol is available to schedule and complete admissions within four hours from time of first call. Nights, weekends, and holidays - when something unexpected happens, you will never be alone. Our clinical care team is always available with immediate access to your medical records, waiting to help.

Our Mission: Bristol Hospice is graciously committed to our mission that all patients and families entrusted to our care will be treated with the highest level of compassion, respect, and quality of care.

We Honor Veterans (WHV) Program – We are committed to serving the Veteran community Our Veterans served their country, and it is our privilege to serve them in return. As a We Honor Veterans partner, Bristol Hospice engages in ongoing education for our staff and volunteers so that they are equipped with the knowledge and resources to provide veteran-centric care. This means that the hospice care team considers the Veteran’s unique military experience as we develop the plan of care. We honor our Veteran patients’ wishes and preferences throughout their time with us. We acknowledge our Veteran patients’ service with honors ceremonies, life review projects, and special events. Whenever possible, Veteran volunteers visit Veteran patients to provide camaraderie and companionship. Bristol Hospice – Fresno/Visalia is a WHV Program Level 5 Partner.

Bristol Hospice Programs Our Bristol Hospice programs provide hospice services to meet the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of our patients and their families/caregivers. An interdisciplinary group of professionals and volunteers develops an individualized plan of care which includes, as appropriate, the following services: nursing, physicians, home health aides, counseling, spiritual support, therapy, dietary, volunteers, durable medical equipment, supplies, bereavement services, and Veteran specific care.

Veterans Deserve Special Care • Veterans often take great pride in their service, seeing it as a period when they did something meaningful to make a difference in the world. Understanding how Veterans view their military service directly impacts their end-of-life journey. • Their unique experiences influence needs when it comes to service-related conditions and trauma. Regardless of the situation, it is Bristol’s mission to ensure that all Veterans receive compassionate, quality care at the end of life. Your Hospice Experience is Our Priority • At Bristol Hospice, your care team considers your military history and preferences, starting at your admission, and integrate that information into the individualized plan that provides a holistic approach to care. • We Honor Veterans Program and our other signature specialty programs are designed to meet your specific needs. • Above all, you are the most important part of your hospice care.

2439 W. Whitendale Avenue, Suite B ⬧ Visalia, CA 93277 ⬧ Phone: 559.741.7220