American Legion National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer addresses members of the National Executive Committee and other leadership during the organization’s annual Fall Meetings in Indianapolis, Oct. 11.

The American Legion changes and saves lives

Less than two weeks ago, there was the possibility of another government shutdown where funding for troops, border patrol and other vital government services would come to a halt.

During the last government shutdown in 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard continued to report for duty while their paychecks were stopped, but The American Legion stepped up and provided more than $1 million in Temporary Financial Assistance to Coast Guard families in need. “Incredibly, Congress still has not passed legislation to pay the Coast Guard if a shutdown occurs before the passage of a Homeland Security appropriation. And this year we faced – and still face – the possibility that no branch of the U.S. military would have its members paid on time,” said National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer to members of the National Executive Committee on Oct. 11 during Fall Meetings in Indianapolis at National Headquarters.

“While we certainly dodged a bullet on September 30, we are definitely not out of the woods. The current funding only runs through November 17. While VA assures the public that it will continue to provide health care and other essential services, Secretary Denis McDonough said at a press conference on September 22 that there would be no outreach. Again, no outreach. We should be thankful that VA’s first National Buddy Check occurs next week (Oct. 16-20) – before another potential shutdown.

“We know that outreach saves lives. That’s the whole purpose of our Buddy Checks and any peer-wellness program for that matter. The numbers may not yet show it, but the progress that has been made toward removing the stigma and raising awareness about veteran suicide in recent years has been monumental. And family, we can’t stop. Not now, not ever.”

Although VA went on the record in September saying that the Veterans Crisis Line and essential health care services will not be impacted during a government shutdown, “we do know that the added anxiety that comes with a shutdown is something that veterans do not need.

“It is Congress that has the constitutionally mandated responsibility to pass a budget, it is the president who has the constitutionally mandated responsibility to sign a budget and it is The American Legion’s constitutionally protected right to raise heck when they don’t. If there is a shutdown, we really need to apply the pressure that Congress passes a Pay Our Troops Act, one that will ensure our military and our Coast Guard are paid throughout the duration.” Seehafer encouraged Legionnaires to sign up for the Legion’s Grassroots Action Center alerts to stay informed on legislative issues that The American Legion supports. “Let’s make our voice known every single day.”

Seehafer added that a “gridlock in Washington is never good but particularly dangerous when our strong ally, Israel, is engaged in a full war against Hamas terrorists. We know the impact that the 9/11 attacks had on our nation. Ladies and gentlemen, this is exactly why America must always maintain a strong national defense and secure borders.”

More than a million PACT Act-related claims have been filed through the middle of September. According to Military.com, one in three of the 570,000 approved claims have come back with zero percent ratings. “It is a safe bet that a good number of the zero-percent ratings and denied claims were not filed with the assistance of an accredited American Legion service officer,” Seehafer emphasized. “Doesn’t it make sense that a trained expert – and that’s what our service officers are – be at the side of the veteran or the surviving family member as they navigate this complicated process? Not a shark. Not a predator, but instead a lifesaver, a buddy, a true friend as they know how to navigate this complicated process.

The Legion’s service officers are specially trained to provide expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families as they navigate the VA claims process. For assistance in filing a VA claim, contact a Legion service officer. And it is The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation help make their work possible through training “that changes lives and saves live,” Seehafer said. “I just know that I can count on each of you and your departments to continue to support this essential American Legion program with a financial gift.”

Seehafer also addressed the Legion’s new Base Assessment and Servicemember Experience program – BASE – that aims to address quality of life matters that affect servicemembers and their families. National staff will visit military installations to hear from servicemembers about areas of concern – housing and barracks, health care, day care, spousal employment opportunities, education, mental health, food, financial insecurity, commissary and exchange access, and more.

“We are not trying to fill the role of an Inspector General, but we are veteran advocates, and we offer a wealth of experience on what works well and what doesn’t,” Seehafer said regarding the BASE program. “We can carry the concerns and messages of the military community directly to Congress and the White House. Informed advocates are effective advocates!

“When I think of the many great programs that have been generated in this very room (the NEC Room at National Headquarters), it strengthens my belief, my conviction and my resolve that The American Legion truly changes lives and saves lives. That family is not just rhetoric. That is reality. Therefore let’s show the world who we truly are and what membership in The American Legion really means. And that’s service. Service that changes lives and saves lives.

“We continue to change and save lives with a mission like Be the One. Be the One. Saving one veteran, or even their family member, one at a time. Now that’s The American Legion. That is you. And even me.”