National Commander congratulates Obama

American Legion National Commander James E. Koutz sent a letter to the White House today, congratulating President Barack Obama on his re-election.

Koutz assured the president that "members of The American Legion stand ready to accept the obligation to make our country better, just as we accepted our country’s call when we entered our shared bond of military service." He also asked the president to remember the sacrifices already endured by veterans and those who now serve in the military.

"The American Legion," Koutz wrote, "will continue to assist you in your endeavors to reduce the ever-growing disability claims backlog in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). We will work with you to strengthen the earned benefits of VA health-care programs, and to ensure TRICARE benefits are not diminished.

"Lastly, The American Legion agrees with you that the nation needs to pass on to future generations a country that is safe and respected and admired around the world, a nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this world has ever known."

Koutz referred to Obama’s remarks on election night by writing, "Those remarks included your belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations, and that those freedoms, which so many Americans fought for and died for, come with responsibilities as well as rights."

Obama defeated Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, winning 303 electoral votes and 50 percent of the popular vote. Romney received 206 electoral votes and 48 percent of the popular vote.