July American Legion Magazine highlights effort to rescue Afghan interpreters

July American Legion Magazine highlights effort to rescue Afghan interpreters

An unfolding disaster for America’s allies in Afghanistan, a brief history of U.S. military code names and a Q&A with Jimmie Johnson – read these articles and more in the July 2021 American Legion Magazine digital edition. The clickable digi-mag is available through MyLegion.org.

In “A Never-Again Moment,” Ken Olsen describes veterans’ desperate push to save Afghan allies and their families from the Taliban in the wake of the withdrawal of U.S. forces from the country. “Failure is not an option,” says Gerald Keen, an Army veteran and president of American Legion Riders Chapter 28 in Grand Haven, Mich. For nearly five years, he’s been trying to help an Afghan interpreter and his family obtain Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). “I can’t leave him behind.”

Blue Spoon. New Dawn. Neptune’s Spear. In “What’s in a (Code) Name,” Alan W. Dowd looks at the meaning behind the phrases given to U.S. military operations – and the message they send to America’s enemies.

NASCAR champ turned INDYCAR driver Jimmie Johnson talks about his love for open-wheel racing, his family’s military service and his partnership with The American Legion.

Check out this issue’s debut of The FOB (Forward Operating Base/Front of the Book), which includes reader letters, submissions to the Legiontown website, results on activities that advance The American Legion’s identity as “Veterans Serving America,” and more.

National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford calls for the immediate evacuation of Afghan nationals who assisted and protected U.S. and coalition forces. “The American Legion believes the ‘forever war’ must end,” he says, “but we must not abandon our allies. We must honor the promise we made them.”

In Big Issues, U.S. Reps. Jared Huffman, D-Calif., and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., debate President Biden’s suspension of new oil and gas leasing on federal lands.

Army veteran and personal trainer Jennifer Campbell answers common questions about supplements, including when they’re necessary, how to know when a supplement is safe, and the benefits of pre- and post-workout drinks.

Members can click here to access the digital magazine.

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