The rough road to Army integration, America the energy giant and more in February magazine

Check out the February issue of The American Legion Magazine, which includes articles on America’s pursuit of energy independence, Army desegregation and integration during the Korean War, the extension of The American Legion’s relationship with Chip Ganassi Racing and more. The clickable digi-mag is available through MyLegion.org.

• In “Power Up,” Alan Greenblatt explains why total U.S. energy independence remains elusive, despite record production. “No matter how much supply is on hand, if demand is greater elsewhere markets will respond,” he writes. Nor would it work to wall off the country in terms of energy. “There will always be some moving out and some coming in.”

• Author and historian Thomas J. Ward Jr. describes how the Korean War led to integrated forces, as leaders concluded that all-Black units performed poorly not because they were Black but because they were segregated. “I know we fought as well as any other unit did,” said Curtis Bolton, who served with the 24th Infantry Division, “and the information has been distorted and stories too that are not true.”

• As National Commander Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola prepares to speak at the annual Lincoln Pilgrimage in Springfield, Ill., he reflects on the words and legacies of America’s first and 16th commanders in chief.

• Alex Palou, 2021 NTT INDYCAR Series champion, will drive the Legion’s car in the upcoming season, along with 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson and INDY NXT driver Kyffin Simpson. “We are humbled to continue supporting The American Legion’s mission in ending veteran suicide,” said Chip Ganassi, owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, which signed a multiyear partnership with the Legion in December. “We will do absolutely everything we can to help veterans get the support they need while raising public awareness of the Be the One campaign.”

• This issue’s “On Point” highlights The American Legion’s support for the Valor Medals Review Project, a research effort examining cases of U.S. military personnel who served during World War I and may have been denied warranted Medals of Honor due to ethnicity or religion.

Members can click here to access the digital magazine.

To join The American Legion and enjoy monthly digital issues of The American Legion Magazine, visit legion.org/join.