Barnett testifies at South Carolina Statehouse

American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett ended his tour of the Department of South Carolina on March 2 with a rousing address before a joint assembly of the state’s legislature in its historic capitol building. To a wide smattering of applause from Palmetto State lawmakers, Barnett welcomed a proposal to exempt military pensions from state taxes.

“It is not uncommon for a military retiree to be as young as age 38, having served 20 years in the military," Barnett said. "Most of these young men and women begin second careers. By exempting military pensions, they would find re-settling in a state like South Carolina to be a very attractive option. By taxing income from their new careers and their property, the state would be able to receive not just a patriotic new resident, but additional revenue as well.”

Barnett’s testimony capped a three-day visit to South Carolina, which included a visit to the Army Training Center in Fort Jackson, the Veterans Victory House in Walterboro, VA hospitals in Columbia and Charleston and several American Legion posts. He was joined at the statehouse by American Legion Auxiliary National President Sharon Conatser of Champaign, Ill.

During his remarks, Barnett lamented military budget cuts made in Washington.

“Throughout America’s history, every military drawdown was later followed by a horrific war. We cannot rely on the good intentions of rogue states such as North Korea or Iran,” Barnett said. A West Point graduate and retired Army officer, Barnett reiterated The American Legion's call to bring accountability to the VA.

“I would like to categorically correct any misconception that The American Legion is somehow antagonistic toward or opposed to the Department of Veterans Affairs,” he said. “We care deeply about the VA, which is why we want it to correct deficiencies.”

Barnett, who was an Atlanta-area high school teacher and coach after retiring from the Army, pointed out that the Legion serves local interests. “In addition to influencing policy in Washington, The American Legion is right here in your communities,” he told legislators before listing ways various Legion programs benefit communities. “Sponsoring Boy Scout troops, conducting programs like American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Girls State, volunteering at VA hospitals and many other activities, improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.”

During a town hall-style meeting with South Carolina American Legion Family members, Conatser emphasized the importance of including spouses and children in Legion events. “We need to bring families to center court," she said. "We should remember that people coming back need family time. How many of us were super active (in the Legion) at age 24? Some of us were, but most were not. So by including families and gearing our activities toward families, it will help us grow and all be here for our veterans for years to come.”

Barnett added that the best American Legion veteran awareness walks are those that include people of all ages. “People may ask, ‘Why are old people marching with young people? What’s bringing them together?' The answer is The American Legion!”