Oxford to Palmetto State lawmakers: ‘If you value diversity, look to military’

National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford capped his visit to the Department of South Carolina with a powerful address before a joint assembly of that state’s legislature on March 4.

In a move that mirrored a major American Legion federal legislative victory in 1988, the state recently elevated its division of veterans affairs to an executive level department.

“For many years, The American Legion worked to have the U.S. Veterans Administration elevated to the cabinet-status that it enjoys today,” Oxford told South Carolina lawmakers. “The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is far from perfect, but since 1989 it has been led by secretaries who have been vetted and confirmed by Congress. With the increased status came increased scrutiny. The American Legion believes this is a good thing. It not only empowers that department to better serve its constituency, but it sends a powerful message that veterans are an important priority.”

Oxford took issue with a recent headline in the Columbia State newspaper, which questioned whether it was good that the University of South Carolina president’s top staff was filled by veterans with military connections.

“Allow me to answer that question. Yes!” Oxford said to the legislature. “Military service requires a lot more than trigger-pulling and marching. The U.S. military leads the world in technological innovation. In addition to academic excellence, the bright men and women attending our service academies must excel in rigorous physical training, adhere to strict honor codes and learn the value of leadership. If you value diversity, look no further than our military which truly is a melting pot of excellence.”

In a preview of next week’s congressional testimony, Oxford registered his organization’s concern that some for-profit and online schools are using deceptive marketing tactics to separate veterans from their GI Bill benefits. “By offering little value, they are not only shortchanging student veterans, but they are committing fraud on U.S. taxpayers,” he said.

Oxford also commended the current state legislative session for working to exempt military pensions from state income tax and a bill that would make it easier for veterans to obtain nursing degrees.

“The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that South Carolina faces a shortage of more than 10,000 nurses by 2030,” Oxford said. “The Veterans Nursing Degree Opportunity Act sounds like a win-win. Good for South Carolina and good for veterans.”

The national commander concluded his remarks by presenting plaques to State Sen. Ronnie Cromer and Rep. Michael Rivers, Sr., who were designated The American Legion Department of South Carolina Outstanding Members of the Legislature for 2020.