Virtual conference, real results

Though the 2022 American Legion Washington Conference will not be the massive gathering that we have enjoyed prior to the pandemic, members of the nation’s largest veterans organization can expect meaningful results to arise from our virtual advocacy.

The legislative agenda that The American Legion presents to the second session of the 117th Congress is ambitious and timely. And in many ways, it is overdue.

Veterans exposed to toxic burn pits have waited far too long for the presumption of service connection to be established. The American Legion urges Congress to pass legislation that requires VA to presume exposure for veterans deployed to areas with known environmental hazards, establishes a framework for the presumptive process and creates a list of presumptive illnesses associated with burn pits. Urgent action is needed to ensure that veterans have access to the care they need and have earned.

I am disappointed that access is still very limited at the U.S. Capitol. As I wrote in a letter to senior congressional leaders in October, “The People’s House should not be closed to groups such as ours a day longer than necessary.”

Yet, through the use of email, phone calls and personal visits to congressional district offices, there are still many ways for Legionnaires to advance our priorities. First, I recommend that you watch the Know Before You Go video.

Then, return to legion.org on Tuesday, March 8, at 10 a.m. to watch a livestream of my testimony before a joint session of senators and representatives hosted by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

As you communicate with your representative and senators, I ask that you remember an important principle that has served our organization well for 103 years. The American Legion is nonpartisan. We are there to advance policies, not personalities. It is not the time to espouse political viewpoints, unrelated agendas, or personal attacks.

Remember, not every member of Congress is going to agree with us on every issue. Be polite and respectful in these instances and there is a good chance that the member will be willing to reconsider or work with us on other issues of importance to the Legion.

Whether we are advocating for better health care or protecting the U.S. flag from desecration, it’s important to always remember our core constituents – the men and women who went into harm’s way and defended America.

For God and Country,

Paul E. Dillard

American Legion National Commander