Let's all Be the One

My fellow Legionnaires and Legion Family members, it is my honor and privilege to be elected as your national commander. My theme for the year is “Be the One”  – the Legion’s veteran suicide prevention initiative.
 
“Be the One” is a multifaceted approach to tacking veteran suicides that includes:
  • Destigmatizing asking for mental help support.
  • Providing peer-to-peer support and resources in local communities.
  • Creating safe spaces for veterans to be open about their struggles and encouraging every American, veteran and civilians alike, to take the pledge to “Be the One” to help end veteran suicide.
As the military changes, and as military issues change, so does The American Legion. While the Legion continues to celebrate its past, it does so while also marching toward an evolving future, discovering ways to stay relevant and add even greater value to the lives of younger veterans.
 
One thing that hasn’t changed is the Legion’s dedication to addressing the toughest challenges facing veterans and their families. Veteran suicide may be the biggest challenge yet, but anyone can “Be the One” to help save just one veteran.
 
Let’s all pledge to “Be the One.”
 
You will see the V.E.T.S. acronym a lot this year. It stands for Veterans, Education, Teamwork and Sponsor. It’s how we build a stronger and larger American Legion.
 
I am excited to hit the ground running to work with you to having a productive, successful and fun-filled year. 
Remember: We are The American Legion, the voice of the veteran since 1919. As long as America has veterans, there will always be an American Legion.
 
We are witnessing a movement in The American Legion. All of you are part of exciting times now and will ride into the future.