American Legion National Commander LaCoursiere Jr. spoke to members of the National Executive Committee during Fall Meetings about pressing topics such as natural disasters, the Middle East and VA funding.
Hurricanes, the anniversary of a surprise attack, 44,500 emails, election year and membership. These were topics that American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. addressed to members of the National Executive Committee and other national leadership Wednesday morning during Fall Meetings in Indianapolis.
As Hurricane Helene and flooding devastated parts of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia, residents in Florida brace for Hurricane Milton. LaCoursiere shared a reminder that The American Legion stands ready to assist Legion members and posts, and Sons of The American Legion members, impacted by the hurricanes with National Emergency Fund grants. Temporary Financial Assistance grants, which help Legion members and active duty servicemembers with minor child(ren) in the home, are also available at the local post or department level.
“Keep in mind that we are truly an American Legion Family, and we are there for you – hearts, minds, prayers and physically, we are there for you,” LaCoursiere said. “The Legion will continue to do what they have always done during emergencies like these. They will put service before self. They will gather supplies, collect donations and give to the areas that are hurting.”
Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the deadly attack on Israel by Hamas; the battle continues in the Middle East. Since the attacks, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel. As a result, an estimated 43,000 U.S. troops and at least a dozen warships are currently deployed to the region, though some were there prior to last year’s attack.
“The American Legion will always believe in defending America’s interests but, at the same time, we understand the need to avoid unnecessary or poorly planned combat deployments,” LaCoursiere said. “Mission objectives and exit strategies must be clear to avoid escalations that could lead to our troops being bogged down in another forever war. Regardless of the policies or circumstances behind any military mission, The American Legion will always and unequivocally support the men and women who are sent in harm’s way.”
Support for troops also means supporting their needs after the uniform comes off. A $3 billion stopgap was required a few weeks ago so the Department of Veterans Affairs could continue funding veteran service-connected payments. The American Legion joined with other VSOs in calling for Congress to immediately fund a $15-billion VA budget shortfall, and more than 44,500 emails were sent to Congress through our legislative action web page.
“This is just the latest instance of The American Legion being the voice for veterans,” he said.
A presidential election is less than a month away and LaCoursiere read Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution of The American Legion: “The American Legion shall be absolutely nonpolitical and shall not be used for the dissemination of partisan principles nor the promotion of the candidacy of any person seeking office or preferment.”
“Our neutrality when it comes to elections is not only mandated by our constitution but serves us well in a practical sense,” he said. “It’s the reason why The American Legion works well with Democrats, Republicans and Independents in Congress. The fact is, nearly every successful veteran’s bill of consequence has had bipartisan support. Our nonpartisanship also helps us maintain a productive relationship with the White House, regardless of which party is in the Oval Office.
“At the same time, we want veterans to vote. Veterans have fought for, and in many cases, died for this constitutional right. Let’s get out the vote.”
LaCoursiere’s goal for new traditional members recruited into posts for 2025 is 75,000. He will reward his Be the One dog tag coin to any Legionnaire who recruits three new members into The American Legion who was not a member in 2024. And his retention goal is 90%.
“I truly believe that the more people learn about The American Legion, see our programs in action, and understand the power we have in setting public policy – the more they will want to join us and the more they will want to stay.”
In closing, LaCoursiere thanked NEC members for keeping the Legion’s suicide prevention mission, Be the One, at the forefront and for supporting the Veterans and Children Foundation through donations.
“My primary focus is quality of life for all of our veterans and their families. We need to be more engaged with the communities to allow the communities to see and believe in The American Legion. Let’s let America know who The American Legion is.”
- Commander