The American Legion leading candidate for 2025-2026 national commander shared his priorities during the National Membership Workshop.
Kansas Legionnaire Dan Wiley handed attendees at the 62nd American Legion National Membership Workshop in Indianapolis on Saturday, Aug. 9, a 3x5 notecard with six items listed. They are his priorities if elected national commander for 2025-2026.
During his remarks to workshop attendees, Wiley briefly addressed a few of the six priorities.
1. Be the One – the Legion’s mission to end veteran suicide. “We are going to continue the mission – Be the One,” Wiley said. “One thing I would encourage you to do when you talk about it, is steer people toward the Columbia Protocol training. Have them take that training. (Sign up for a free online class to save a life.) Be the One is going to continue to be at the forefront.”
2. Better Together. “I’m a strong believer in the American Legion Family. The posts that are successful are the posts that are inclusive and not exclusive – they are the posts that include the (Auxiliary) units, (Sons of The American Legion) squadrons and (Legion Rider) chapters. It’s not about the power, it’s about the mission. Those are the posts that are successful and that’s why it’s my second priority.”
3. Legislative Agenda. The American Legion’s Grassroots Action Center is a platform for connecting American Legion members and advocates with their members of Congress on Legion legislative issues. Legion Family members can sign up for legislative alerts to stay informed of American Legion legislative campaigns and to contact their representatives for support.
4. The 3 C’s:
Communication – Wiley challenged everyone at the National Membership Workshop to examine their communication efforts to posts and districts. During his travels as leading national commander, Wiley said he has repeatedly heard “there is not enough communication.”
Community – “When you go into a post, don’t talk to them about membership – talk to them about the things they can do raise visibility in the community,” Wiley said.
Camaraderie – “Let’s do our Buddy Checks. That goes back to again, taking care of one another.”
5. Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF). The foundation provides one-time Temporary Financial Assistance grants of up to $2,500 for active-duty military families and Legion members with young children in the home who are experiencing financial hardship. And it trains American Legion accredited service officers who provide benefits claims assistance for veterans and their families, free of charge.
6. USA 250 Challenge. The American Legion launched its USA 250 Challenge last month to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and raise funds for V&CF. Between now and July 4, 2026, the challenge encourages Legion Family and community members to engage in 250 miles or hours in one, two or all three of the categories – fitness, mental wellness and community service. Register for the USA 250 Challenge.
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