February 28, 2022

Five Things to Know, Feb. 28, 2022

By The American Legion
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Five Things to Know, Feb. 28, 2022
Paratroopers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division, assist with unloading humanitarian goods in support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in preparation of potential evacuees from Ukraine at the G2A Arena in Jasionka, Poland, Feb. 25. The Department of Defense is in support of the Department of State to assist American citizens and other designated personnel departing Ukraine as a result of Russian aggression. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Rob Whitlow)

The ever-evolving situation in the Ukraine, Jimmie Johnson in the Firestone Grand Prix among today’s offerings.

1. Russian and Ukrainian officials sat down for talks on Monday even as fighting raged around key cities and Russian President Vladimir Putin confronted the fallout from an invasion that has rallied the West behind his neighbor and against Moscow. Tensions escalated further Sunday when Putin ordered Russia’s nuclear forces to be on high alert, a move that came as his invasion did not appear to be proceeding as he might have hoped.

2. The 2022 INDYCAR season kicked off in Florida on Sunday with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Driving the Carvana Racing No. 48 car featuring American Legion branding, Jimmie Johnson finished 23rd after moving up to as high as 12th. Afterward, Johnson said his effort was my most competitive race.”

3. U.S. Army veteran James Gafney broke his back twice, including once while deployed, and can’t run or bike long distances without his back hurting. He found a way to stay healthy by paddle boarding and got a big assist from The American Legion Department of Florida in the form of a new paddle board and paddle through an Operation Comfort Warriors grant.

4. A long-awaited process for area veterans is coming soon to Emporia, Kan., American Legion Post 5. It will be the newest test site for an initiative called Project Atlas involving The American Legion, VA and Phillips. The new Project ATLAS pod will be installed this week. When all set up, it will essentially serve as a videoconferencing facility for veterans needing medical appointments.

5. Honor and remembrance is a vital part of The American Legion. Eugene Pierce, commander of New York American Legion Jesse Clipper Post 430, has made one of his life’s missions to bring attention to fellow veterans past and present to ensure they are never forgotten. His latest project involves the post namesake, a Buffalo native who was the first Black veteran to sacrifice his life during WWI.

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