NSC convenes during Washington Conference

In conjunction with the Washington Conference, The American Legion's National Security Commission (NSC) convened Feb. 23 to hear presentations regarding homeland security, the future of military medicine, and the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Report. The commission also received an update on the newly created Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

The commission meets during each conference to recommend policies that ensure the national security of the United States Departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security. The NSC has an understanding of the federal budget process and maintains a working relationship with the departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security. The NSC has the authority to recommend policy on matters of national security. The Aerospace Committee, the Conventional Armed Forces Committee, the Foreign Relations Committee, the Law and Order & Homeland Security Committee, the Military Benefits and Quality of Life Committee, the National Guard and Reserve Forces Committee, the Unconventional Forces and Intelligence Committee, and the National Security Council fall under the supervision and coordination of the NSC.

The morning’s first distinguished speaker, National Commander Mike Helm, spoke to the commission about his recent trip to Vietnam and Laos where he accompanied DoD personnel in field operations to recover the remains of missing servicemembers. Helm reiterated the sacred obligation the nation has to account for all those who have fallen or are still missing. He also thanked the commission for the important work it does to ensure a strong national defense.

Afterword, Maj. Gen. Richard Thomas, chief medical officer and director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Healthcare Operations Directorate, talked to Legionnaires about the future and longevity of military medicine through facilitating longstanding relationships and initiatives with other agencies, allowing benefit and entitlement changes that are evolutionary – not revolutionary.

“When servicemembers join the military they are signing a blank check,” he said. “We are underwriting that check.”

Thomas reiterated DHA's commitment to the comprehensive access, quality and safety of troops and their families during and after active duty. “A soldier, sailor, airman and Marine needs to trust that while they are doing God's work at the tip of the spear, that everyone back home is being taken care of,” Thomas said. “And, when they finish their time of active service that those benefits they were promised are there to deliver. It's up to us to sustain that benefit. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.”

The general also stressed the importance of having a military medical force that is ready to provide unparalleled medical capabilities at all times.

Following Thomas' remarks, Rear Adm. Todd A. Sokalzuk, assistant commandant for Resources and chief financial officer of the Coast Guard, addressed the committee.

Sokalzuk spoke about how President Obama's proposed fiscal year 2016 budget would impact the military and ways the Coast Guard's missions directly support the Department of Homeland Security's goals to secure borders, safeguard cyberspace, prevent terrorism, enforce immigration laws and strengthen national resilience and preparedness. He also highlighted current budget successes and provided a workforce update.

Finally, Rear Adm. Michael T. Franken, interim director of the Defense Personnel Accounting Agency and Ann Mills-Griffiths, chairman of the board of the National League of Families of American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia, briefed the commission on the progress of the DPAA and noted the challenges that lay ahead for the new agency charged with the accounting and recovery of missing DoD personnel. Both thanked the Legion for its ongoing engagement and leadership on the issue.

Following the guest speakers, the session adjourned after the commission was briefed on the MCRM report and participated in individual committee breakout sessions, outlining authorization and resolution assignments.