Five Things to Know, March 7, 2022

1.   The American Legion’s virtual Washington Conference kicked off over the weekend, with four American Legion commissions and one committee meeting via Zoom. Check out what happened with Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Legislative, and Veterans Employment & Education, as well as what was shared during the Legion’s TBI/PTSD/Suicide Prevention Committee meeting.

2.   U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa has been awarded The American Legion’s Distinguished Public Service award in recognition of her public service career and commitment to the welfare of America’s veterans and their families. Retired from the U.S. Army Reserves with deployments to both Kuwait and Iraq, and a member of The American Legion, Ernst said her time in uniform had a profound impact on her life and helps shape her decision making every day.

3.   American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard is in the nation’s capital this week to address a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs committee. Click here to find out how to watch Tuesday’s 10 a.m. ET hearing.  

4.  Ukraine dismissed Russian promises to let civilians flee its forces' assault on major cities Monday after Moscow offered humanitarian corridors that led to Russia itself or its close ally Belarus.

5.   Team USA’s sled hockey team, which includes six U.S. military veterans, is off to a 2-0 start in the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing. Team USA earned a spot in the semifinals with a 9-1 win Sunday vs. South Korea. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Josh Misiewicz tallied one goal and three assists for Team USA, while U.S. Army veteran Jen Lee started in goal and stopped the only two shots he faced.