59th Washington Conference begins Feb. 22

The American Legion's 59th annual Washington Conference gets underway Feb. 22 with veteran career and education events, and follows with congressional testimony, a lineup of guest speakers, a Fireside Chat and various American Legion commission meetings.

American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad will take center stage during the conference on Feb. 27 when he addresses a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. Beginning at 10 a.m. ET, the testimony will be streamed live online.

The Feb. 26 Commander’s Call also will be live-streamed. Among those addressing conference attendees will be Speaker of the House Rep. Nancy Pelosi and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Jason Vanderhaden. Following the Commander’s Call, Legionnaires will head to Capitol Hill Feb. 26 to meet with their respective members of Congress

The American Legion also will host a Fireside Chat on Feb. 25 that will feature the House and Senate VA Committees leadership: Chairman Rep. Mark Takano, Ranking Member Rep. Dr. Phil Roe, Chairman Sen. Johnny Isakson and Ranking Member Sen. Jon Tester.

Several events and workshops will be held during the Washington Conference at the Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave. NW. These include a Hiring Our Heroes job fair and workshops for veterans, military personnel and their spouses Feb. 22; a Veterans Small Business Policy Roundtable on Feb. 27, and a Veterans Benefits Administration G.I. Bill Symposium on Feb. 28.

Follow coverage of the Washington Conference online here and via social media using the hashtag #WashConf2019. For a complete livestreaming schedule, click here.