The American Legion Online Update
November 5, 2009
National World War II Museum unveils latest additions
With celebrities, veterans and other VIPs in attendance, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans will unveil the latest additions in its $300-million expansion this weekend.A new 70,000-square-foot complex houses the Solomon Victory Theater, the Stage Door Canteen and The American Sector restaurant – billed as significant attractions for the city’s cultural scene.Events kick off Friday morning, when Oscar-winning actor Tom Hanks and museum leaders will introduce “Beyond All Boundaries,” a 4-D cinematic experience produced and narrated by Hanks.COP Keating troops to receive $100,000 in comfort items
Soldiers attacked by enemy forces at Command Outpost Keating in Afghanistan are reaping the benefits of an American Legion-inspired fundraising campaign that brought in more than $100,000 in donations.The money has been used to buy comfort items for the soldiers, who survived an onslaught from about 300 enemy insurgents. When COP Keating came under attack Oct. 3, members of Bravo Troop 3-61 Cavalry from Fort Carson, Colo., had to call in an air strike on their own position that destroyed their personal possessions.Michigan Legionnaire and son earn Boy Scouts heroism awards
An American Legion post commander in Michigan has been awarded the Boy Scouts of America’s highest national award for heroism and bravery. Steven D. Monaghan, commander of Beasley-Zalesny Post 112 in Plymouth, Mich., received the Honor Medal with Crossed Palms for actions he took to save the life of an elderly woman who was swarmed by yellow jackets in front of her home. Monaghan is also cubmaster for Cub Scout Pack 781 of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church in Plymouth.House passes Boozman Bill to improve job training opportunities for veterans
The House passed a number of veteran-related measures Nov. 3, including legislation introduced by Rep. John Boozman, R-Ark., to improve job training opportunities for veterans. The Veterans’ Retraining Act of 2009 (H.R. 1168), as amended, would provide a housing stipend to unemployed veterans enrolled in a Department of Labor job-training program. The bill also would provide financial assistance to help newly trained veterans relocate to areas with high demand for their acquired skills.The American Legion responds to Fort Hood tragedy
American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill released the following statement concerning this afternoon’s shootings at Ft. Hood: “The American Legion extends condolences to the victims and the families of those affected by the shootings at Fort Hood. The facts are not all out and there is still much about the events that we do not yet know. We do know, however, that The American Legion will reach out to assist any soldiers, family members or other victims of this horrible tragedy in any way possible. We will release further statements as the facts become known.”NYC Post 1870 hosts Marines from USS New York
When Sean Powers was first approached about joining The American Legion, he admits he had a wrong impression of the organization. He made sure to give the right one to a group of U.S. Marines attending his post’s meeting Nov. 4.Pelosi: VA offers lessons for national health-care reform
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi says a new national health-care system – whatever shape it ultimately takes, if passed – can benefit from the model provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs, which operates the largest managed health-care system in the nation, with more than 1,000 hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.“First of all, the VA is the VA,” said Rep. Pelosi, D-Calif., during an interview with The American Legion Magazine. “It’s a respected brand name. Where there is confidence, we want more confidence.”USS New York to be commissioned Saturday
The USS New York (LPD 21), built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center wreckage, sailed into New York City on Nov. 2. The San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock will be commissioned into the U.S. fleet at 11 a.m., Nov. 7, at Piers 86 and 88 in New York Harbor. When the warship arrived, it made a stop across from the site of the World Trade Center and fired a 21-gun salute. Once docked, the New York’s crew began hosting public tours. The ship will be open to the media Nov. 6.November 4, 2009
Legion welcomes VA five-year plan for homeless vets
The American Legion welcomed VA’s five-year plan to end homelessness among veterans, an issue the Legion has been addressing for several years. VA Secretary Eric Shinseki announced the comprehensive plan at the VA National Summit Ending Homelessness Among Veterans in Washington on Nov. 4.“Anyone who has served our country in uniform should have a roof over their heads,” said American Legion National Commander Clarence Hill. “To have even one veteran out there living in the streets is a disgrace.Craigslist founder joins VA innovation panel
Craig Newmark, founder of advertising Web site Craigslist, has agreed to serve on the VA blue-ribbon panel that will evaluate ideas to improve disability claims processing time and provide greater transparency for veterans.New American Legion National Web site takes flight Nov. 9
An all-new American Legion National Headquarters Web site debuts the week of Veterans Day. Easier to search than ever before, the site provides dozens of new features, including a frequently updated daily news menu on the landing page and unique hubs dedicated to specific Legion programs and interests.November 3, 2009
Legion, 12 other VSOs send letter of thanks to Reid
On Nov. 2, representatives from The American Legion and 12 other veterans service organizations signed a letter of thanks to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. They expressed appreciation for his help in moving important legislation on VA health care quickly to the Senate for a floor vote. The text of the letter follows:Dear Senator Reid:VA puts hold on new Agent Orange claims
VA issued instructions Oct. 30 to its regional offices, ordering them to stay the adjudication of all claims seeking presumptive service connection for B-cell leukemia, Parkinson’s disease and/or ischemic heart disease, until final regulations are published in the Federal Register.American Legion service officers have been directed to file presumptive claims immediately for such medical conditions, without waiting for the completion of the regulation process.November 2, 2009
Freedom Car races for Rookie of the Year honors
Jerick Johnson, driving The American Legion/David Law Firm 76 Freedom Car, will race in an historic contest at Memphis Motorsports Park Nov. 7. The American Speed Association Late Model Challenge Series will not only conclude its 2009 season at the three-quarter-mile short track oval, but the 300-lap race will be the last event held at the historic Tennessee track.Johnson heads into the Kings Ransom 300 in 10th place in driver points and second place in rookie points – five points out of ninth place and first place, respectively.Have you subscribed to the new Legion Online Update?
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Michael Peterson Campaign
Country music singer Michael Peterson's DVD collaboration with The American Legion - featuring the song "It's Who We Are," a tribute to The American Legion - is now available.
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