Remarks delivered during Commander’s Call a preview of his appearance before Congress on Wednesday.
On Wednesday, American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. will address a joint session of the House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committees to cap the organization’s annual Washington Conference.
But ahead of that, LaCoursiere addressed a full house of American Legion Family members in the Washington Hilton during the Commander’s Call on Feb. 24. During his remarks, he gave his audience a preview of what’s to come on Capitol Hill.
“When I speak before Congress on Wednesday, I plan to discuss the propensity to serve,” he said. “What is it inside young Americans that helps them decide – often against their own interests, comfort, and career opportunities – to join the military and defend us? Why leave the community and neighborhood of your family, friends, classmates, and neighbors to move hundreds or thousands of miles away, so you can be subject to tough physical exercise, harassment by drill instructors and a requirement to surrender many of your personal freedoms?
“It’s a matter of pride, love for your country and the knowledge that military service is honored and respected by all of our fellow citizens.”
LaCoursiere then laid out some of the Legion’s legislative priorities he plans to bring up before Congress. And all are connected by a common goal. “Everything we believe, espouse and fight for is on behalf of the military servicemember – past and present,” said LaCoursiere.
That also includes caring for their families. “Ninety-nine percent of the veterans that I met believe that if you help their family, you are helping them,” LaCoursiere said. “That’s why the last request of so many heroes dying on the battlefield is to express their love to a spouse, child or parent. Quality of life and veterans’ benefits are not just programs for those who wore the uniform, but those who sacrificed on the home front as well.”
LaCoursiere then noted several issues the Legion has its sight on as it looks ahead, telling the audience:
· “We see the struggling veterans and offer our hands in friendship, along with a firm commitment to Be the One to save one. We see the ‘war within,’ which contributes to more than 6,000 veterans taking their own lives every year.”
· “We see the need for the military to improve its transition assistance programs and ensure that those preparing to separate from the service have smooth and soft landings.”
· “We see the frustration that many veterans experience in trying to obtain quality health care and believe a strong, responsive and well-funded VA is the best solution.”
· “We also see the veterans in remote areas and those with unique circumstances that can be better served through strong Community Care options.”
· “We see the need for a military that has the best training, best resources and best firepower in order to deter and defeat adversaries.”
· “We see the need for a secure border, not just to keep out potential terrorists, but stop the deadly flow of fentanyl that is killing so many Americans.”
· “We see the National Guard and Reserve members, whose service isn’t fully recognized when they attempt to use their GI Bill benefits. A day of service should equal a day of service, regardless of whether the orders were issued by the Secretary of Defense or the state’s governor.”
· “We see the sons and daughters of veterans, who may be struggling to purchase their first homes. We have seen the popularity and success of making GI Bill education benefits accessible to family members and believe that VA Home Loan transferability would be a boost to the overall economy.”
· “We see the need to unify this nation as never before when we mark a major milestone next year – the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America.”
LaCoursiere noted that recently a pair of World War II veterans, one 101 years old and the other 99, flew to Manila to observe the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Philippines and used it to stress the Legion’s dedication to those who have worn the nation’s uniform.
“This is just another example of remembrance. If you are a veteran, you are a veteran for life,” he said. “The American Legion will be by your side whether you are a recruit shipping out to basic training today or a World War II veteran who served more than 80 years ago.”
- Commander