National Commander’s Year in Pictures

For God and Country we associate ourselves together for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Welcome from the

NATIONAL COMMANDER

This year, Congress passed the most comprehensive veterans health-care legislation in decades. The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our PACT Act will benefit up to 3.5 million veterans exposed to burn pits, radiation and other toxins. It puts substance behind the phrase “thank you for your service,” by assisting those sickened by the poisons of war. It will save lives. And it also would not have passed Congress without the hard work and advocacy of countless American Legion Family members encouraging their elected leaders to do right by America’s veterans. It has also been a year in which The American Legion has focused on a number. That number is one, as in “Be the One.” The truth is that statistics regarding suicide among veterans vary. But the important point is that YOU can be the one to ask veterans in your life how they are doing, to listen to veterans when they need to talk and to reach out to veterans when they are struggling. Buddy Checks work and we know of cases in which these interactions have saved lives.

The American Legion was one of the first veterans organizations to pass a formal statement calling for a peaceful conflict resolution in Ukraine. While we do not support the deployment of U.S. troops to defend non-NATO member countries without certain conditions being met, we cannot help but be inspired by the commitment and bravery shown by the Ukrainians in their defense against unjustified Russian aggression.

Defense is something with which Legionnaires are familiar. Legionnaires have served in wars around the globe and, as a result, have seen the sacrifice, valor and dedication that define America’s veterans. They understand the pride veterans take in saluting the flag, assisting their comrades and serving their communities.

The American Legion once again prevailed after filing an amicus curiae brief in an important U.S. Supreme Court case granting a high school football coach the right to pray on the field after games. This victory comes just three years after the Legion successfully defended a veterans memorial in Bladensburg, Md. We were also pleased by another Supreme Court ruling that allows veterans to sue state governments if their agencies fail to respect the employment and re-employment rights of veterans returning from military service. These decisions send a strong message that those who defend our constitutional rights will also have their rights protected.

Finally, I want to thank the thousands of American Legion Family members I have encountered during my travels as national commander. The departments provided exceptional hospitality, and I witnessed firsthand how posts everywhere have delivered on my theme of “No Veteran Left Behind.” It is truly an honor representing the greatest veterans organization in the world.

Paul E. Dillard National Commander, Texas

Welcome from

the AUXILIARY PRESIDENT

I am so excited to be here for the national convention to help celebrate the accomplishments made during this year. Each year, I look forward to catching up with old friends and making new ones. The American Legion Family is such a wonderful group of amazing and talented people, and I am honored to be a part of it. I am grateful to the Department of Wisconsin for hosting this year. I am looking forward to a wonderful week of learning, encouragement and motivation as we recap 2021-2022 highlights. It has been such a pleasure to work the mission alongside American Legion National Commander Paul E. Dillard and Sons of The American Legion National Commander Michael Fox. From wreath-laying events, to walking the American Cemetery in Europe, to various unit and department visits as a family, we saw how important it is to work together. During my travels this year, I have seen that same camaraderie at the local level between members of the Legion Family. So much more can be accomplished when we work together as one.

In addition to being proud of our Legion Family working together, I am also proud of how our members stepped up this year to recognize caregivers. I want to give extra encouragement to our caregivers who have been highlighted this past year through certificates of appreciation, Auxiliary magazine articles, and overall extra love and attention at meetings, events and in their homes. Caring for Those Who Care for Others has been a major step in recognizing and honoring our caregivers for all they do. I know there are many more caregivers out there, so please be kind to your members. We can never know what they are going through today, and your kindness may help them through one more day. Please continue to reach out and recognize them in your units and post homes.

To all members, thank you for what you do for the mission. You have inspired me and inspired each other with new ways to work our programs while staying true to an ALA “Service Not Self” mindset. What you do is important, and it does make a difference!

It has been an honor to lead the American Legion Auxiliary during my term as national president. Thank you for the opportunity. I appreciate your kindness, your camaraderie and your friendships as I visited your departments. I look forward to seeing you all this week as we continue to put the needs of our nation’s veterans, military and their families first.

God bless you, God bless the Legion Family, and God bless the USA!

Kathy Daudistel Latonia American Legion Auxiliary Unit 203, Covington, Ky.