Thank You

oversight committees and staff relating to the purposes of the commission; to monitor the hearings of these oversight committees and provide congressional testimony in cooperation with the Legislative Commission and staff; and to be knowledgeable about security threats to the United States as defined by the departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security.

National Security committees

Aerospace Committee Richard C. Oertel, Chairman, Virginia Conventional Armed Forces Committee Thomas B. Schottenbauer, Chairman, Minnesota Foreign Relations Committee James A. Lacoursiere Jr., Chairman, Connecticut Law and Order & Homeland Security Committee George W. Wehrli, Chairman, Florida Military Benefits & Quality of Life Committee William J. Flanagan, Chairman, Illinois National Guard & Reserve Forces Committee William B. Goede, Chairman, Minnesota Unconventional Forces & Intelligence Committee Douglas C. Haggan, Chairman, France

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION COMMISSION

Ralph P. Bozella

Chairman, Colorado

Katie Purswell

Director, Maryland

The Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission formulates and recommends to the NEC policies, plans and programs on direct assistance, outreach and support for veterans and their families with Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and benefits, health care, memorial affairs and women veterans programs, to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care from VA for their injuries and illnesses incurred from their military service; coordinates the activities of the national organization in veterans affairs; and oversees the effectiveness of The American Legion’s programs of service to these war veterans and their dependents in claims for benefits administered by federal and state programs.

VA&R Committees

Health Administration Committee James W. Stanko, Chairman, Georgia

Timely and quality medical functions under VA health care; VA Voluntary Service (VAVS) program and all volunteer programs at these facilities; state veterans homes; VHA research and affiliation with medical universities; VHA budget. National Cemetery Committee Richard W. Neville, Chairman, North Carolina

VA national cemeteries, and the internment of veterans, military and their dependents, including Arlington National Cemetery. TBI/PTSD/Suicide Prevention Committee Ronald F. Conley, Chairman, Pennsylvania

Research and recommendations on treatments for postconflict TBI and PTSD.

Veterans Benefits Committee William J. Smith, Chairman, Pennsylvania

Timely decisions on claims and receipt of earned benefits.

VETERANS EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION COMMISSION

James A. Lacoursiere Jr.

Chairman, Connecticut

Joseph C. Sharpe Jr.

Director , District of Columbia

The purpose of the Veterans Employment & Education Commission is to supervise and coordinate all activities of committees assigned to the commission; when necessary, to initiate action concerning all matters affecting the economic well-being of veterans and/or the re-establishment of all war veterans returning to civilian life after a period of active service in the armed forces of the United States; and to keep the national commander and the NEC informed concerning all developments affecting the economic welfare of veterans in all areas under the jurisdiction of the commission.

VE&E Committees

Employment & Veterans Preference Committee James Fratolillo, Chairman, Massachusetts

War veterans’ attachment to the labor force, public or private. Veterans Education, Other Benefits & Homelessness Committee Eric W. Measles, Chairman, California

Veterans benefits and the challenge of veteran homelessness.

2022 COMMISSIONS & COMMITTEES

AMERICAN LEGION CHARITIES

American Legion Charities benefits various programs and services focused on the men and women who have served the United States in its armed forces, and the families who support those servicemembers.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO NATIONAL COMMANDER

This committee acts as adviser and counselor to the national commander and all other national officers on matters of policy and activities; studies and reports on matters referred to it by the national commander, the National Executive Committee, the national adjutant or members of the committee.

James Baca

Executive Director, New Mexico

Baca oversees the Indianapolis-based divisions Americanism, Convention & Meetings and the Library, including the Emil A. Blackmore Museum.

Chanin Nuntavong

Executive Director of Government Affairs, California

Nuntavong oversees Washington, D.C.-based divisions dedicated to delivery of earned benefits, and serves as the liaison for the White House, Cabinet and other organizations.

Dean Kessel

Executive Director, North Carolina

Kessel oversees Marketing, Media & Communications, Internal Affairs & Membership, Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships.

Read full versions of the latest commission reports online: legion.org/commissionsandcommittees

100 Miles for Hope 5K (on your time)

Gather your American Legion Family members and friends for a special 100 Miles for Hope 5K during the national convention. What: Walk, run, skip or rent a bike and ride from the Wisconsin Center to Veterans Memorial Park and back. The park is about 1.5 miles away, making the round trip about a 5K. Where: There will be a 100 Miles for Hope selfie stand inside the Wisconsin Center. Participants are encouraged to start and finish their journeys there. Snap a selfie of yourself or your group and share on social media, using the hashtag #100MFH. When: Anytime the Wisconsin Center is open. It’s an easy and safe 5K. Do note that there is a long hill going down to the park, so participants will have to go back up it on their return.