GENERAL INFORMATION

Legion to VA: Outsourcing is Not the Answer	More Info


Earlier this year, The American Legion hailed the passage of the Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act - commonly known as the "New GI Bill," - contained in Public Law 110-252, which was signed on June 30 and is expected to take effect August 1, 2009. The new law dramatically improves education benefits for veterans and their families, eliminates a $1,200 buy-in now charged to military personnel who choose to use the program, and expands services for members of the National Guard and Reserve components. However, reports are circulating that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning to hire an outside company to implement the New GI Bill. There are also reports that VA may hire outside companies to inspect state veterans' homes. Any plans VA has to hire outside contractors for any purpose will face fierce objection from the world's largest veterans organization. The American Legion, meeting in Phoenix, Arizona for its 90th National Convention, passed resolutions Monday to head off any intentions VA has to outsource either the new GI Bill or the state veterans' homes inspections. "Our newest generation of veterans deserves the benefits administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, not outside contractors," said National Commander Marty Conatser. "Patients, critics and most media all cite the outstanding job the VA is doing. Outsourcing is not the answer." Representative Harry Mitchell (AZ) told Legionnaires he was surprised and disappointed that VA may be looking to outsource the New GI Bill project. "I just cannot believe that we'd ever allow this to happen," Rep. Mitchell told The American Legion on Saturday. "The level of service won't be the same." In a resolution opposing outsourcing the new GI Bill, The American Legion argued that VA should hire the staff necessary to fulfill the law's requirements. The Legion, which strongly opposes the movement toward outsourcing critical services that could be handled internally at VA, also passed a resolution opposing efforts to hire outside companies to perform inspections on state veterans homes which have always been performed by trained VA staff. The American Legion family is urged to contact their members of Congress at (202) 224-3121 and insist that VA be persuaded not to use outside contractors for duties that should be performed by VA personnel.

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On the 19th and 20th of September, 2008 in Andersonville/Americus, Georgia approximately 100 American Ex-POW's and their families along with the invited families of recently returned fallen POW's, SSG Matt Maupin, SPC Alex Jimenez, and PVT Byron Fouty will gather so that greatful Americans can fulfill the Presidential Proclamation by "acknowledging with special gratitude and profound respect those who paid for our freedom with their own, and remember with deep sorrow those whose fate has never been resolved."

We respectfully request you and your fellow American Legion members and your American Legion Riders presence to help us acknowledge these true American heros and their sacrafice for our freedom.

Please take a moment and view the event website; www.powridehomr.org This will give you overview of all that is currently scheduled during the 2 day event. I hope that if you questions you will contact me by phone or e-mail.

Thank you! I look forward to seeing you in Andersonville.

Respectfully,

Jim 'moe' Moyer

Rolling Thunder, Inc

State Director,

Chairman, The Ride Home

407 448 1181 -- cell

863 324 7268 -- home

“Freedom Walks” Urged for 9-11 Commemorations

INDIANAPOLIS (July 2008) - The Department of Defense has asked posts of The American Legion to consider coordinating a “Freedom Walk” in their communities to commemorate the 7^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation on or near September 11^th.

“As we say in our Preamble, it is appropriate for The American Legion to ‘preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in the Great Wars,’ and lead the way in ensuring that the memories of those who died on and after 9-11 are not forgotten,” said Marty Conatser, National Commander.

The event started several years ago at the Pentagon and has since grown to several hundred nationally. According to the DoD website, “It is becoming a national tradition that calls on people to reflect on the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, remember those who responded, honor our veterans past and present and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country.”

“Posts do not need to do all the work – simply coordinate and publicize a short walk, no longer than two miles, with the help of a community committee of civic and religious leaders, school officials, youth and other organizations,” Cmdr. Conatser said. “Whether a post mobilizes ten people or ten thousand, it is important that we reflect on the sacrifices made by thousands of Americans to preserve our liberties.”

In cities or towns where other organizations are already coordinating Freedom Walks, Legionnaires can participate in the event to show their support.

Each post that coordinates a Freedom Walk can be identified on the America Supports You – Freedom Walk website at: http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/FreedomWalk/

Posts can download a four-page planning guide that lays out details on how to coordinate a walk in their town, obtain media materials and sign up as an event organizer.

“I hope that you will encourage members of your communities to come out for an hour or two and join The American Legion in this growing national tradition,” Conatser concluded