URGENT UPDATE: Leaders of The American Legion are in Durango, Colorado, engaging with local veterans to address pressing issues affecting their lives. National Vice Commander Ben Headen and state commander Mike Crowe visited the Trujillo-Sheets Legion Post 28 on Thursday morning, discussing vital topics over coffee and doughnuts.
The meeting, part of an ongoing effort to connect with veterans nationwide, aims to influence legislation like the Major Richard Star Act. This crucial bill, which currently awaits approval in Congress, seeks to ensure that disabled combat veterans can access their full military retirement pay without penalty—a matter that deeply impacts many veterans.
“We’re ran from the bottom up,” Headen stated, emphasizing the grassroots approach that drives the Legion’s advocacy. “All resolutions, all matters that impact veterans in the communities that they live in start at a local post.” This local engagement is essential for shaping policies that the Legion presents to Congress.
The Richard Star Act has gained bipartisan support, but its fate remains uncertain. “As it is,” Headen explained, “a veteran who’s retired gets their retirement check. If they have a disability, their check is offset by their disability. We’re the only federal employees that this happens to.” The Legion is pushing hard for this change, highlighting the need for systemic reform.
Jackson, another key figure in the meeting, shared that initiatives like the Lee White Memorial Motorcycle Dice Ride and the veterans’ train ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad not only raise awareness for issues like the Richard Star Act but also provide opportunities for veterans to join the Legion. Membership connects them to essential health care and educational resources.
Mental health support is another critical focus for the Legion. Jackson distributed poker chips containing a QR code linking to the Legion’s suicide prevention resources and the Veterans Crisis Line (988 then 1). “This QR code says, ‘Do you need help?’” he said, highlighting the resources available for veterans in distress.
Crowe noted the stigma veterans sometimes face in their communities. To combat this, Legion posts host events like chili cook-offs and concerts, fostering community engagement and understanding. “We are part of the community at the post level,” Crowe affirmed. “We’re part of the human race.”
The visit by national and state leaders underscores the American Legion’s commitment to advocating for veterans’ rights and needs. As they work to amplify the voices of local veterans, the urgency for legislative change, particularly regarding the Richard Star Act, continues to grow.
WHAT’S NEXT: Advocates are urging community members to support the Richard Star Act as discussions in Congress progress. Stay tuned for further updates on this critical issue impacting veterans across the nation. The conversation in Durango is just one part of a larger movement to ensure veterans receive the benefits they deserve.
