American Legion National Commander Bowen speaks at The 107th American Legion National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo: The American Legion National Headquarters)
Thousands of Legionnaires and members of the American Legion Family gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for The American Legion’s 107th National Convention, where delegates elected new leadership and heard updates on Veterans health care, disability benefits, suicide prevention, and legislative priorities.
Colorado Legionnaire Jay Bowen was unanimously elected national commander Sept. 3. A retired Army chief warrant officer three and Operation Desert Shield Veteran, Bowen has served The American Legion at the post, district, department, and national levels.
Bowen will lead under the theme “Be Part of the Solution,” or BPOTS. He called on Legionnaires to support Veterans and their families, strengthen their communities, and continue the Legion’s Be the One mission to prevent Veteran suicide. His fundraising project will support the Veterans & Children Foundation.
Outgoing National Commander Dan K. Wiley used his final convention address to highlight the Legion’s work during the past year. Wiley said American Legion Veterans Service Officers helped Veterans receive more than $29 billion in VA benefits, while more than 450,000 messages were sent to Congress through the Legion’s Grassroots Action Center.
Related Resource: Learn What Legion Veterans Service Officers Do
The Taking Care of America’s Veterans Act, or TCAVA, was also a major topic in Louisville. The legislation combines 62 Veterans-related measures covering benefits, health care, education, surviving spouses, combat-injured retirees, and other priorities.
Legion leaders acknowledged concerns with portions of the legislation, including provisions that could affect future disability ratings involving tinnitus and sleep apnea. They maintained that TCAVA remains the best path for advancing dozens of long-standing Legion priorities. Nearly 69,600 messages concerning the legislation had been sent through the Legion’s advocacy network since July 1.
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society voiced support for TCAVA. Society President and retired Navy SEAL Master Chief Britt Slabinski told delegates that the country assumes a responsibility when it sends Americans to war and praised The American Legion for continuing to advocate on their behalf.
VA Secretary Doug Collins provided delegates with an update on Veterans’ health care and benefits. Collins said VA had enrolled more than 250,000 new Veterans during the year and recorded 3.6 million community care visits, a 16% increase. He also said the disability claims backlog had fallen from 145 days when he took office to 75 days.
Veterans were also able to receive benefits assistance at the convention. The American Legion and the VA partnered for a three-day claims clinic that assisted 263 Veterans from 21 states, along with one Veteran who traveled from Norway. Veterans could file claims, receive help with pending cases, and complete some C&P examinations.
Women Veterans’ health care was another focus. Panelists said VA care for women has improved during the past two decades, particularly in military sexual trauma care, but access and coordination can still vary between facilities.
Veteran suicide prevention remained central throughout the convention. Be the One training drew a standing-room-only crowd as participants learned how to recognize suicide risk factors and use the Columbia Protocol to identify someone who may be in crisis.
A separate mental health discussion focused on the role family members, friends, and fellow Veterans can play in helping those living with PTSD and other mental health conditions. Panelists stressed the importance of listening, staying connected, and helping Veterans reach appropriate resources.
The issues discussed in Louisville now move back to Legion departments and posts across the country as Bowen begins his term and Legionnaires put his call to “Be Part of the Solution” into practice.
Editor’s Note: Part 2 of our 107th National Convention coverage is found here.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.