The National American Legion Riders helped to bring in more than $1 million for the Veterans & Children Foundation. (Photo: The American Legion National Headquarters)
Editor’s Note: Find 107th National Convention Highlights Part 1 here.
The American Legion’s 107th National Convention featured the work being done by Legionnaires, Riders, military families, youth programs, and organizations committed to preserving the stories of those who served.
The 20th American Legion Legacy Run raised $1,011,563 for the Veterans & Children Foundation. The five-day ride covered nearly 1,000 miles and continued despite the death of Assistant Chief Road Guard Michael Haas, who died from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident during the ride. Riders completed the mission in his honor.
Convention delegates also heard an update on efforts to account for Americans missing from past wars. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Director Kelly McKeague said 80,754 Service Members remain unaccounted for since World War II, with an estimated 38,000 still considered recoverable. The agency recorded 231 identifications during fiscal year 2025. McKeague shared stories of families who received answers decades after their loved ones disappeared, including Army 1st Lt. Morton Sher, whose remains were identified more than 80 years after his aircraft went down in China during World War II.
Preserving the stories of women who served was another focus. Military Women’s Memorial President Phyllis Wilson said nearly 350,000 women have been documented by the memorial, while about three million women have worn the uniform since the Revolutionary War. She challenged American Legion posts to help add more of their stories.
Student Veterans of America President and CEO Cory Boatwright encouraged Legion posts to build stronger relationships with Student Veterans and SVA chapters. He called for stronger Veterans resource centers, greater visibility on college campuses, and better connections to internships and careers.
Officials also discussed protecting GI Bill benefits from fraud. VA and state approving agency representatives reviewed efforts to improve oversight of schools receiving Veterans education funding and remove programs that fail to provide adequate value.
Military family readiness received attention during National Security Commission meetings. A military spouse panel discussed concerns including housing, food insecurity, infrastructure, and access to services while emphasizing the connection between family stability and military readiness.
The Department of California received national recognition as one of six departments honored as fundraising champions in the USA 250 Challenge, which raised money for the Veterans & Children Foundation.
The all-female Jackie Robinson Auxiliary Unit 252 from Los Angeles also won the Military Open category of the National Color Guard Contest for the second consecutive year.
Service to the Louisville community began before the main convention sessions. About 55 American Legion Family volunteers cleaned Greenwood Cemetery, a historic 22-acre cemetery containing nearly 900 Veterans’ graves, including more than 800 Black Veterans.
Several individuals and organizations were honored during the week. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) received The American Legion Patriot Award, while the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion’s highest award. The Legion also honored Wisconsin Assistant Police Chief Melissa Wiesner as National Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Ohio Firefighter/EMT Lucas Woodward as National Firefighter of the Year.
Thom Skelley of Texas was elected Sons of The American Legion national commander for 2026-27. He said POW/MIA awareness will be one of his priorities during the year.
The 107th National Convention closed with a strong showing of service, advocacy, and support for Veterans and their families. The American Legion Family will gather again Aug. 27 through Sept. 2, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri, for the 108th National Convention.
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.