Donate to Help the Victims of the Deadly Maui Wildfires
The recent wildfires on Maui have caused widespread destruction and loss, including for many veterans and members of The American Legion. These brave men and women have served our country with honor and distinction, and now they need our help.
The fires began on August 10, 2023, and have been burning for over a week. The fires have destroyed over 1,000 homes and businesses, and over 10,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. The fires are still burning, and the full extent of the damage is not yet known.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance to fire victims, including food, shelter, and clothing. The Hawaii Community Foundation has established a Maui Strong Fund to support fire victims. The Maui United Way is also accepting donations to help fire victims.
We are asking for your help to provide financial assistance to veterans and members of The American Legion affected by the recent Maui fires. Your donation will help them to rebuild their lives and recover from this disaster.
Here are some of the ways your donation will be used:
- To provide financial assistance for food, clothing, and shelter.
- To help replace lost vehicles and other essential items.
- To provide counseling and support services.
- To help veterans and Legionnaires get back on their feet.
Your donation will make a difference in the lives of these veterans and Legionnaires.
Please give what you can to help them rebuild their lives. Thank you for your support.
Sign up for Veterans News emails
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
VETERANS NEWS
Honoring Military Service: ‘Coding for Veterans’ to Debut ‘Sounds of Success’ at Rose Parade
‘Coding for Veterans’ is seeking volunteers to help decorate their ‘Sounds of Success’ float for the Rose Parade on January 1 in Pasadena, California.
Congressional Hearing Explores Psychedelic Treatments for Veterans’ Mental Health
Lawmakers and Veterans Affairs officials are considering the potential of psychedelic drugs, especially MDMA-assisted therapy, for treating mental health issues in Veterans, with recent congressional hearings emphasizing the need for research and FDA approval, while acknowledging concerns about legality and safety.
‘Be the One’ Weekend
This past weekend, American Legion District 22 held the first “American Legion ‘Be the One’ Weekend” event in San Diego. It has received national attention, and the successes have been shared with American Legion Posts nationwide.
Surge in Nationwide Homelessness Prompts HUD and VA Action, with Focus on Alarming Rise in Veteran Homelessness
Recent data reveals a 12% increase in homelessness among Americans, prompting urgent responses from HUD and VA, particularly in addressing the unexpected surge in Veteran homelessness, leading to proposed funding boosts and strategic interventions to combat the crisis.
“Face of the Enemy: An American Asian’s War in Vietnam and at Home”: David O. Chung, A U.S. Air Force Veteran’s Memoir
“Face of the Enemy: An American Asian’s War in Vietnam and at Home” recounts the journey of U.S. Air Force Veteran David O. “Doc” Chung, intertwining his experiences during the Vietnam War with the face of the enemy and a lifelong commitment to advocating for the often-neglected contributions of Women Veterans.
Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force Chairman Reflects on Recent Ceremony Honoring Local California Veterans
Tom Lasser, Chairman of the Redondo Beach Veterans Memorial Task Force, expresses gratitude for community support following the Veterans Day Tribute, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dedication to honoring and remembering Veterans.
Defense Department’s Warfighter Brain Health Initiative Targets TBI Caused by ‘Low-Level’ Blasts
The Department of Defense is prioritizing warfighter brain health through the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative, addressing the impact of low-level blasts with a focus on brain health, mitigating exposures, and preventing and treating traumatic brain injuries.
Now Accepting Applications for the Position of Department Service Officer (DSO)
The American Legion, Department of California seeks a dedicated and passionate individual to join our team as a Department Service Officer (DSO). This is a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families by providing critical support and assistance.
Greetings from the Oratorical Commission
The Oratorical Commission meets virtually in planning the Department Oratorical Speech Contest. Currently, we would like to share with you some insight into having a contest at your Post, District, or Area.
All VA-Enrolled Veterans Can Receive Regular Toxic Exposure Screenings
Mandated by the PACT Act, all Veterans enrolled in VA health care will recieve regular screenings every 5 years to identify potential toxic exposures and provide exposure-informed care.
Army Secures Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy with Victory Over Navy
In Saturday’s Army-Navy game at Gillette Stadium, Army secured a 17-11 victory over Navy, sealing the historic win and the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy for the first time since 2020.
Op-Ed: Disabled Veterans, Veterans on Medicare, and Active-Duty Military Families MUST be Protected from a 1332 Waiver Proposal Outlined in SB 770
SB 770 was recently signed into law by Governor Newsom (September 2023) and now a proposal, which seeks to eliminate Medicare in California and establish a “state run health care system”, is moving its way through the State Legislature. SB 770 requires that the State of California prepare a proposal to seek a 1332 Waiver from the Health & Human Services Secretary, which would pave the way for a massive health care tax being imposed on California residents and employers.
Wreaths Across America Gears Up for Annual Ceremony on December 16
Wreaths Across America, hosting its 31st annual ceremony on December 16, is calling for volunteers to place over 2 million Veterans’ Wreaths at 4,000 locations nationwide.
Veterans Affairs Grapples with Technical Glitches, Backlog, and Surging Claims
Over 120,000 veterans experienced technical issues filing online benefit claims, prompting concerns to address the backlog and keep pace with a surge in claims, particularly those related to military toxic exposure under the PACT Act.
The American Legion’s Annual Holiday Blood Donor Drive Is Currently Underway
The American Legion’s ongoing annual Holiday Blood Donor Drive, running from Nov. 23 to Dec. 31, urges Legionnaires to participate in the American Legion Blood Donor Program, promoting community involvement in blood donation efforts.
The American Legion Partners with ShipThrifty to Send Care Packages to Deployed Service Members This Holiday Season
Legionnaires and volunteers are actively supporting deployed military Service Members during the holidays by sending care packages with ShipThrifty.
The American Legion National Commander Daniel J Seehafer is Visiting California
Check out the events happening while he is here!
A Powerful Documentary, “TRIBAL,” Sheds Light on Combat Veterans’ Struggles, Set for Release on December 19
“TRIBAL,” a documentary by Army Veteran Mark Kershaw, releasing on December 19, 2023, explores combat Veterans’ struggles with suicide and PTSD, offering an authentic perspective on reintegration and mental health challenges.
Starting January 1, Disabled Veterans Will See an Increase in 2024 VA Disability Payments
The 2024 VA disability rates will include a 3.2% COLA increase, raising monthly compensation for over 5.4 million Veterans and almost half a million surviving spouses and dependents starting January 1.
Anyone Can Be The One
The Veterans Mental Health Committee has provided this downloadable card to be used for suicide prevention.
VA Introduces New Online Ordering System for CPAP Supplies
The Department of Veterans Affairs has introduced an upgraded online ordering system on VA.gov, streamlining the process for Veterans relying on CPAP machines to manage sleep-related breathing disorders.