Latest News
Thursday, February 2, 2012 - 2:21pm
An error occurred in the "Commander's Message" in the February 2012 issue and it was not the fault of the National Commander.
Article II, Section 2 of the National Constitution was quoted correctly, as it reads today. The paragraph following that, however, reflected earlier language which has now been deleted from the National Constitution. Hence, even though it is not the best practice for a Legion official to hold public office because it is so difficult to separate motives, actions and their interpretation by others, Legionnaire may hold Legion and political office at the same time. We regret the error.
Daniel S. Wheeler
The American Legion
National Adjutant
Monday, January 30, 2012 - 3:40pm
VA's Home Loan Program Continues to Lead Mortgage Industry
Low Foreclosure Rates and High Loan Volume Cap Successful Fiscal Year
WASHINGTON (Jan. 30, 2012) - Home loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to have the lowest serious delinquency and foreclosure rates in the mortgage industry. Veterans have also taken advantage of their home loan benefit in record numbers, as VA loan originations reached their highest total in eight years.
"The continued strong performance and high volume of VA loans are a testament to the importance of VA's home loan program and a tribute to the skilled VA professionals who help homeowners in financial trouble keep their homes," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki....
Tuesday, January 24, 2012 - 10:15am
The Texas American Legion
2012 Midwinter Sweepstakes Winners
The Midwinter Sweepstakes drawing was held on January 20, 2012 at the Omni Hotel in Austin.
Congratulations’ to the following winners:
| Grand Prize |
$10,000.00 |
Gary Moore |
Flatonia |
Post 94 |
| Second Prize |
$5000.00 |
John Scholer |
Callaway |
Post 36 |
| Third Prize |
$2500.00 |
Peter Best |
Ingleside |
Post 345 |
| Fourth Prize |
$1500.00 |
Maria Saenz |
Raymondville |
Unit 390 |
| Fifth Prize | ...
Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - 9:29am
New Law Change Increases Insurance Coverage for Veterans WASHINGTON (Jan. 10, 2012) - Some Veterans covered under the Veterans Group Life Insurance program (VGLI) now have the opportunity to increase their coverage to the current maximum coverage under the Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program.
"Currently, 70 percent of the Veterans covered under VGLI are under age 60, have less than $400,000 of coverage, and will greatly benefit from this law change," said Allison A. Hickey, Department of Veterans Affairs under secretary for benefits.
Under the Veterans' Benefits Act of 2010, enacted on Oct. 13, 2010, Veterans can increase their coverage by $25,000 at each five-year anniversary date of their policy to the current legislated maximum SGLI coverage...
Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 12:45pm
Additions to Fleet Will Expand Veterans' Access to VA Services Across U.S.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (January 4, 2012) -- The Department of Veterans Affairs today deployed 20 additional Mobile Vet Centers from the production facility of Farber Specialty Vehicles to increase access to readjustment counseling services for Veterans and their families in rural and underserved communities across the country.
“Mobile Vet Centers allow VA to bring the many services our Vet Centers offer Veterans to all communities, wherever they are needed,” said VA Under Secretary for Health Robert A. Petzel. “VA is committed to expanding access to VA health care and benefits for Veterans and their families, and these 20 new vehicles demonstrate that continued commitment.”...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 2:34pm
Secure Access to Military Records, Skill "Translators"
WASHINGTON - Veterans now have on-demand access and can download official data about their military training and experience, which can be used to help them find jobs and continue their careers. Their service data can be uploaded to job search and networking sites to help identify employment opportunities.
"Savvy employers look to Veterans for the excellent training and unique experiences they bring to the civilian workforce," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "Now, Veterans can have state-of-the-art access to official data about their military service that we will help them land meaningful jobs."
Starting Dec. 3, Veterans can use the VA's online My HealtheVet po...
Tuesday, November 22, 2011 - 3:34pm
National commander "profoundly disappointed" by impasse, concerned about national security consequences.
WASHINGTON (November 21, 2011) -- American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong says he is "profoundly disappointed" that the bipartisan Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (the so-called "supercommittee) failed to reach an agreement to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal budget over the next decade.
"They were given an important job to do, and they failed," Wong said. "What this means to the future of our military and our veterans remains to be seen, but the challenges have now intensified for those who believe in a strong national defense and want to protect the hard-earned benefits of veterans. We are profoundly disappointed...
Friday, November 18, 2011 - 8:26pm
WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs will join the National Family Caregivers Association to recognize and appreciate dedicated partners providing daily health care for Veterans during National Family Caregiver Month in November.
"Family caregivers are the family members and loved ones who take care of the severely injured Veterans who need help on a daily basis," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "These mothers, wives, fathers, husbands, and loved ones make tremendous sacrifices to be there every day for the Veterans who served this nation. Their service allows Veterans to stay in the homes they defended, surrounded by the loved onesthey fought to protect."
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Staff at VA medical centers across the nation w...
Friday, November 18, 2011 - 8:22pm
Spouse Telephone Support Program Demonstrates Improved Quality of Life
WASHINGTON (Nov. 18, 2011) - The Department of Veterans Affairs is implementing a telephone support program to help the spouses of returning Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans, after a pilot telephone support program showed significant reduction in stress for spouses.
"Returning to civilian life after living in constant combat readiness can be a shocking transition, and it is the immediate family, the spouses and children, who bear that brunt of that transition with those who served," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. "The more support we can provide to the family, the better the outcome will be for our Veterans."
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The spouse telephon...
Friday, November 18, 2011 - 8:14pm
ACTIVE MILITARY and VETERAN TICKETS! Gerald J. Ford Stadium, December 30, 2011, 11:00am kickoff. Click the image below for more details.
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