UPDATE: National and state leaders of The American Legion are in Durango, Colorado, today engaging with local veterans at the Trujillo-Sheets Legion Post 28. This urgent visit aims to address pressing issues affecting veterans while fostering connections over doughnuts and coffee.
National Vice Commander Ben Headen leads the delegation, which includes Department of Colorado Commander Mike Crowe, Adjutant Jim Taleska, and Alternate Executive Committeeman Greg Jackson. Headen emphasized the importance of grassroots advocacy, stating, “We’re ran from the bottom up. All resolutions that impact veterans start at a local post.”
The discussions center on critical legislation like the Major Richard Star Act, which is designed to provide disabled combat veterans, who retired due to injuries before completing 20 years of service, access to their full military retirement pay. “This act is pushed from local posts to ensure our veterans aren’t punished,” Headen stated, highlighting the ongoing bipartisan support for the bill in Congress.
Jackson noted the necessity of these visits to identify veterans’ needs. He explained, “We have time to talk with those veterans, find out what impacts their lives, and what we can do to help them move forward.” The Legion is also focusing on mental health resources, distributing poker chips with QR codes directing veterans to suicide prevention tools, including the Veterans Crisis Line at 988.
Community engagement is another critical focus. Events such as the Lee White Memorial Motorcycle Dice Ride and veterans’ train rides on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad not only promote awareness but also encourage local veterans to join the Legion, connecting them with essential health care and career resources.
Crowe highlighted the stigma veterans sometimes face, saying, “Legion posts host community events to bring residents and veterans together.” He added, “We’re part of the community. We’re part of the human race.”
This visit marks an essential step in ensuring that veterans’ voices are heard and their needs addressed. The American Legion leaders are committed to shaping legislation that directly impacts the lives of veterans across the nation. As discussions unfold, the community is urged to engage and support local veterans, amplifying their voices in the legislative process.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
