Guest blog post by Sallie Rossman, 2024-2025 American Legion Auxiliary national Legislative Committee chair

American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. — joined by members of The American Legion Family — recently testified before a joint session of the House and Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs. LaCoursiere acknowledged the passage of the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act — achieved through congressional bipartisanship — the lobbying efforts of veterans service organizations, and the dedication of those committed to enhancing services for our veterans and their families. 

LaCoursiere’s “change the narrative” testimony highlighted the Legion’s concerns regarding our nation’s security due to declining military enlistment, the necessity to modernize weaponry, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life. Revitalizing and showcasing the rewards of serving our country is vital to growing military forces. 

The GI Bill has provided veterans with the opportunity to obtain an education, leading to improvements in their quality of life and the ability to support their families. Education — along with accessible health care, home ownership, vocational training, and business opportunities — represents rewards that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should not only continue to fund, but also increase funding for, demonstrating this country’s commitment to our military and veterans. Statistics indicate that for every dollar invested in the GI Bill, there is a return of $7. This return on taxpayers’ (including veterans) money should signal to the Veterans Affairs Committee that supporting GI Bill benefits for the National Guard and Reserves benefits everyone. 

Currently, the narrative perceived by eligible enlistees is that the VA does not care about outcomes after service. They witness veterans struggling to survive as the promise of electronic health records providing continuous data throughout their lives has yet to materialize. Many veterans in rural areas find it difficult to access medical care, making community care access paramount. Changing this narrative requires VA hospitals to employ highly trained personnel, and the VA Department’s Office of Community Care must diligently oversee community care providers and those administering VA compensation and pension examinations. 

Although the narrative around veterans experiencing homelessness is improving, there remains a disproportionate number of veterans without stable housing, especially among women. This narrative must change as the loss of dignity caused by homelessness contributes to suicide rates. We must never allow a veteran to lose dignity; Congress must allocate the necessary funding to ensure that all veterans receive the assistance they have earned for their service. 

The American Legion is working to change the narrative through the Be The One mission, which aims to help save lives. It seeks to identify when a veteran is facing mental health challenges, to listen, and to assist in securing mental health support. 

LaCoursiere recommended that the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) begin at least 18 months before active-duty personnel transition to civilian life. With this extended timeframe, the VA can adequately ensure individuals entering civilian life achieve financial stability while learning how to translate their training and skills into career opportunities and understand where to access physical and mental health resources. These changes would help shift the narrative surrounding veteran suicide and financial burdens. 

LaCoursiere reaffirmed The American Legion’s commitment to support those in uniform during and after their service to this country. The Legion has trained service officers to assist veterans in understanding and obtaining their benefits. To date, over 1.2 million veterans have received benefits free of charge due to the assistance of service officers. In partnership with Columbia University, the Legion has trained 12,000 volunteers in suicide risk assessments and has organized over 1,100 career events. At the same time, the Legion Family has contributed millions of dollars and countless hours to VA hospitals. 

The American Legion acts as a watchdog for our veterans, ensuring funding is used as designated by Congress and that veterans receive prompt service. During his testimony, LaCoursiere called on Congress to enhance its commitment to those who have served and sacrificed for this country.