September 12, 2008

Buyer Commends The American Legion

For more information, contact: Brian Lawrence, (202) 225-3527

Washington D.C.Yesterday, during a joint House and Senate hearing on the legislative recommendations of the American Legion, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Steve Buyer (R-Ind.) commended the 2.7 million member veterans’ organization for its steadfast support for the military and its mission in the war on terrorism.

“The American Legion never wavered in its commitment to success in the global war on terrorism,” Buyer said.  “My friends and fellow veterans, I cannot commend you enough for your stalwart patriotism, leadership, and faith in our great country. The American Legion never lost faith in our military or its leaders, and once again this great organization has proven itself to be a tremendous national asset that stands by its principles.”

“In addition to supporting our troops, The American Legion also is a tremendous advocate for veterans. Over the past year, The American Legion has been successful in a number of areas.  They have raised a half-million dollars for the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund and this year they expect to bring in nearly three quarters of a million to fund the education of children who have lost a parent in our nation’s service.”

“The Legion’s Operation Landstuhl also continues to raise and donate thousands of dollars to buy comfort items for troops recovering at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, and another program, Heroes to Hometowns, works as part of the government’s seamless transition effort to coordinate with the community to ensure the returning heroes and their families have the resources needed for a successful transition.”

Buyer also commended the Legion for its opposition to legislation that would overturn a 2006 Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims decision (Hartness v. Nicholson), the result of which would cut nearly $1 billion in Special Monthly pension benefits from some of the most vulnerable veterans. 

“I can tell you that I share many of the same policy concerns as the Legion, and I am especially pleased that among them is the notion that it is wrong to repeal benefits from one group of veterans in order to pay for a new entitlement for another group of veterans,” Buyer said. “I cannot emphasize enough that the veterans affected by overturning the Hartness decision are wartime veterans who are elderly, severely disabled, and have financial means that place them below the poverty level.   Perhaps no other group of veterans relies more on the broad shoulders of the American Legion, and I commend you for standing by them, even while some others have not. Here again the American Legion has stood on principle in its support for veterans, and I thank you.”

For more news from House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Republicans, please go to:

http://www.republicans.veterans.house.gov

###