American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley of Kansas is coming to Thief River Falls on Sunday, April 19, and will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans.
Wiley’s theme for his year as national commander is “Better Together.” He is a big believer in the American Legion Family of organizations. He said successful posts are ones where the Legion, Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Riders all work together.
“But ‘Better Together’ has an even deeper meaning. We use phrases like ‘I got your 6’ and ‘I got your back.’ Those are not just nice sayings. It’s what we were trained to do when we served. It’s human nature. It’s who we are,” Wiley said.
Wiley is a strong advocate for The American Legion’s “Be the One” efforts to prevent veteran suicide.
“It’s the stigma, right? It’s the stigma of mental health that we’re combating,” he told the American Legion National Convention in Tampa, Fla, where he was elected in August. “Trying to let people know it’s OK not to be OK.”
He will visit Thief River Falls Post 117 at 324 Brooks Ave. for a 5 p.m. social hour and 6 p.m. dinner followed by a presentation. Any local residents wishing to attend can contact the post at 218-681-1341 or email americanlegion@mncable.net.
The American Legion is focused on these federal issues: VHA providing veteran community care when VA services are unavailable, improving the Compensation & Pension exam process for disabled veterans; improving care for women veterans and G.I. Bill parity for Guard and Reserve members; strengthening military recruitment through improved housing, childcare, dining halls and benefits (such as passing the Major Richard Star Act); advancing the lethality of the Armed Forces, ending veteran homelessness; and promoting veteran entrepreneurship and passage of an amendment to protect the U.S. flag from desecration.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the Four Pillars of veterans’ rehabilitation, national defense, Americanism and youth. Legionnaires continue their service by working for the betterment of their community, state and nation.