~by Barb Labate, American Legion Post #11, post adjutant
On March 15, the American Legion turns 103 years old. Focused on service to veterans, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. It was formed out of commitment and remains committed to be the voice for veterans’ needs.
Accomplishments date to 1919, but the Legion’s most recent and most critical contributions to our veterans are what most of us value – our health.
As our veterans serve, they seldom are thinking of their own health. Yet, these men and women confront health challenges that few of us face. Many service members have been exposed to slower-acting and often lethal toxins in the form of toxic defoliants, such as Agent Orange, and burn pits. In addition to these, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or PTSD, may arise. All of these exposures, whether physical, emotional, or mental impact a service member or veteran’s health.
The Legion has always been the leading advocate for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, since the first file was claimed in 1977. Even after 40 years, the Legion continues the battle for the expansion of benefits to all veterans who incurred exposure. Much ground has been gained, but many thousands of veterans died prior to receiving any health care or benefits due them.
Fortunately, the undeniable evidence and the painful consequences of Agent Orange have paved the way for a more favorable outcome for those exposed to burn pits. As many as 3.5 million service members are estimated to have been exposed to burn pits. Military burn pits are large areas of land in which all waste is burned including plastics, medical waste, rubber, petroleum, toxic chemicals, Styrofoam, ammunition, and human waste, among other materials. Again, the Legion will continue to be present and express support for legislation specifically related to these toxic exposures.
By some estimates, upwards of 30 percent of post-9-11 service members have sustained some form of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress syndrome, or military sexual trauma.
PTSD is nothing new. When high suicide rates among combat veterans were reported in newspapers around the country in 1922, it was called “shell shock”.
Today, our country loses an average of 20 veterans a day to suicide. The Legion’s past National Commander Michael Helm urged Congress in 2015 “to study alternative therapies, and introduce and pass legislation that will require the VA to recognize treatments other than those measured in milligrams and doses per day”. The Legion testifies for legislation to improve VA mental health services.
The American Legion has been and will continue to remain committed and at the forefront in the legislative process to ensure that veterans receive the health care they are entitled to receive.
American Legion Post #11 urges all veterans to call their local county veteran service officer Mike Bierl at 515-386-5673 or email him at mbierl@co.greene.ia.us for any and all health concerns. You earned that benefit!
The Legion Post #11 meets the second Monday of each month at 7 pm at the Thomas Jefferson Welcome Center. We invite all service members and veterans.
