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American Legion national commander addresses leadership to discuss priorities of the organization, from America’s 250th birthday to impending passage of legislation supporting veterans. 

Whether it’s walking or running 250 miles, making 250 Buddy Checks or conducting 250 hours of community service, 91Ӱ���ƽ��’s USA 250 Challenge has been encouraging physical fitness, mental wellness and volunteerism since its launch last July to celebrate America’s 250^th birthday. The challenge benefits 91Ӱ���ƽ�� Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), and National Commander Dan Wiley has set a fundraising goal of $150,000.  

”Maybe instead of 250 miles, you can walk 250 blocks. Or, if you can spare a half day before July 4, give 250 minutes of community service,” Wiley said during his opening remarks for Spring Meetings of 91Ӱ���ƽ�� National Executive Committee at National Headquarters in Indianapolis on May 6. “Your challenge is only limited by your imagination. The important thing is that we support a great cause, while also honoring our nation in a meaningful way.”

As Wiley spoke, national staff walked the NEC floor to collect donations. The result was more than $3,565 collected, which pushed USA 250 Challenge donations in support of VCF to over $80,000 of Wiley’s goal.    

91Ӱ���ƽ�� advocates for quality-of-life issues for active duty servicemembers and their families through its program. American Legion national staff recently visited Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Ill., and Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas to support this program and report their findings. 

“What we have been finding is unbridled enthusiasm among our military. But challenges remain,” Wiley said, adding that those challenges include outdated barracks, personnel shortages, housing, healthcare and affordable childcare. “We have always known that it isn’t just the military member who serves, but their families as well.”  

Wiley encourages all departments to engage with nearby bases, reserve centers and National Guard armories to continue supporting the needs of active duty servicemembers and their families.

“Their concerns need to be our concerns,” he said. “And this continues long after they hang up their uniforms. This is why we continue to advocate for the Major Richard Star Act; it is one of the most common concerns that I hear from our military retirees. Simply put, wounded veterans are currently paying an unfair tax, and it must be abolished.”

When Wiley visited Capitol Hill in early February, he spoke with members of Congress about the passage of the Major Richard Star Act. “What I was told repeatedly was that if we can get it passed in the Senate, it will likely then pass in the House,” he said. “We have been fighting this battle for approximately 20 years. It’s time.”

Wiley shared that 80 senators have co-sponsored the bill, “but we have a few standing in the way of passage of the Richard Star Act or even allowing it to be voted on in the Senate Chamber.”

He called upon Legionnaires in the following states to help him get the 20 senators to support the legislation. Neither senator has co-sponsored it in Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Utah. And only one senator has co-sponsored it in Alabama, Connecticut, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 

“Many of those opposed cite the cost of the Act,” Wiley said. “I understand. I also understand the cost of wars since Major Star served, including the Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan, and now the conflict in Iran.  The cost for all of these was trillions, which is far more than the cost to do justice to the 54,000 veterans affected by the Act. It’s time.

“We have spent money to rename military installations and then rename some again, and now I’ve seen the estimated cost to rename the Department of Defense.  As King Charles III, in his address to Congress alluded recently, words matter, but actions matter even more. Before we rename things, let’s make sure the veterans who fought the wars in defense of our country receive justice for the sacrifice they made,” Wiley added to applause.  

American Legion Family members and veteran advocates can help support passage of this legislation, and other Legion-supported legislation, by sending messages to their members of Congress through the Legion’s Grassroots Action Center. to get started.  

“It’s time. It’s time to pass the Major Richard Star Act,” Wiley said.

As the conflict in Iran continues and the United States is coming upon the solemn 25^th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the deadliest terrorist attack in American history, Wiley emphasized that it is imperative for America to have a strong national defense, a robust armed forces and to not operate on Continuing Resolutions. 

“Despite all of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the statements from public officials that this must never happen again, our military still operates off Continuing Resolutions,” Wiley said. “Congress still hasn’t passed the Pay Our Troops Act or Pay Our Coast Guard Act. And even funding for the department that was created as a result of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security, has become perhaps the most contentious issue in Washington.”

Additionally, Wiley shared that in 2023, China built more than 50% of the world’s ships while the U.S. built .1%. 

“This is why 91Ӱ���ƽ�� is calling for Congress to pass the SHIPS for America Act, so we can close this gap and prepare against global threats, and we absolutely must have a strong Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard,” Wiley said. “Their weapons, equipment and training must be the most innovative and advanced in the world.”

Continuing on in regard to mental health support for America’s servicemembers and veterans, Wiley commended the Department of Health and Human Services for recently taking steps toward implementing the president’s executive order on the medical efficacy of cannabis. 

“We are committed to (91Ӱ���ƽ��’s mission of) Be the One to stop veteran suicide,” he said. “This means keeping an open mind toward nontraditional therapies and treatments. It means removing the stigma that often goes with the brave decision to seek help. 

“It means communication, community and camaraderie.”