Weekly Newsletter (6/6/2025)

May 30, 2025

WEEKLY GRASSROOTS NEWSLETTER This week, we are asking Legionnaires to contact Congress to request support for House Bill 1815!. This bill will provide a one-time bailout for veteran homeowners who are struggling to make their mortgage payments and are in delinquent status, facing foreclosure or a short sale of their property. If implemented, this bill will help veterans maintain homeownership and financial stability, enhance the effectiveness of the VA's housing assistance, and contribute to the overall market stability by reducing foreclosure rates. The American Legion supports this legislation, and we appreciate all the emails you have sent so far. Go to the Action Center to quickly email a letter of support to your members of Congress.   Have you had a recent meeting or phone call with your member of Congress? Report your contact today! Click here to register your Congressional contact and demonstrate the power of The American Legion advocacy in action.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  The American Legion's 106th National Convention is from August 22-28 in Tampa Bay, Florida. To stay up to date on information, schedules, and more, go to the information page here.

VA: ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD EFFORT GETS A BOOST  This article's original publication can be found here. The White House has requested $134.6 billion in discretionary spending for the Department of Veterans Affairs in fiscal 2026, a 4.1 percent increase over the current spending level, according to budget documents released Friday.   The VA received $129.2 billion in discretionary spending for the current fiscal year, according to administration figures.  When including the Toxic Exposures Fund, a pool of mandatory funding meant to cover costs associated with the toxic exposure law known as the PACT Act (PL 117-168) which expanded health care for millions of veterans, the total for the current fiscal year is $159.7 billion, and the fiscal 2026 request is for $187.2 billion, a 17.3 percent increase.    These figures do not include all mandatory spending by the department, which makes up a significant portion of the VA's overall budget.  The spending details were included in a so-called skinny budget sent to Congress by the Office of Management and Budget, a paired-down version of the voluminous, more detailed budget request that is expected later this month.   According to the documents, the administration's request for the VA includes an additional $3.3 billion for medical care — $1.1 billion of which would be used to help address homelessness among veterans via rental assistance and augmenting the VA's support services.  An additional $2.2 billion is intended to keep the VA's Electronic Health Record Modernization program moving. The rollout of the new records system has bogged down the VA for years and has been plagued by delays, cost overruns and operational issues. The effort was first announced in 2018.   The request would also cut $493 million for IT systems across the department. According to the budget documents, President Donald Trump has directed the Department of Government Efficiency to work with the VA in improving its IT systems. As part of that process, the procurement of any new systems would be paused until DOGE employees have reviewed the situation at the VA.   And the new budget would cut $37 million from the VA's general administration funds as a way to target diversity, equity and inclusion programs within the agency and, according to the documents, reduce bureaucratic overhead.

GOP PLAN PROVIDES $453 BILLION FOR VA PROGRAMS, BENEFITS NEXT YEAR  This article's original publication can be found here  House Republicans unveiled plans Wednesday for a $453 billion Department of Veterans Affairs budget next fiscal year, with a dramatic increase in mandatory health care and benefits funding but only a 3% boost in discretionary veteran program spending.  The proposal also includes a host of controversial social items that drew immediate condemnation from Democratic lawmakers who promised a fight over the measure.  "This bill needlessly fixates on keeping guns in the hands of those who are potentially a danger to themselves or others, and restricts reproductive rights, and [includes] other cruel and pointless policy restrictions," Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., said in a statement.   "I cannot tell those currently serving and those who defended our nation that this is the best we can do."   The budget plan is expected to be voted on by a House Appropriations Committee panel on Thursday morning. Republican lawmakers praised the proposal as "maintaining our commitment to the well-being of both service members and veterans."   The appropriations bill represents an $83 billion boost from Congress' approved spending plan for VA in fiscal 2025. That's an increase of more than 22%, but nearly all of that boost is tied up in mandatory funding related to medical programs and veterans payouts.  Discretionary funding — money for new program starts and support services — would rise to about $134 billion, up about 4% but about $1 billion less than what the White House requested in its fiscal 2026 budget plan.   Almost all of that difference came in the VA Electronic Health Record Modernization initiative account. Spending for the project would double from this year's spending under the plan, to about $2.5 billion. But that is nearly $1 billion less than what the White House requested.   Lawmakers have been skeptical of the 10-year, $16 billion project which began during President Donald Trump's first term in office. The effort to modernize health records has been marked by numerous complications and delays, but VA Secretary Doug Collins has promised to restart the effort in coming months.   The legislation also includes provisions to block VA from providing abortions or abortion-related counseling at department medical centers — a priority of the previous administration — and prohibit vaccination requirements for any department health care personnel.   Republicans also included language that would bar the department from reporting veterans found financially incompetent from being reported to the National Instant Background Check System.   Republicans have called it an unnecessary infringement of Second Amendment rights. Democrats have criticized the provision as undermining gun safety efforts.  The VA funding bill also includes about $18 billion for military construction projects, an increase of about 3% from fiscal 2025. That includes $830 million for child development centers and barracks improvements.   The budget plan is expected to advance Thursday since Republicans control the majority in both chambers of Congress. However, any funding plan would need some level of bipartisan support to advance in the Senate, because of filibuster rules there.  The VA budget plan is unlikely to be signed into law until the entire fiscal 2026 funding plan for the federal government is agreed upon by congressional leaders. Negotiations for that are expected to last through the summer.   Veterans Affairs planners have seen regular budget increases annually for more than 20 years, even amid periodic congressional and White House efforts to reduce federal spending.  In fiscal 2001, the VA budget — both mandatory and discretionary — totaled just $45 billion. In 2011, it was about $125 billion. In fiscal 2023, the total topped $300 billion for the first time.

LEGIONNAIRE OF THE WEEK To recognize the weekly accomplishments of our Legionnaires, we will spotlight an individual every week. These individuals demonstrate exceptional grassroots activism by meeting with/contacting their Congressional Representative/Senator to advocate for veterans. Efforts like these truly make a difference and give veterans a voice in Congress.  Steve Fosness, Minnesota Steve, for your steadfast advocacy of Legion priorities and many meetings on the Hill last week, we are honored to name you Legionnaire of the Week!   This week, Steve met Representative Brad Finstad at the grand opening of the Bravo Zulu House in Martin County, Minnesota. The Congressman presented the Executive Director of Trinity Sober Homes and the Bravo Zulu House with a flag that was flown over the Capitol. He also addressed the crowd. Steve discussed veteran PTSD and chemical/alcohol dependency leading to veteran suicide with the Congressman.  Thank you, Steve, for your report and the time you have dedicated to the Legion's legislative priorities.   If you have made a Grassroots effort and would like to be considered for next week's "Legionnaire of the Week," please fill out the Congressional Contact Report Form here. You can also email us at grassroots@legion.org with the details.

GRASSROOTS INFORMATION  Interested in what the Legion is advocating for in Congress on The Veteran's Role in Supporting the Military? Check out our information paper in the Legislative Toolkit. This is a great starting point for a conversation with your elected officials!  As part of our ongoing Grassroots efforts, LegDiv staff is available to provide Grassroots Training tailored to the hosting Department's needs. If you are interested in hosting a Grassroots training event, please contact grassroots@legion.org or ejohnson@legion.org.  You can find relevant legislation and the Legion's stance in the key legislation section of VoterVoice!

UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS  As of 6/6, the following hearings are scheduled:  Tuesday, June 10, 10:00 AM: House Committee on Armed Services, Full Committee Hearing -- "U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in the Greater Middle East and Africa"  Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 AM: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity Legislative Hearing (Legion Staff testifying)  Wednesday, June 11, 10:00 AM: House Committee on Armed Services, Full Committee Hearing -- "Department of the Navy Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request"  Wednesday, June 11, 2:15 PM: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Legislative Hearing (Legion Staff testifying)  Wednesday, June 11, 3:30 PM: House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces Hearing -- "Army Munition Industrial Base Modernization"  Thursday, June 12, 9:30 AM: Senate Committee on Armed Services, Full Committee Hearing -- "OPEN/CLOSED: To Receive Testimony on the Posture of United States Central Command in Review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2026 and the Future Years Defense Program"  Thursday, June 12, 10:00 AM: House Committee on Armed Services, Full Committee Hearing -- "Department of Defense Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request"  Thursday, June 12, 2:15 PM: House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Subcommittee on Health Legislative Hearing (Legion Staff testifying)    HVAC hearings can be viewed at:  Calendar Home | House Committee on Veterans Affairs SVAC hearings can be viewed at:   Hearings - U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs HASC hearings can be viewed at:   Hearings – House Armed Services Committee  SASC hearings can be viewed at:    Hearings – U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services View The American Legion Legislative Handbook Here

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Make Room This Summer—And Make a Difference 🇺🇸☀️

Clear out your driveway and support veterans in just 3 easy steps.   Dear Gary,   As the days get sunnier and longer, it's the perfect season to declutter and do some good. If you have a car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or boat you're no longer using, consider donating it to The American Legion. Your donation helps fund programs that support veterans, servicemembers, and their families all year long. Donating is simple and free—just 3 quick steps: Visit legion.org/car Fill out a short form Schedule a free, contactless pickup It's fast, tax-deductible, and a great way to make your summer shine a little brighter—for you and for those who've served.   DONATE YOUR CAR     The American Legion 700 N. Pennsylvania St. P.O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 View Online

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Invitation To U.S. Army National Day of Honor Flag Raising and 250th Birthday Celebration

 Invitation To U.S. Army National Day of Honor Flag Raising and 250th Birthday Celebration:

Coleman A. Young American Legion Post 202 will be attending the event outlined below. This event is open to all and an invitation for our District Posts to attend.

The Detroit-Wayne Joint Building Authority is hosting the US Army's 250th Birthday at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center on June 13, 2025. US Army Commander LTC Quentin McCart and DWJBA Board Chair Sharon Madison invite you to the celebration. This is a free, family-friendly community event.  All are welcome.  Veterans are encouraged to attend to be recognized, regardless of their branch of military service.  Refreshments will be served. The celebration hours are:

8:00 to 08:30 am - Flag Raising Ceremony and Army Birthday Proclamation

12:00 – 1230 pm – Army Future Soldier Swear-in and Cake Cutting Ceremony

8:30 to 4:00 pm –  Army Soldier Interactive exhibit and military vehicles on display for tours

Teacher of the Year Award - 1st Zone/2nd District

On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the leadership of the 1st Zone/2nd District proudly presented the prestigious Michigan Department Teacher of the Year award to Dakota Bahlau. A dedicated 5th-grade teacher at Grass Lake Elementary in Grass Lake, Michigan, Dakota has made significant contributions to the education and development of her students. Ms. Bahlau was awarded $500 for her efforts. The award recognizes her outstanding commitment to teaching, innovative classroom practices, and her ability to inspire and engage her students in learning. The ceremony was attended by fellow educators, members of the school board, and students, all of whom celebrated Dakota's achievements and her positive impact on the school community.

Legionnaires: Urge Congress to Support the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act!

Too many veterans are left without the critical support they need to recover from the visible and invisible wounds of war. For those living with physical disabilities, PTSD, or other service-connected conditions, the lack of access to trained service dogs represents a major gap in care. It's time to close that gap.  The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act aims to correct this by taking the following actions:  Establish a five-year pilot program at the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that train and place service dogs with eligible veterans.  Cover the cost of service dog training tailored to the veteran's specific needs.  Provide veterinary insurance to ensure lifelong care and well-being for these highly trained service animals.

Urge Congress to Support the SAVES Act!

The American Legion supports this important legislation through Resolution No. 134, our commitment to the use of service dogs as a complementary treatment for veterans with physical injuries and mental health conditions.  Service dogs don't just help veterans navigate the world—they give them back their independence. They provide stability, confidence, and a renewed sense of safety.  But we can't do it without you.  The American Legion is calling on all members to stand with our nation's heroes once more. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support H.R. 2605 and S.1441, the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act (the SAVES Act).  Together, we can ensure that no veteran is left behind—and that every veteran who needs a service dog can receive one.  Let's honor their service with the support they've earned. It's time to act.

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MI Freedom Center Springtime News

Our Memorial Service, Get to know our One Millionth guest... and Golf Outing

In Memory: On Friday, May 23, American Legion Post 202 members from Detroit joined our staff, volunteers, and Board members in a memorial service at Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara terminal to honor those lost in service to our country. We began with posting of the colors and placement of a flower wreath, followed by a couple readings about the significance of Memorial Day, sang the National Anthem together, and concluded with the playing of Taps by the American Legion adjunct. This has been a brief but very impactful ceremony each of the last four years, supported by Delta Air Lines. Many travelers walking by to their next airplane stopped and joined us, making the ceremony that much more impactful. Several of us feel it's the best 15 minutes of the entire year. Never let us forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Meet Our One Millionth Guest: Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry McKillop The first time he ever missed a flight turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry McKillop. "I was walking through the airport after a missed flight and went into the Freedom Center," said McKillop, from Brighton, Mich. "Then after talking to Mark (Ernst) I learned I was the One Millionth visitor. "It was the day after the Super Bowl. Like everyone else in the world I didn't want to travel on Sunday. So, I waited until Monday morning and it took an hour to go through security. Everyone in line with me missed their flights. So, I got one for four hours later and decided to go down to the Freedom Center." McKillop was on his way to Colorado to interview for an aviation consulting job. He retired last year from serving as an inspector for the FAA. McKillop joined the Air National Guard in Sept. of 1976 at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Macomb County. He went to pilot training in 1979 and from then on described himself as a traditional Guardsman, while working as a civilian full time in his career as a civil service technician, private pilot and instructor. "I got called up after 9/11, for active duty," his story continued. "I was still in as a part timer and getting ready to retire. I came back from a company trip flying some people to Chicago. As I drove back, I stopped in at the base and asked if they needed any help. There was no civilian flying going on, so they said get 12 hours of sleep, get back here in 12 hours. I did, and two hours after that I was airborne over the streets of Detroit fully armed in an F-16. That was about three days after the initial attack (in New York). So, I gave up my civilian job and spent (two years) out there on active duty." He retired as a Guardsman in March, 2004. McKillop grew up in west Michigan near Ludington, then went into the flight program at Western Michigan University, earning a mechanics license. Other civilian jobs in his career included crop dusting, flying charters, general aviation jobs in everything but the commercial airlines. He was also a safety inspector for the FAA for 13 years, then retired from that in early 2024. In that role he would use Detroit Metro Airport 8-9 times a year. The Michigan Freedom Center, also known as the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center, has been Serving Those Who Serve Us since November of 2011. Located next to gate A43 at McNamara, and near gate D17 in the Evans Terminal, the MI Freedom Center has been a place where volunteer hosts on a daily basis have provided care, comfort and courtesy to traveling military and their families, ranging from active-duty, to Veterans, to NATO Forces, Reservists and our National Guard. "It's a safe and comfortable place to relax; and usually strike up a conversation with somebody while you visit between flights," McKillop said about the importance of the MI Freedom Center. "I think it's wonderful to have it there and it's a great thing and I try to support it. Many times, I just stop in and say hi and maybe grab a snack and know there's no fees associated with it… and it's there to benefit many people, maybe traveling with their family or caught on a move for the military and they're sitting there because of scheduling. I think it's a great place to have. "I like to visit places like USOs at other airports, but they are usually out of the way in a corner." At its current location the MI Freedom Center "definitely is one of the most convenient military lounges in any airport." Thank you to everyone who supports the MI Freedom Center so our military heroes like Larry can find the respite they need as a thank you from all of us.   The Next Million: The MI Freedom Center's One Million milestone was very important and it shows the military lounge is appreciated by our guests! Please join us in honoring the next million guests who have given so much to our communities, states and nation.   To get ready for our next One Million we need to refurnish and maintain the quality of the MI Freedom Centers we have in each terminal.  Anyone can imagine if they had one million guests come through their house it could also be in need of some TLC and updating.  The MI Freedom Centers are looking for partner donors to help us replace worn furniture, update our lounge spaces and provide a high quality experience for our guest travelers who have given so much to us with their sacrifices ! DONATE HERE If anyone is interested in joining our golf outing at Fox Hills, there are only 4-5 foursomes left to fill... so do not delay, for 18 holes of golf, two meals, prizes, raffle, and auction items. It will be one of the most fun days of your summer -- all while helping support the MI Freedom Center mission.   Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center/aka MI Freedom Center   2581 World Gateway Place Detroit, MI 48242 NEW MAILING ADDRESS

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Leadership Training

Start 2025_2025 off right!

Commanders and Adjutants, Nobody ever said your job was easy. Even if you are well familiar with Robert's Rules of Order or have served in the past, it is still challenging to know how to be an officer at any level of the American Legion. No worries! We have you covered. Start the 2025-2026 year off right with "POST and SAL Officer and Operations Training" on Thursday, July 10th, at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste. Marie. That's right, on the opening day of our Summer Convention, we will have an Everything you need to know about your position in the Legion but were afraid to ask seminar! This training is open to everyone, and you don't need to stay for the rest of the Convention or pay for registration to attend. We want to make it easier for you to be confident that you are doing it right - right from the start! Topics to be covered include How to conduct a meeting Post Officer Duties MyLegion Tools Financial Reporting & Compliance Parliamentary Procedures Four Rules for Programs A Commander Checklist and Press Release template - designed to move your post to the top of mind in your communities. If you have retired from your position at your Post District or Zone, please pass this information on to your new officers. Remember how hard it was for you to get started as a new officer?  Looking Forward to your Attendance, Brian Mohlman PDC Leadership Development Chair American Legion Department of Michigan

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