8 Things I Really Liked About The American Legion National Convention

Reflecting on convention, and I was there for 8 days, I have opinions both positive and negative. In honor of my time there this is a list of 8 things that I really liked about The American Legion National Convention held in New Orleans.

1. The emergence of the VA budget shortfall, and it's potential to threaten October disability payments, as a significant priority for the Legion. It made it to our Voter Voice page, and the National Commander gave updates on stage. I think the online and offline disappointment displayed by me was not..."foolish" as some would call it, rather it contributed to this outcome. Please go to our Voter Voice. Anyone can use it to contact their legislators. Delaying this payment means that disabled veterans not able to pay their bills, increases home insecurity, food insecurity, and could create an overwhelm moment where suicide becomes a real option.

www.legion.org/action

2. Lt. General Honoré

This was the best use of time on the convention stage. This speech was amazing. I've already written about it, but you can watch it on YouTube. Let me know what you think.

3. Connecting and reconnecting with friends that I only see at Legion events, or if they happen to find themselves in Southern California. Serving veterans who have served is my "why"? The friends that I have in this organization are my fuel.

There were people, all in one place who fit into these categories:

* Saved my life

* Got me through the pandemic lockdown

* Showed support through a rough couple of years

* Challenge me...and I actually listen

Elizabeth Hartman, ChFC and Courtney Steffen pictured here are prime examples of great friends that I've met.

4. The youth champions. Whether they be Eagle Scout of the Year, Boys Nation President, Shooting Champion, or any other Children & Youth high achiever brought to the stage, they are ALL uber impressive. When I was in middle school and high school, I could barely match my socks and these kids already have more accomplishments. One of these future rulers of the world has already started three non-profits. It wasn't until earlier this year that I even became a member of a 3rd non-profit.

5. A wedding on an airboat.

Imagine eloping and all of your guests, witnesses, the officiant, flower man, photographers, etc., are ALL in this organization. It struck me that you can assemble enough relationships of such depth, that they take up all the seats on the airboat. Amazing. Congrats Courtney Steffen and Canaan.

6. Emblem Sales Shopping. I love picking up stuff in person, vs waiting for shipment. Apparently, I'm not alone, as I heard that the convention store made RECORD SALES.

7. Seeing SOS - Save Our Servicemembers, run by Manny Vega , with the mission: of "ADVOCATING FOR VICTIMS OF MILITARY MEDICAL MALPRACTICE & NEGLIGENCE" continue to grow and gain influence in their flight. I hung out in their booth and saw their interactions with real people. This is important stuff. Go to their page to learn about their battle against the Feres Doctrine...donate much-needed funds...and use their Voter Voice at:

https://saveourservicemembers.org/take-action/

8. Save A Warrior? - "SAW" represented on the exhibit floor by Suzette Heller is another organization that deserves my recommendation to you all to please check out and support.

"Our team at Save A Warrior is dedicated to the prevention of veteran suicide and the preservation of life through the development and implementation of a groundbreaking, comprehensive program at our non-profit organization" -https://saveawarrior.org/our-purpose/

It would be impossible for me to describe their in-person program with a 99% success rate.

BONUS: The Host City Experience

New Orleans is like no other city. The history, food, & culture all made this convention even more impactful. I ate a lot. I not only learned a lot at World War 2 Museum , but it put a lot of things in perspective regarding service and sacrifice.