Sisters veteran testifies in Washington

On February 24, representatives of the American Legion from all over the United States converged on Washington D.C. to present the Legion's Legislative Agenda to the 114th Congress, 2nd Session, subcommittee on Veterans' Affairs.

The American Legion serves as a voice for over two million American veterans and service members.

Representing Oregon was Sisters resident Eugene Hellickson, 2nd Vice Commander Department of Oregon. Leading the Legion's agenda in a packed chamber was National Commander Dale Burnett, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and West Point graduate.

The primary focus of this year's testimony before the subcommittee was centered on driving accountability. The federal government has struggled with accountability in recent years, in particular in regards to veterans. Issues facing veterans are numerous and complex. No one wants another gross systematic failure in the Department of Veterans Affairs like the one that led to preventable death.

New scientific and medical procedures are needed to help veterans suffering from traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. Creative measures are needed to address the growing backlog of appeals. Gender-specific care and services are needed to address the substantial growth in the number of women veterans. Electronic records need to be modernized to ensure a seamless account from enlistment through end of life.

Many other areas beyond medical need congressional action and accountability as well. Approximately 422,000 veterans are unemployed. More than 40,000 are homeless.

One last key point is the Legion's drive to protect the American flag. The American Legion is driving for a Constitutional amendment to prohibit desecration of the U.S. flag. A complete understanding of all the American Legion does can be seen on their website, www.legion.org.