American Legion News

VA updates PACT Act benefits regulations

Source: September 13, 2024

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is updating outdated benefits regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis, paving the way for more of them to receive an accurate disability rating. The change was among those The American Legion has advocated for, including this past summer when they held a panel discussion related to the PACT Act.

"This is an example of The American Legion's commitment to veterans," American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. said. "We fought long and hard for the PACT Act to become law. But the fight didn't stop there. We've been continuing to work on behalf of our nation's veterans to ensure that VA is carrying out what Congress and the president made the law of the land. We're thankful for our allies in Congress and VA who made this necessary change a reality."

Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Jon Tester, D-Mont., Ranking Member Jerry Moran, R-Kan., House Veterans' Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost, R-Ill., Ranking Member Mark Takano, D-Calif., and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., played critical roles to ensure the PACT Act is being implemented the way Congress intended and veterans deserve.

In April, Tester and Gillibrand called on VA, which announced its decision on Sept. 11, to expedite its regulations updates for constrictive bronchiolitis to ensure these toxic-exposed veterans could receive the health care and benefits they earned.

"Toxic-exposed veterans have waited decades to receive the benefits and health care the PACT Act provides, and it's critical VA is implementing the law the way veterans need and deserve," Tester said. "That means fixing outdated processes standing in the way of veterans and their newly expanded benefits."

LaCoursiere credited the senators with their leadership.

"The American Legion is pleased that VA is updating outdated benefits regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchitis," he said. "The Legion has long been a vocal advocate for this change and argued for it during a panel discussion held in the House Veterans' Affairs Committee Room in July. Toxic-exposed veterans have suffered for too long, and this change with pave the way for veterans to receive an accurate disability rating and give them the support they need. We applaud Senator Gillibrand and Senator Tester for their leadership on this issue."

VA will update its VA Schedule for Rating Disabilities regulations for toxic-exposed veterans with constrictive bronchiolitis and add additional criteria to evaluate these veterans during their disability rating examinations. These actions will make it easier for veterans to receive an accurate disability rating for their service-connected constrictive bronchiolitis.

Named after Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson who died in 2020 from toxic exposure as a result of his military service, the PACT Act provides health care for post-9/11 combat veterans, creates a framework for the establishment of future presumptions of service connection related to toxic exposure, expands VA's list of health conditions presumed to be caused by toxic exposures, which opens the door to additional benefits for veterans, and improves resources to support claims processing.

Danielle Robinson, Heath's widow, was among the speakers at the Legion's PACT Act panel on Capitol Hill in July. Another panelist, Army veteran Cynthia Daniels, discussed having to leave her career as a Wilmington (Del.) police officer due to constrictive bronchiolitis, and autonomic nervous system illnesses, which developed from her exposure to burn pits and toxic exposure during her deployment during the Iraq War.

She expressed gratitude that her doctor diagnosed her condition but called for all veterans to receive proper screening.

"I am very grateful for the PACT Act but more work needs to be done," she said. "I am glad that we are talking about that here today."

Next article: ‘If we set our mind to something … we will accomplish it'

‘If we set our mind to something … we will accomplish it'

Source: September 12, 2024

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A year ago, some members of Cummings-Behlke American Legion Riders Chapter 226 in Mayo, Md., learned the story of former U.S. Chief Warrant Officer Nick Fogle. The veteran had served in the Army for 18 years as an infantryman, an EOD bomb technician and an Apache helicopter pilot.

At age 38, Fogle took his own life, leaving behind a wife and three children.

The chapter wanted to do something to honor Fogle but realized the rest of their 2023 schedule was full. So, this September, during Suicide Prevention Month, the chapter did something about it. Over the course of a few months and culminating with a recent all-day event, the chapter was able to raise more than $92,000 through its ALR Project 226 Veteran Suicide Awareness.

Of that total, $50,000 was donated in honor of Fogle to the nonprofit America's Warrior Partnership, which connects local veteran-serving organizations with resources, services and partners that they need to support veterans, their families and caregivers at every stage of veterans' lives. After covering the cost of the event, the remainder of the money raised – approximately $20,000 – will be donated to other veteran suicide prevention organizations.

"Our organization's American Legion Riders are there to support veterans, support veterans causes, support our post. That's just what we do," said ALR Chapter Director and event co-chair Jim Hall, a member of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 226. "We do dink-and-dunk stuff. And a while back we'd talked about how there wasn't enough emphasis put on veteran and soldier suicide. When this family came along, this kind of sealed the deal for us. It just kind of inspired us."

Planning for the event started last February. "It was fundraising, getting donations, reaching out to businesses, getting sponsors," Hall said. "In the end, we raised about $92,000."

Area restaurants hosted fundraising nights for the project leading up to the closing event on Sept. 7 and included a silent auction, eight live bands, entertainment for children, and food and drinks. State and local politicians attended the event. Another earlier fundraiser in Washington, D.C., included an appearance from Medal of Honor recipient Clint Romesha, who signed copies of his book "Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor."

Hall believed all along that ALR Project 226 could be a success, because of the commitment of the chapter's members. "Our core group … if we set our mind to something, we're hell and determined to accomplish it. And we will accomplish it," he said. "When I went to our post commander, I was like, ‘Here's what we want to do.' I got with some of our core guys, and we were like, ‘Yeah, we're going to make this happen.'

"To donate ($50,000), we knew we had to raise $60,000 or $65,000. Because even thought we got a lot of stuff donated, there were some costs that were associated with it. Setting a goal of $50,000, was it scary a little bit? Yeah, because you always want to make your goals. But down at the post we've always set the bar high, and we always accomplish what we set out to do."

Hall hopes that what Chapter 226 was able to accomplish can inspire other posts and chapters to do their part for suicide awareness and The American Legion's Be the One veteran suicide prevention program.

"The Legion has the Be the One," he said. "Hopefully, maybe, we can steer more people into that program."

Next article: Combat veteran, Legionnaire featured in World War I Memorial sculpture

Combat veteran, Legionnaire featured in World War I Memorial sculpture

Source: September 12, 2024

Articles

Joe Winslow walked into Sabin Howard's Englewood, N.J., studio ready for anything.

Invited to pose for "A Soldier's Journey" – the massive 58-foot-long, 38-figure bronze relief that is the centerpiece of the National World War I Memorial, to be unveiled Friday – the retired Marine Corps major didn't know which part he'd be playing.

The sculptor did. He had Winslow in mind for the "pieta" of the composition, depicting a chaplain lifting a wounded soldier off the ground with the help of another soldier.

For Winslow, who fought in the Second Battle of Fallujah, the role felt exactly right.

"I thought it was a really great choice," he says. "As officers, it's our job to gather the Marines around us and take care of them and help them move forward and get them where they need to be, either for the mission or themselves personally. That's what I did for 23 years in the Marines, so this resonated with me."

A member of American Legion Post 22 in Luray, Va., Winslow enlisted in 1986. He spent five years in the artillery and on security guard duty in Frankfurt, Germany. Then he got out and returned to college full time, studying architecture and fine art. Still, Winslow says, "I hadn't quite scratched that itch with the Marine Corps," and he went to Officer Candidates School in the summer.

After graduation, he went back in as a lieutenant and did another four or five years on active duty. He got out again when the work wasn't satisfying, and decided he'd go to the reserves and retire there.

Then 9/11 happened.

"I knew for a fact that my life was going to change," Winslow says. "Someone I knew was with the (Marine Corps) History and Museums Division, and also the (combat) art program. On a lark, I gave him a call and said, ‘I want to come back in. I want to deploy, and I'd like to do it with you guys as a historian and artist.' After some back and forth, that's exactly what they did. They mobilized me."

Winslow deployed to Iraq in 2004 as part of Operation Phantom Fury, also called the Second Battle of Fallujah. For 14 years, he had just wanted to get to some kind of engagement, "to do what as a kid I'd seen Marines do in movies: going to foreign climes, hunting down the enemy, blowing stuff up," he says. "The camaraderie, the excitement, the glory – that's really what I was looking for. And by God, I got it in spades."

He had three jobs: collect oral histories from Marines who'd been in battle, do illustrations for the Marine Corps Combat Art Program, and gather battle artifacts. Attached to an infantry unit, Winslow carried "a rifle in one hand and a sketch pad in the other."

Within hours or even minutes of Marines engaging the enemy, Winslow would be sitting in a jeep or building or bombed-out position, asking them to tell him – in their words – what happened, why it happened and why it was important. In all, he did some 300 interviews over five and a half months.

He recorded stories of bravery and innovation, grit and determination. But for all those, he also heard stories of regret, fear, sadness, second-guessing – "the full spectrum of the human condition," he says.

In those moments, Winslow became something of a chaplain figure.

"I had Marines talking to me about really personal things – good things, bad things, uplifting things, horrible things. I felt like a confessor to those guys. When you tell people that what they're saying is not going anywhere, that it's not going to be published or anything, they will unload a lot on you – a whole lot."

He gained a new perspective on what it means to be a Marine in battle, its effects on a person, and the young men and women who raise their hands to take the oath.

"These 17-, 18-, 19-year-old kids don't understand the depth of this commitment they're making to their country, but they're going to do it anyway," he says. "Some do understand it, and they still do it. They're making those split-second decisions to kick in a door or clear a room or run down a hallway that's completely dark and obscure, but they're going to do it anyway, because they know it's the right thing to do, and it's something they're trained to do.

"You realize the immense amount of dedication and faith these young people have. We say we understand it. But it's more concrete, more substantive, than you'd imagine. It's not a platitude. These things are practiced and believed by America's young people. They do it and they live it. I'm calling them the next next Greatest Generation."

Winslow pushes back against the "broken veteran" narrative. It took years to process everything he saw and heard in Iraq, but he wouldn't trade that deployment, calling combat "every high and every low. It's everything you ever wanted and everything you never wanted, all at once."

Fallujah deeply affected him, in bad ways and good, he adds. "I was in the middle of it. I was stepping over the dead bodies. I was catching the action." But it made Winslow grateful for all he has – for being alive, period. It also strengthened his faith. "I had to call on that on innumerable occasions in a way most people never will. You know, the old foxhole thing."

An accomplished artist himself, Winslow met Howard in 2022, when the sculptor and his wife, Traci, hosted a reception for veterans at their studio. Conversation turned to Winslow's time in the Marine Corps and his experiences in Iraq.

A few weeks later, he received an email asking if he'd pose as a doughboy in "A Soldier's Journey" – one of six modern combat veterans used as models. Their facial expressions and body language were what Howard sought to capture.

In Winslow's view, the sculptor more than succeeded.

"They're beautiful," he says of the figures, which include a daughter handing her father a helmet, a wife grasping his hand as he joins his brothers in arms, men charging into combat, nurses helping the injured, a shell-shocked soldier, and finally, troops returning with flag held high.

What each one is thinking and feeling is seen on their face and in their posture. The horrors, the heartbreak, the heroism of war – it's all there.

"To convey those emotions and concepts through art is fantastically difficult," he says. "That's why what Sabin's done is so epic. I realized that right off the bat and was like, ‘This guy's amazing. If he wants me to stand on my head in the corner, I'll do it.' I want to watch him. I want to listen to him. I just want to soak up as much as I can."

Winslow was familiar with "A Soldier's Journey" and knew Howard had the talent to deliver the enormous sculpture on the tightest of timetables.

Even so, looking around the studio, he was amazed at how much was happening, and quickly.

"He is a beast," Winslow says. "He is in it. He is focused. There was no messing around. It was game on from the start."

The opportunity to contribute to one of America's most sacred works of art came as Winslow is returning to his own roots as an artist and sculptor.

For 20 years, he's focused more on design work for government agencies, "doing something that I know people need and I can charge for," he says. His clients have included the White House, the National Cathedral, the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, the National Museum of the Marine Corps and the National Guard Bureau.

Now, though, he's going back to art for which he truly has a passion: bronze reliefs and sculptures that honor heroes or depict great deeds in battle.

"That's really what I'm most proud of now, being able to combine my technical skills, experience in combat and artistic vision with some of these things that are memorializing young men and women," he says. "It's a calling for me. It really is."

That's why the timing of being asked to be part of the sculptural heart of the National World War I Memorial feels like a sort of "cosmic serendipity," he says.

"It's a tremendous honor. Even when I see myself up there, I can't believe it. I'm still in awe of it. It's humbling."

See a gallery of Winslow's artwork here.

Next article: Legion joins with other VSOs in calling for Congress to immediately fund $15-billion VA budget shortfall

Legion joins with other VSOs in calling for Congress to immediately fund $15-billion VA budget shortfall

Source: September 12, 2024

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Multiple veterans service organizations, including representatives from The American Legion, gathered in the nation's capital Wednesday to draw attention to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' massive budget shortfall and call on Congress to pass before Sept. 20 supplemental legislation in what is expected to be a government budget stopgap continuing resolution.

Earlier this week, Military.com reported that in addition to a $3 billion shortfall for the rest of the year, VA officials have confirmed they are asking Congress "to include an extra $12 billion for the department's 2025 medical budget in the upcoming stopgap spending measure – which must be passed into law by the end of the month – to ensure outreach to veterans and growth of the system can continue apace without compromising wait times and staffing levels."

The Legion joined with Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Student Veterans of America, Disabled American Veterans, TAPS, Military Officer Association of America and Wounded Warrior Project during a press conference in Washington, D.C., to call for immediate passage of supplemental funding legislation authored by U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia.

"This financial crisis will affect disability compensation, caregiver compensation, community care payouts, everything," American Legion Legislative Director Julia Mathis said. "We're calling on Congress to immediately pass the legislation offered up by Senator Brown and Congressman Garcia. Every day we get closer to September 20 is another 24 hours of uncertainty for thousands of veterans whose financial lives depend on it.

"Every member of Congress has a moral obligation to protect these crucial benefits that our nation's veterans have earned through their service to our great nation."

Mathis noted that delays in compensation payments could have a domino effect on veterans and their families. "I have heard the concerns and felt the anxiety from many American Legion members over the announced budget shortages," she said. "Many veterans and caregivers rely on these compensations to keep them from going off a financial cliff. With benefit payments at risk, the mental health implications are very concerning. Just imagine being a veteran who lives paycheck to paycheck and being notified by the VA that your compensation is going to be delayed in October due to these shortfalls. Imagine telling your children you can't buy them school clothes or talking with your spouse about which bills you can afford to pay this month , or facing possibly eviction from your home.

"The mental stress brought on by these situations could lead some veterans into depression or hopelessness, even to the brink of suicide."

Mathis said two American Legion programs are designed specifically to help veterans who are dealing with those feelings.

"For moments like this, I thank God that The American Legion has the Be the One mission and the Buddy Check program," she said. "The American Legion's Be the One mission focuses on destigmatizing mental health treatment, encouraging connections, making it OK to say you're not OK and empowering everyone to intervene to save the life of a veteran in crisis.

"That ties in with the concept of the Buddy Checks, which The American Legion pioneered in 2019. I am grateful that the VA is conducting National Buddy Check Week in October. Let's remember that anyone can do a Buddy Check at any time. You can do this with a simple call to check on a veteran, make sure they are OK and offer to assist them with anything they need."

The American Legion also joined with multiple other VSOs in sending a letter to Congressional leadership, urging Congress "to act swiftly to approve the necessary funding so there is no gap in either benefits or needed health care." Read the entire letter here.

Legionnaires can let Congress know that veterans' benefits are not up for debate by using our Grassroots Action Center to urge support for this critical legislation.

Next article: ‘We work in a memorial': Pentagon remembers 9/11 victims on 23rd anniversary

‘We work in a memorial': Pentagon remembers 9/11 victims on 23rd anniversary

Source: September 12, 2024

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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday told those gathered at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial that for many Americans who were affected 23 years ago by the terrorist attacks on the United States, it can feel as if life has largely returned to normal. But he said that's not the case for those who work at the building.

"We don't just work near a memorial. We work in a memorial," Austin said during the annual ceremony to remember the Pentagon victims of the attack on Sept. 11, 2001. "Every day, we serve in the only surviving building struck by al-Qaida on 9/11. And every day, we carry a powerful sense of purpose."

The Pentagon observance ceremony, which was not open to the public, allowed family members of the 184 people who lost their lives when terrorists crashed American Airlines Flight 77 into the southwest corner of the building to honor them.

Those lost that day include passengers and crew members on the plane and people who worked at the Pentagon. A memorial at the building for the fallen was dedicated exactly seven years later. Nearly 3,000 Americans were killed in the 9/11 attacks in New York City, Somerset County, Pa., and the Pentagon.

The catastrophe also altered U.S. foreign policy, domestic security practices and the mindset of many Americans who had not previously felt vulnerable to attacks by foreign extremists. Effects rippled around the world and through generations as the U.S. responded by leading the Global War on Terrorism, which included invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. The involvement of U.S. forces in Afghanistan lasted nearly 20 years and became America's longest war.

Austin said about 6% of today's troops were in uniform on 9/11 and 21% of today's U.S. military was born after the attacks. "We will always strive to carry forward the values of the teammates whom we lost here 23 years ago," he said.

The American flag was unfurled over the side of the Pentagon at sunrise on the side of the building that was struck on 9/11, an annual tradition. Before speeches were given by Austin and Air Force Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the names of the 184 were read aloud with the ringing of bells.

"Today, we gather to remember the day, the loss and the determination," Brown said.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were scheduled to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony Wednesday at the Pentagon memorial after traveling to New York and Pennsylvania

Next article: Protect your documents during peak hurricane season

Protect your documents during peak hurricane season

Source: September 12, 2024

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LEARN HOW YOUR PLANNED GIFT CAN HELP THE AMERICAN LEGION

With the peak hurricane season in September, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers to protect their tax and financial records.

Between 1851 and 2024, there have been 1,062 hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean. September is the peak month, with 425. During this time, there have been 169 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5), and 63 made landfall in the United States.

This September could be another busy season for hurricane-watchers. The Caribbean water temperatures are 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit and favorable to the development of tropical storms and hurricanes. With this warmer water, there is greater hurricane intensity. The strongest September hurricanes were the Galveston Hurricane in 1900 and Hurricane Carla in 1961.

September is designated as National Preparedness Month. All individuals should use this time, before the natural disaster season, to protect important tax and financial information. The IRS offers several helpful tips to protect personal, financial and tax information. Additional information is also available on IRS.gov or FEMA.gov.

Protect Important Documents Original documents may include tax returns, Social Security cards, marriage certificates, birth certificates and deeds to property. These should be secured in a waterproof container in a safe location. You should also make copies of important documents and keep them in a safe deposit box or send them to a trusted person in a different location.

Record of Valuables With the ease of taking pictures on your cellphone, you should maintain photos or videos of your high-value items. These will be important if you lose the items in a natural disaster and can help support your claims for tax benefits or insurance claims. The IRS also offers Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook. This will be very helpful to you if you have a loss due to a natural disaster.

Rebuild Your Records After any hurricane, you may have a challenge in reconstructing or rebuilding your records. These records could be essential for receiving a federal grant or an insurance company payment. If you can accurately estimate your loss through records, the insurance adjuster will be able to justify the payments. The IRS has a Reconstructing Records webpage on IRS.gov that may be helpful.

Employer Fiduciary Bond If you are an employer, you may have difficulties if your payroll service provider experiences a natural disaster. Your provider is obligated to make timely federal tax payments. There should be a fiduciary bond that protects you as an employer if your provider is in a natural disaster and defaults.

IRS Tax Relief If FEMA declares your area a federal disaster zone, the IRS frequently postpones tax filing and payment deadlines. If you are within the disaster area, you will not need to contact the IRS. The agency automatically identifies taxpayers with a business or personal address in the covered disaster area. If you reside outside the covered disaster area but have been impacted, you may call 866-562-5227 to determine whether you qualify for relief.

The American Legion's Planned Giving program is a way of establishing your legacy of support for the organization while providing for your current financial needs. Learn more about the process, and the variety of charitable programs you can benefit, at legion.org/plannedgiving. Clicking on "Learn more" will bring up an "E-newsletter" button, where you can sign up for regular information from Planned Giving.

Next article: National convention resolution available on Digital Archive

National convention resolution available on Digital Archive

Source: September 12, 2024

Articles

The resolution approved by the American Legion National Executive Committee at the 105th National Convention in August is now available on the Digital Archive. Resolution 10, from the Convention Committee on Veterans Employment & Education, speaks to the need for better coordination between post-secondary educational institutions, and DoD and other military agencies, to create a framework that truly assesses military training and experience for college credit.

The Digital Archive includes all current Legion resolutions, national meeting digests and reports, issues of The American Legion Magazine and other publications, and much more.

Next article: America250, American Legion serve together on 9/11

America250, American Legion serve together on 9/11

Source: September 12, 2024

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Thousands of volunteers – from the corporate world, the military, non-government organizations, pro sports, the banking industry, America250, the Peace Corps, The American Legion, faith-based groups and many others – gathered onboard the USS Intrepid in New York City Wednesday, 9/11, to fill over 2 million boxes of non-perishable food for distribution to area people in need.

"Especially today, on 9/11, it means a lot," American Legion Department of New York Commander Keith Koster said after rolling up his sleeves, donning a blue hairnet and putting in a two-hour shift preparing jambalaya mixes alongside other Legionnaires and America250 Chair Rosie Rios. "I lived in Brooklyn for a while, so for me, it's kind of like bringing something back home."

Koster joined American Legion 9-11 Memorial Post 2001 Commander Sean Powers, National Headquarters Executive Director James Baca and Rios at a VIP packing table that filled and sealed bag after bag with speedy efficiency as dozens of other table teams on the mid-day shift buzzed to keep pace.

"It was good," said Koster, a U.S. Navy veteran and cancer survivor, after helping fulfill his group's share of boxes filled over two days as part of the 8th NYC Meal Pack event for the September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance, or "9/11 Day." "Everyone had their little role," Koster said of the VIP team. "I had the rice. I had to wait until somebody put in the spices. I put the rice in, and the beans after the rice, and then they bagged it and sent it down. And we started over again. We had to have it all timed out, doing it in the right order."

The American Legion's top officer in New York did not have time to ponder that the signature of one of his packing mates appears on $1.2 trillion in U.S. currency. Rios, U.S. Treasurer from 2009 to 2016, was appointed by President Biden to chair the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in July 2022.

Of his two hours working alongside the 43rd U.S. Treasurer, Koster said "we didn't have a lot of time to talk. We were actually focused on what we were doing. We got down to about four seconds per bag, or something like that, so it was a pretty quick turn-around."

The United States Semiquincentennial Commission leads American Legion-involved America250, a multi-faceted initiative leading up to the nation's 250th anniversary, July 4, 2026. American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Commission Chairman Autrey James of California serves on the America250 Servicemembers Advisory Council.

The NYC Meal Pack event annually brings together diverse volunteer groups to confront food insecurity. It was also a perfect fit for America250 to advance one of its eight key pathways to celebrate the nation's anniversary – America Gives.

"Service has always been at the heart of America's story, from the first volunteer fire brigades to the incredible efforts of organizations like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps," Rios posted on X after the food-packing event on the Intrepid. "As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I'm thrilled to preview America Gives – a year-round initiative that aims to make 2026 the largest year of service in our nation's history. Whether through charitable giving, volunteering, or public service, there's a role for everyone in this journey."

Carol Spahn, director of the Peace Corps, said service such as the 9/11Meal Pack – which was executed by more than 9,000 volunteers in 21 cities nationwide – is an American characteristic that cannot be understated. "Part of the 250th story is celebrating how America gives and how America gives around the world," she said, noting that the Peace Corps has deployed more than 240,000 American volunteers to 143 countries over the last 63 years, helping with food, education, health and other needs. "Part of our mission is to bring America to the world, and to bring the world back home to America."

Powers said he was impressed with the energy inside the USS Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, where the massive packing party – punctuated with prayers and bell ringing to remember the losses of Sept. 11, 2001 – was conducted. "There was an absolute vibe in there," explained Powers, a front-line first responder on 9/11 whose post has been housed onboard the historic ship since soon after the terrorist attacks. "Doing something positive for the community, that's what The American Legion does. That's what we are. We give back."

"We might not all be as big as New York City, but we help our communities back through our own home posts," said Koster, who explained that he will encourage New York's 808 Legion posts to engage with state and local America250 committees and find ways to collaborate.

Framed under three terms – "engage, eduate and unite" – the America250 program portfolio includes America's Invitation, to share current stories by Americans to show the nation's identity at 250; America's Field Trip, a student essay and art contest wrapped around the question "What does America mean to you?"; America Gives, a multi-year year-round effort that focuses on community service and support; America's Culture to showcase the nation's diverse pallet of art forms and creative expression; Our American Story, a compilation of oral histories; America Innovates, a "traveling tech expo" that celebrates the nation's great innovations; America Waves, where communities are invited to come together and wave their flags in celebration of the 250th anniversary; a time capsule; and July 4, 2026, activation plans.

Next article: Palou on verge of 2nd straight INDYCAR championship heading into Nashville

Palou on verge of 2nd straight INDYCAR championship heading into Nashville

Source: September 11, 2024

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Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) already has earned one piece of NTT INDYCAR SERIES hardware heading into this weekend's Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway. But another remains on the line – one the team and its driver has claimed twice in the previous three seasons.

CGR driver Linus Lundqvist, driver of the No. 8 American Legion Honda featuring the Legion's Be the One veteran suicide prevention messaging, already has wrapped the INDYCAR Rookie of the Year in convincing fashion. On the strength of two podium finishes and another top 10, Lundqvist has built an 81-point lead over teammate Kyffin Simpson heading into the weekend.

Meanwhile, Alex Palou – driving the No. 10 DHL Honda featuring American Legion branding – holds a 33-point lead over Will Power heading into the weekend. It's the seventh-largest point margin with a race remaining since 2008.

Should Palou finish ninth or higher, something he's done in 13 of 16 points races this season, he'll clinch his third NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship in four years.

Sunday's race is 206 laps and 267.8 miles and takes place on what has been termed Middle Tennessee's "racing jewel." It's known for its high-intensity, wheel-to-wheel action, and as the season finale, it will be the first oval finale in a decade where the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship will be decided. The 1.33-mile D-shaped concrete oval features 14 degrees of banking and has hosted eight NTT INDYCAR SERIES events.

This weekend's broadcast schedule (all times ET):

· Saturday, Sept. 14 – NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifications, 2:15-3:15 p.m.; NTT INDYCAR SERIES High-Line & final practice, 5:15-7 p.m. (all Peacock).

· Sunday, Sept. 15 – Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, 3-6 p.m. (NBC and Peacock).

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Notes:

· The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge will be the 17th and final race of the 2024 season. There have been seven winners in 16 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races in the 2024 season. Pato O'Ward (Streets of St. Petersburg, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Milwaukee Mile-1), Scott Dixon (Streets of Long Beach, Streets of Detroit), Scott McLaughlin (Barber Motorsports Park, Iowa Speedway-1, Milwaukee Mile-2), Alex Palou (Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course, WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca), Josef Newgarden (Indianapolis 500, World Wide Technology Raceway), Will Power (Road America, Iowa Speedway-2, Portland International Raceway) and Colton Herta (Streets of Toronto) have all won in 2024. The modern record (1946-present) for the most different winners in a season is 11 in 2000, 2001 and 2014.

· The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge will be the seventh oval race of the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. Five of the first six oval races were won by drivers from Team Penske – Josef Newgarden (Indianapolis 500, World Wide Technology Raceway), Scott McLaughlin (Iowa Speedway-1, Milwaukee Mile-2) and Will Power (Iowa Speedway-2). The remaining oval race (Milwaukee Mile-1) was won by Pato O'Ward of Arrow McLaren.

· The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Presented by Gainbridge will be the ninth INDYCAR SERIES event at Nashville Superspeedway. Scott Dixon is the only former Nashville Superspeedway winner entered in the event. But Dixon, Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood won the three editions of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix held on the streets of downtown Nashville.

· Josef Newgarden has won 10 of the last 17 oval races on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule. Newgarden, a native of Hendersonville, Tennessee, has never raced at Nashville Superspeedway.

· Three drivers have previous starts at Nashville Superspeedway – Scott Dixon, Will Power and Graham Rahal. Dixon has six starts, most of all drivers. Only Dixon has led laps at the track, leading 247 laps in his six starts.

· Milestones: Scott Dixon will attempt to make his 339th consecutive start, extending his record streak.

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