Veterans invited to share their stories during moderated panel discussion Jan. 17.
LOS ANGELES – Bob Hope Patriotic Hall welcomes “The Greatest Legislation: An American Legion Centennial Salute to the GI Bill,” a multi-media exhibit, with a public reception and moderated panel discussion Jan. 17 at the historic home of the Los Angeles County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs, 1816 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles. A reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the discussion and audience participation beginning at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Veterans and families whose lives have been influenced by the GI Bill, originally passed as the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944 under the leadership of California’s Warren B. Atherton during his term as national commander of The American Legion, are invited to share their stories about the GI Bill, which has been described as the most significant social legislation of the 20th century.
Dr. Jennifer Keene of Chapman University, author and distinguished scholar of World War I history, will discuss the GI Bill as one of the most significant accomplishments achieved by veterans of the First World War, who drafted the original bill and fought through its critics, Congress and a late-night Georgia rainstorm to make the measure a reality. Keene, president of the Society of Military History, is a master scholar chosen by the United States World War One Centennial Commission to provide professional training for educators about the First World War’s place in history. The program is supported by an American Legion grant.
American Legion Past National Commander David K. Rehbein of Iowa, chairman of the organization’s 100th Anniversary Observance Committee, will moderate the panel discussion at Patriotic Hall. Also speaking at the event will be Verna Jones, executive director of The American Legion, and panelists who will discuss the continuous effort to make the GI Bill a powerful benefit of military service and fuel for the U.S. economy. Scheduled panelists include U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Raymond Jackson, Los Angeles-Long Beach Maritime Safety and Security Team; UCLA student and Army veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan Sarah Horton; and John Kamin, Iraq combat veteran and assistant director of The American Legion’s Veterans Employment and Education Division in Washington.
Attendees of the Jan. 17 event are encouraged to RSVP by contacting Los Angeles County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Executive Assistant Tatiana Rosas by email at trosas@mva.lacounty.gov.
“The Greatest Legislation: An American Legion Centennial Salute to the GI Bill” is a traveling exhibit that features illustrated panels and more than 20 videos in touch-screen kiosks. It will be at Patriotic Hall through March 2018.
The American Legion, with 2 million members serving communities through approximately 13,000 local posts worldwide, was formed March 15-17, 1919, by members of the American Expeditionary Forces stationed in France after the armistice of Nov. 11, 1918.
Jeff Stoffer, American Legion Media & Communications Division.
WASHINGTON — As part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) ongoing efforts to modernize and improve Veterans’ experience with the disability claims process, VA unveiled its latest enhancements to the Decision Ready Claims (DRC) program, which will expand the pool of Veterans, surviving spouses and service members eligible to participate in the program.
“These enhancements are another key step in modernizing VA’s benefits delivery to Veterans to a fully digital operating environment,” said VA Secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “With electronic claims processing as a foundation, VA’s innovation will improve service to Veterans, their families and survivors.”
In addition to claims for increased disability compensation (commonly known as claims for increase), Veterans will now be able to file certain claims for direct service connection, presumptive service connection and secondary service connection. Additionally, surviving spouses will be able to file certain claims for Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, and transitioning service members will be able to file pre-discharge claims less than 90 days from leaving the military. Veterans who choose to submit their claim under DRC can expect to receive a decision within 30 days from the time VA receives the claim.
To file under DRC, Veterans must work with an accredited Veteran Service Organization (VSO) representative, who will ensure all supporting evidence — such as medical exams, military service records, etc. — is included with the claim submission. This advance preparation by the VSOs allows claims to be assigned immediately to claims processors for a quick decision.
In the future, VA aims to expand the DRC program, where possible, to ensure more Veterans can get faster decisions on their claims. For more information about DRC or to find an accredited VSO representative, visit https://www.benefits.va.gov/compensation/DRC.asp.
More than 60 volunteers from Post 273, in Madeira Beach, joined together to feed over 100 local veterans and families at their annual Veterans Christmas Day Party.
They would like to send a special thank you to Boy Scout Troop 371, from Largo, for their service!
Commander Steve Shuga has been on the road a lot this month. Who can blame him for being tired and dozing off a little. Unfortunately, Luther sees a “golden” opportunity. mischievous
Luther is a real History buff! How can you go anywhere new, if you don’t know where you have been already? Today, Luther is learning more about the history of The American Legion and Department of Florida.
Luther loves to play games, even traditional ones! BINGO is one of his favorites when he visits some of our Posts across Florida. Today he is having a BINGO party with some of his friends!
Luther! That is not how we use our office equipment, those things are very expensive, and vital to printing important materials for our members. No one wants a photo copy of your….
Luther is shopping Emblems Sales today, hoping to find some great last minute gifts for a few of his comrades! A few things for himself wouldn’t hurt either.
Department Commander Steve Shuga has finally had it! He is Face-timing Santa. Santa is not too happy either.
LUTHER!!! You’ve done it now! Commander Steve Shuga won’t stand for this….Your antics have gotten totally out of hand!
Commander Steve Shuga has been on the road a lot this month. Who can blame him for being tired and dozing off a little. Unfortunately, Luther sees a “golden” opportunity. mischievous
Luther has learned a lot since his arrival. He is sharing that knowledge with his friends, and now fellow Legionnaires.
Luther is a real History buff! How can you go anywhere new, if you don’t know where you have been already? Today, Luther is learning more about the 
Luther says even though there is no snow in Florida, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy “snow” activities. You just have to improvise! 
Luther isn’t as “sprout” as he once was, and after this morning’s workout, even he can use a little muscle cream.
Oops, we think Luther may have gone a little overboard this time…. the struggle is still real….
Luther knows the importance of staying healthy! He works hard to stay strong and fit! But…. the struggle is real….
Luther is just checking in with Santa. All is well in the North Pole and everything is on track. 
Luther loves to play games, even traditional ones! BINGO is one of his favorites when he 
Luther has dedicated his life to serving veterans, from lobbying congress for change to something as simple as polishing up a retired Marine’s boots!
Luther remembers the sacrifices and service of those who were prisoners of war, as well as those who are missing in action, and their families. 
Luther! That is not how we use our office equipment, those things are very expensive, and vital to printing important materials for our members. No one wants a photo copy of your….