Good morning, Legionnaires, distinguished guests, and friends,
It’s an honor to be here with all of you today at the Department of New York Midwinter Conference. I am a proud member of Poughkeepsie Post # 37, but more importantly, as many of you, I am also a veterans Service Officer. I want to first recognize all Legion accredited service officer, would you please stand and be recognized for all the work each of you do every day.
As the National Deputy Director for Benefits & Claims, one of my most important responsibilities is to oversee the entire American Legion national service officer program. But more than titles or positions, my greatest strength lies in my firsthand experience as a Veterans Service Officer.
Every time I sit across the table from senior VA leadership, the BVA, Congressional representatives, or policymakers, I carry with me the stories and struggles of veterans I’ve worked with directly. These stories are powerful—they highlight the real challenges veterans face, challenges that often get lost in policy debates and bureaucracy.
Service Officers are undoubtedly the backbone of The American Legion and any Veterans Service Organization. It is more than just processing claims or filing paperwork. It’s about advocacy. It’s about standing in the gap for veterans who feel lost in the system and families who are struggling under the weight of uncertainty. It’s about being a voice for those who need it most.
Just look at this amazing number- during FY 2024, the American Legion service officers across the world have delivered over $21 billion tax-free benefits to over 1.2 million veterans and families we represent before the VA. Let’s face it: none of this can be accomplished without you. The work you do at the post and department levels is where the magic happens. Every claim filed, every veteran assisted, every family supported is part of a larger movement that starts with you. And guess what? we need more of you. We need more compassionate, dedicated individuals to step up and join our ranks as Service Officers. Whether you’re a seasoned Legionnaire or someone just starting your journey with The American Legion, know this—becoming a Service Officer isn’t just a role; it’s a calling.
At the National Headquarters, me and my team has a simple role: to ensure you have the training, tools, and resources you need to succeed. We’re enhancing our communications, rolling out advanced training programs, and setting consistent standards across departments because when our Service Officers are empowered, our veterans are better served.
We’re also prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention. Through partnerships with organizations like Columbia University and the implementation of evidence-based protocols, we’re tackling this crisis with the urgency it demands.
I know the work is hard. The long hours, the late-night phone calls, the emotional weight of hearing difficult stories—it’s not easy. But it’s worth it. Because every time you help a veteran secure the benefits they’ve earned, you’re not just changing one life—you’re impacting generations.
As we move forward, I ask each of you to continue your advocacy, to stay informed, and to remind every veteran you encounter that The American Legion stands ready to serve them. I also ask if you’ve ever considered becoming a Service Officer, now is the time. Step up, join this mission, and become part of the lifeline that countless veterans and families rely on every day.
Thank you for your time, your service, and your dedication. Together, we will continue to honor our promise to those who served.
For God and Country.
Thank you.