CoronaVirus (aka Covid-19)
This page is to inform you, the visitor, information and updates on the Covid-19 and the American Legion Family. Please check back often for updates that pertain to the American Legion Family. Said information will come from one of these resources: the Post Commander, Department of the American Legion Family or National American Legion Family. Be Safe, stay well, stay home.
Dear American Legion Family,
Many times I have mentioned the importance of conducting Buddy Checks
throughout this crisis. It is especially vital that we check on senior
citizens. Legion College graduate Jennifer Gedney Havlick (Class of
2018) has brought it to a new level. A member of Post 109 in Twin
Harbors, Minn., she has formulated a plan called Enhanced Buddy
Checks. (click
here)
It includes organizing response teams with captains, daily morale calls, and shopping for those who are self-quarantined. Even tasks such as bringing trash cans to the curb are not overlooked. Performing these tasks for others can save lives to those who may be especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
In its early stages, Buddy Checks were seen as a way to improve communication. During this national emergency, it is more important than ever before.
Bill Oxford
National Commander
Covid-19 links and resources
American Legion and the State of Colorado
Legion Information:
Legion.org
https://legion.org/news/248577/national-commander-coronavirus-updates
Colorado & Denver Links: https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en.html
Buddy Check: Coronavirus Pandemic Assistance
Veterans’ GI Bill benefits to continue during COVID-19 pandemic
American Legion Family members continue to assist others during difficult time
Visiting Parks and Recreational Facilities - Protect Yourself and Others from COVID-19
VA national cemeteries resume committal and memorial services halted by the COVID-19 pandemic U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) national cemeteries will resume committal services starting June 9 in all but two VA national cemeteries. (6/5/20)-
Updates From National
23 July 2020
Dear American Legion Family,
Due to widespread shutdowns, the coronavirus pandemic is not just a health crisis but a financial one to millions of people. The Department of Veterans Affairs has wisely suspended debt collections to the end of 2020.
If you owe VA money due to a benefit debt, call 1-800-827-0648 to suspend your repayment terms. If it’s a healthcare debt, call 1-866-400-1238.
Bill Oxford
National Commander
22 July 2020
Dear American Legion Family,
I’m going to interrupt my normal coronavirus coverage to extend birthday wishes to an American hero.
Former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole turns 97 today. After earning two Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars for valor during World War II, Dole’s service to his country is not defined by partisanship but by patriotism. He was a champion for and the chairman of the National World War II Memorial. The Legionnaire from Kansas has given his nation a remarkable legacy.
Bill Oxford
National Commander
20 July 2020
Dear American Legion Family,
With the cancellation of our national convention due to the coronavirus, the presentation of national membership awards won’t happen, at least not on a national stage. But it was important that we still honor those who have helped add to the ranks of The American Legion in the past year. Recently we announced various award winners, including Department Commander of the Year recipients, Department Recruiters of the Year and District Commander New Post Achievement Award recipients. All the winners can be found here.
To call this a strange year would be a tremendous understatement. But that didn’t stop dedicated Legionnaires from actively seeking out veterans to join our organization. I want to thank each of these award recipients for doing their part to help The American Legion continue to serve our nation’s veterans, communities, military and families. But also, remember that membership is everyone’s business. There’s always work to be done, and we can always do better. The passage of the Legion Act opened up American Legion eligibility to millions of veterans. Keep reaching out to those veterans as we build a foundation for the future.
Bill Oxford
National Commander
FYI's........
White Paper on the SBA CORONAVIRUS RELIEF PACKAGE SUMMARY
(as it pertains to small business and nonprofits)
https://covid19relief.sba.gov/
Read here
Be Safe
While
most of us are still under the Stay AT Home Orders for several
cities and counties through out the State of Colorado. Do your
part to stay safe, stay home. If you must go out, please wear a
mask.
Do your part and check on your neighbors, friends and fellow Veterans. Even if it is just a phone call.
We Shall Keep The Faith