American Legion issues priorities for Congress, plans training to prevent veteran suicide

MEDIA ADVISORY – COVERAGE OPPORTUNITY

WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Legion, the nation's largest veterans service organization with 1.6 million members, will conduct its 65^th Washington Conference, highlighted by its national commander presenting their legislative priorities on Feb. 26.

National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. is scheduled to lay out The American Legion's priorities before the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 26 in the Cannon Caucus Room 390, Cannon House Office Building. The priorities include reducing the number of veterans lost to suicide, ending veteran homelessness, rebuilding the transition assistance program, bolstering veteran benefits protection, ensuring veteran access to health care and more.

The Washington Conference will take place Feb. 22-26, with most events at the Washington Hilton Hotel, 1919 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C. In addition to the congressional testimony, coverage opportunities include:

• 1-5 Sunday, Feb. 23: The American Legion will hold a suicide prevention training class in support of its primary mission, Be the One, which aims to reduce the number of veterans and servicemembers lost to suicide. The Legion's goal is to train 100,000 people on suicide prevention by the end of 2025 in classes such as this one. The class will be held in the Georgetown Room, Concourse Level, at the Washington Hilton.

• 3-5:30 Monday, Feb. 24: The Commander's Call will feature speakers such as VA Secretary Doug Collins, a Fireside Chat with a bipartisan group of members of Congress, and others. International Ballroom East & Center, Concourse Level at the Washington Hilton. (Doors open at 2 p.m.)

Note: Schedule and speakers are subject to change.

About The American Legion
The American Legion is the largest wartime veterans service organization with more than 1.6 million members in roughly 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans. Learn more at legion.org.

About Be the One
The American Legion's primary mission is to reduce the number of veterans and servicemembers who die by suicide. We are raising awareness, striving to destigmatize mental health treatment, conducting suicide prevention training and pursuing other initiatives to empower everyone to "Be the One" to save the life of just one veteran who may be at risk. Learn more at betheone.org.

SOURCE The American Legion