WEEKLY GRASSROOTS NEWSLETTER

This week, we're spotlighting Washington Legionnaire Rafael Munoz-Cintron, a member who has sent nearly 2,000 messages to Congress and wants you to know it takes less than 30 seconds. Advocacy doesn't have to be complicated, and the Grassroots Action Center makes it easier than ever to make your voice heard on Capitol Hill.

Want to get involved? Visit the Action Center to send a letter of support to your members of Congress, report any recent meetings or calls, and help demonstrate the real-world impact of Legionnaire advocacy. For a deeper look at where we stand legislatively, review the 119th Congress, 2nd Session Legislative Priorities materials here.

LEGIONNAIRE URGES OTHERS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GRASSROOTS ACTION CENTER

This article’s original publication can be found here

WASHINGTON NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEMAN RAFAEL MUNOZ-CINTRON IS A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF LEGION POLICIES AND HAS USED THE GRASSROOTS ACTION CENTER NEARLY 2,000 TIMES TO ADVOCATE FOR THOSE POLICIES.

Not only is Washington Legionnaire Rafael Munoz-Cintron a regular user of The American Legion’s Grassroots Action Center (GAC), but he’s also asking other members of the Legion Family to take advantage of what he calls an "easy” mechanism to impact congressional policy.

The Grassroots Action Center allows The American Legion to contact every member of Congress on large, national campaigns as well as target specific members on key committees that pertain to The American Legion’s legislative priorities.

Munoz-Cintron is a member of American Legion Post 161 in Redmond and the 2023 American Legion National Legislative Council Member of the Year. Now serving as Washington’s National Executive Committeeman, he has sent 1,946 messages to Congress and held 35 personal meetings with congressional representatives and staff since 2020. 

Included in his GAC advocacy efforts were sending 462 messages in support of the GUARD Act, 238 messages for the Love Lives On Act and, most recently, 116 messages in support of the Major Richard Star Act.

Munoz-Cintron talked with American Legion Multimedia Editor Steven B. Brooks about his passion for the Legion’s legislative advocacy and why the Grassroots Action Center is critical to those efforts.

Steven Brooks: Why are you so passionate about the legislation side of The American Legion?

Rafael Munoz-Cintron: Legislative politics has been my background since I was a little kid. My parents were involved in government. When people were working their summer jobs in high school, I actually worked in the (Puerto Rico State) Senate as a summer employee my junior and senior years in high school. So it was a passion I’ve always had.

Question: Why is it a passion?

Munoz-Cintron: I see the legislative process not as a way of doing politics, but as a way of really enacting something that can change by making it a law, by making it a policy. That’s why I love doing resolutions for The American Legion. That’s a way we can enable change and establish policies. People have a direct influence on democracy through their participation through our votes, which gives us our legislature: our senators and Congressmen. And that gives us our laws. People are talking everywhere about how we need to pass the Richard Star Act to make justice for our veterans. How do we do that? Through enacting legislation. Lobbying in favor of our veterans is something I have found I’m really passionate about … because you can see the results of you doing something on behalf of your brother and sister veterans. It has concrete results. If you get a senator or representative to co-sponsor a piece of legislation, that’s something that you did. 

Question: How valuable is The American Legion’s Grassroots Action Center in making that lobbying a reality?

Munoz-Cintron: It’s great. It’s simple, it’s easy and it’s effective. People think, ‘No, maybe I won’t do it because they don’t listen to it. It’s just an email sent to a congressman’s office’. But I’ve got it from friends of mine who work in Congress who say (members of Congress) get those emails. They read them. They listen to them. And sometimes it changes policies within an office. And it’s so easy. You can do it during your commute on the bus. That’s what I do. It takes less than 30 seconds to do all five action items that currently are in there. Just do it once a day. Make it a habit. Do it when you’re at Starbucks waiting in line to get your coffee. It takes only 30 seconds.

Question: What do you say to someone who isn’t using the Grassroots Action Center?

Munoz-Cintron: Do it. It’s a little something that we can do … that can really make changes. It does make a difference. Veterans have that power. That’s something people don’t always realize. When I call a congressman’s office, I’m not calling on behalf of Rafael Munoz-Cintron. I’m calling on behalf of the more than 1 million members of The American Legion and the millions in the American Legion Family. So 30 seconds every day of your life is worth giving up to help your brother and sister veterans. And trust me – it makes a difference.

Question: Anything else you would like to add about The American Legion’s lobbying efforts?

Munoz-Cintron: When I went to (National American) Legion College, what was interesting to me was the story of the GI Bill, and how the GI Bill passed by one vote in the House by some representative in Georgia who was not on the floor. But through The American Legion, they were able to get a hold of a telephone operator, who got a hold of a policeman, and they got him on a plane for that. What would our country be without the GI Bill? That’s something The American Legion proposed that made changes for our greatest generation. The whole middle class was built upon the issuance of the GI Bill. And that’s what established America. And thinking about (getting that representative) to vote, I sometimes think that I could be that stepping stone that’s going to be able to help.

TOP STATES DRIVING GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026:

Kansas  4138  Wisconsin  3539  Tennessee  3524  New York  1703  Texas  1381  Florida  1220  West Virginia  1015  Virginia  774  Georgia  761  Indiana  750

OTHER GRASSROOTS INFORMATION 

Strengthen advocacy in your state. Encourage members to connect with their elected officials. Find your representatives here.

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Prepare for your next Capitol Hill meeting. The 10 Tips for a Successful Meeting on Capitol Hill and the Legislative Meeting Worksheet are ready to download on the the Legislative Advocacy Resources & Toolkit page on The American Legion website.

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IN THE NEWS

A TIME TO CELEBRATE, ACT AND BE THE ONE

This article’s original publication can be found here

American Legion national commander addresses leadership to discuss priorities of the organization, from America’s 250th birthday to the impending passage of legislation supporting veterans. 

Whether it’s walking or running 250 miles, making 250 Buddy Checks, or conducting 250 hours of community service, The American Legion’s USA 250 Challenge has been encouraging physical fitness, mental wellness and volunteerism since its launch last July to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. The challenge benefits The American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (VCF), and National Commander Dan Wiley has set a fundraising goal of $150,000.

"Maybe instead of 250 miles, you can walk 250 blocks. Or, if you can spare a half day before July 4, give 250 minutes of community service,” Wiley said during his opening remarks for Spring Meetings of The American Legion National Executive Committee at National Headquarters in Indianapolis on May 6. "Your challenge is only limited by your imagination. The important thing is that we support a great cause, while also honoring our nation in a meaningful way."

As Wiley spoke, national staff walked the NEC floor to collect donations. The result was more than $3,565 collected, which pushed USA 250 Challenge donations in support of VCF to over $80,000 of Wiley’s goal.

The American Legion advocates for quality-of-life issues for active duty servicemembers and their families through its Base Assessment and Servicemember Experience (BASE) program. American Legion national staff recently visited Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Ill., and Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston in Texas to support this program and report their findings.

"What we have been finding is unbridled enthusiasm among our military. But challenges remain,” Wiley said, adding that those challenges include outdated barracks, personnel shortages, housing, healthcare and affordable childcare. "We have always known that it isn’t just the military member who serves, but their families as well.”

Wiley encourages all departments to engage with nearby bases, reserve centers and National Guard armories to continue supporting the needs of active duty servicemembers and their families.

"Their concerns need to be our concerns,” he said. "And this continues long after they hang up their uniforms. This is why we continue to advocate for the Major Richard Star Act; it is one of the most common concerns that I hear from our military retirees. Simply put, wounded veterans are currently paying an unfair tax, and it must be abolished.”

When Wiley visited Capitol Hill in early February, he spoke with members of Congress about the passage of the Major Richard Star Act. "What I was told repeatedly was that if we can get it passed in the Senate, it will likely then pass in the House,” he said. "We have been fighting this battle for approximately 20 years. It’s time.”

Wiley shared that 80 senators have co-sponsored the bill, "but we have a few standing in the way of passage of the Richard Star Act or even allowing it to be voted on in the Senate Chamber.”

He called upon Legionnaires in the following states to help him get the 20 senators to support the legislation. Neither senator has co-sponsored it in Iowa, Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Utah. And only one senator has co-sponsored it in Alabama, Connecticut, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

"Many of those opposed cite the cost of the Act,” Wiley said. "I understand. I also understand the cost of wars since Major Star served, including the Iraq War, the war in Afghanistan, and now the conflict in Iran.The cost for all of these was trillions, which is far more than the cost to do justice to the 54,000 veterans affected by the Act. It’s time.

"We have spent money to rename military installations and then rename some again, and now I’ve seen the estimated cost to rename the Department of Defense.As King Charles III, in his address to Congress alluded recently, words matter, but actions matter even more. Before we rename things, let’s make sure the veterans who fault the wars in defense of our country receive justice for the sacrifice they made,” Wiley added to applause.

American Legion Family members and veteran advocates can help support passage of this legislation, and other Legion-supported legislation, by sending messages to their members of Congress through the Legion’s Grassroots Action Center. Visit the Grassroots Action Center to get started.

"It’s time. It’s time to pass the Major Richard Star Act,” Wiley said.

As the conflict in Iran continues and the United States is coming upon the solemn 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the deadliest terrorist attack in American history, Wiley emphasized that it is imperative for America to have a strong national defense, a robust armed forces and to not operate on Continuing Resolutions.

"Despite all of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission and the statements from public officials that this must never happen again, our military still operates off Continuing Resolutions,” Wiley said. "Congress still hasn’t passed the Pay Our Troops Act or Pay Our Coast Guard Act. And even funding for the department that was created as a result of 9/11, the Department of Homeland Security, has become perhaps the most contentious issue in Washington.”

Additionally, Wiley shared that in 2023, China built more than 50% of the world’s ships while the U.S. built .1%.

"This is why The American Legion is calling for Congress to pass the SHIPS for America Act, so we can close this gap and prepare against global threats, and we absolutely must have a strong Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard,” Wiley said. "Their weapons, equipment and training must be the most innovative and advanced in the world.” 

Continuing on in regard to mental health support for America’s servicemembers and veterans, Wiley commended the Department of Health and Human Services for recently taking steps toward implementing the president’s executive order on the medical efficacy of cannabis.

"We are committed to (The American Legion’s mission of) Be the One to stop veteran suicide,” he said. "This means keeping an open mind toward nontraditional therapies and treatments. It means removing the stigma that often goes with the brave decision to seek help.

"It means communication, community and camaraderie.”

HEGSETH SUPPORTS BILL ELIMINATING OFFSETS FOR COMBAT-DISABLED MILITARY RETIREES

This article’s original publication can be found here

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has thrown his support behind proposed legislation that would give combat-wounded service members who are medically retired from the U.S. military their full retirement pay and Veterans Affairs disability compensation.

During a hearing Thursday on the Defense Department’s $1.5 trillion fiscal 2027 budget request, Hegseth said he supports the Maj. Richard Star Act — a bill that would give roughly 54,000 veterans their retirement pay and VA disability concurrently.

"As I have said in the past to other organizations, we support the Richard Star Act,” Hegseth said during questioning by Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn.

Blumenthal is a lead sponsor of the bill who repeatedly has tried to pass the legislation, most recently, calling in March for a Senate vote. The legislation has the support of 79 Senators and 323 House members.

But it has been blocked by some Republicans over concerns of funding. In March, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., objected to Blumenthal’s call for a floor vote, saying the legislation would cost more than $70 billion over the first 10 years of enactment.

The $70 billion Johnson cited is the total estimated cost of eliminating the offset for all 250,000 military medical retirees, and according to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, the Richard Star Act only applies to medical retirees eligible for Combat Related Special Compensation.

Under those requirements, the committee estimates it would cost $11 billion over 10 years.

The legislation is a top priority for major veterans groups including the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans.

Because of its cost, under current congressional rules, lawmakers must find a way to pay for it. One proposal set forth by the VFW is to use the federal Military Retirement Fund, which finances military retired pay and has more than $1.7 trillion in assets.

The legislation was named for Army Reserve Maj. Richard Star, who died in 2021 from lung cancer after being exposed to burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Since 2004, veterans who earned military retirement for serving at least 20 years and who quality for VA disability benefits receive full pay for both if they have a disability rating of at least 50%.

But veterans who retired early from service as a result of military injury or illness are subject to dollar-for-dollar offsets in their military disability and VA disability benefits, sometimes amounting to thousands of dollars in lost income.

Blumenthal implored his fellow legislators to support the bill.

"It will eliminate this wounded warrior tax,” Blumenthal said.

DID YOU KNOW 

SOJOURN 250: LET’S BE A PART OF HISTORY

This article’s original publication can be found here

LEGION RIDERS CALLED UPON TO ESCORT U.S. FLAG TO WASHINGTON ON JULY 4, 2026.

Family,

The American Legion, and specifically the American Legion Riders, have a magnificent opportunity to play a key, high-visibility role in the nation’s 250th anniversary. On the morning of July 4, Sojourn 250 begins its historic final leg of a great worldwide journey. A special U.S. flag that has flown at U.S. military cemeteries overseas and traveled to every state and territory will make its way to the nation’s capital as part of America’s 250th anniversary.

Our friends at the National Flag Foundation have called upon Legion Riders to deliver the colors on a commemorative ride from Pittsburgh (home of the foundation) to Washington, D.C. As of May 4, 150 Riders had registered of the 250 needed to carry our flag home, along I-70, with a police escort. Simply put: we need more volunteers. Click this link to register. You can track the ride on the National Flag Federation website. It would be an awesome spectacle to see flag-waving American Legion Family members along I-70 to cheer our Legion Riders on.

The Riders will travel some 250 miles that morning – about a six-hour journey – and make their first stop at the Washington Nationals-Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball game at Nationals Park. They are expected to arrive at about 1 p.m. (about the time of the seventh-inning stretch) and present the flag before a roaring crowd of Fourth of July baseball fans. Wouldn’t it be cool to have a large contingent of Legion Family members in the audience for that moment too? Game information is available on the Washington Nationals website.

Following that appearance, a group of Legion Riders from the Sojourn 250 event will loop past the U.S. Supreme Court building and the White House before delivering the U.S. flag at the Capitol. This historic flag will have a place of honor inside the National Archives following the tour.

Also, remember that The American Legion is an official resource partner of America250, an initiative of the nonpartisan Semiquincentennial Commission. As part of that, another big opportunity is available through America Gives, one of the America250 pathways to celebrate. American Legion Family members are strongly urged to enter their community-service hours on the America Gives web platform. America250 has already recorded more than 8 million volunteer hours. Those who register on the site also have a chance for their chosen charity – like The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion – drawn for a portion of $1 million in grant money to assist with community-service efforts. Those hours can also be recorded to fulfill your commitment as part of the American Legion Family USA 250 Challenge in support of our Veterans & Children Foundation.

This is a great moment for America, The American Legion Family and, of course, the colors of our country. Stay tuned for more information and media coverage of Sojourn 250 as you plan and conduct Fourth of July commemorations in your local communities.

Past National Commander Daniel J. Seehafer is chairman of the American Legion Ad Hoc Committee on the 250th Anniversary of America.

HOW IS YOUR POST CELEBRATING AMERICA’S 250TH BIRTHDAY?

This article’s original publication can be found here

In other news, America250 announces nationwide "Moments” countdown.

American Legion posts and departments are preparing to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in a variety of ways. Camp Jackson American Legion Post 112 in Brownstown, Ind., for example, is planning a special Fourth of July parade for this year titled "250 Years, the Story of Us.”

The American Legion Magazine wants to know what your post or department is doing to mark the semiquincentennial. Email magazine@legion.org with details, or post a preview at legiontown.org in the America 250 category.

The America250 initiative, meanwhile, has announced plans for a five-day countdown of national "Moments”: 
• The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library American Frontier Celebration and Broadcast Special from Medora, N.D., on July 1 
• A proposed special session of Congress in Philadelphia on July 2 for placement of the Semiquincentennial Time Capsule 
• A special Ball Drop Celebration in Times Square on July 3, the first non-New Year’s Eve ball drop in its 120-year history 
• America’s Ultimate Block Party on July 4, a nationwide event that will bring the spirit of America250 initiatives to life through large-scale celebrations and viewing parties in major cities, paired with hyperlocal community gatherings across the country 
• America’s Day of Reflection on July 5, intended to mark a transition from the celebration of the semiquincentennial to the "After the Fireworks” phase of America250 activities that will carry through the end of 2026. The day is an opportunity for Americans "to reflect on what the journey to the (nation’s) 250th has meant to them and how they can prepare for the path ahead.”

Learn more at america250.org.

MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH: HOW TO SUPPORT SERVICE MEMBERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

This article’s original publication can be found here

In observance of Military Appreciation Month in May, numerous organizations have created campaigns designed to honor the dedication and sacrifices of U.S. military personnel and veterans. The programs aim to foster recognition and gratitude for the service of members of the U.S. armed forces.

Promotions to Support Service Members and Veterans

This May, Team RWB is observing Military Appreciation Month by spearheading the Memorial Minutes campaign involving a fitness pledge by its members. The members began May 1 logging 40 minutes per day of "intentional movement,” aiming to collectively reach 1.3 million minutes by Memorial Day, May 25.

The goal of 1.3 million represents "the 1.3 million Americans who gave their lives in service to this nation over the last 250 years,” according to the club, which …. Team RWP is organizing events around the U.S. throughout the month for those interested in taking part.

In 2026, the national nonprofit Soldiers’ Angels is again holding its Honor Military Working Dogs collection campaign. The program was created to help send highly requested items to deployed service members and working dogs.

From May 3-9, 2026, you can donate either by shopping local or choosing items from an Amazon wish list. Learn more about the Honor Military Working Dogs initiative.

The national nonprofit dedicated to finding and bringing home America's missing-in-action (MIA) service members, Project Recover, is looking for breweries, restaurants or bars that would like to support the group's mission by hosting a pint night or other event or brewing a special beer. IPAs for MIAs is a way for local groups to support Project Recover by donating a portion of special event proceeds.

Supporters are welcome to participate any time of year; however, Project Recover finds that many choose to participate around Memorial Day, July 4th, POW/MIA Recognition Day in September, and the holidays.

Continue readings here.

UPCOMING CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS 

As of 5/08, the following hearings are scheduled: 

• Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 AM: Senate Armed Services – Closed hearings to examine the posture of the Department of the Army in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an open hearing at approximately 11:00 a.m. in SD-G50.
• Tuesday, May 12, 3:30 PM: Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities – Hearings to examine Air Force modernization in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program.
• Tuesday, May 12, 4:30 PM: Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Airland – Hearings to examine the United States Special Operations Command; to be immediately followed by a closed session in SVC-217.
• Wednesday, May 13, 10:15 AM: House Veterans Affairs – Expanding the Mission: The Future of the National Center for Warrior Independence in West LA
• Wednesday, May 13, 2:30 PM: Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Cybersecurity – To receive a closed briefing on cyber operations and readiness for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 and the first quarter of fiscal year 2026.
• Wednesday, May 13, 3:30 PM: House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces – Department of the Air Force Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for Seapower and Projection Forces
• Wednesday, May 13, 4:00 PM: Senate Veterans Affairs – Hearing to examine VA Police Operations
• Thursday, May 14, 8:00 AM: Senate Armed Services – Closed hearings to examine the posture of the United States Central Command and United States Africa Command in review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program; to be immediately followed by an open session in SD-G50.
• Thursday, May 14, 10:00 AM: House Armed Services – Department of the Navy Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request
• Thursday, May 14, 3:00 PM: House Armed Services Subcommittee on Cyber, Information Technologies, and Innovation – Science, Technology, and Innovation Posture of the Department of Defense 
   

HVAC hearings can be viewed at: Calendar Home | House Committee on Veterans Affairs

SVAC hearings can be viewed at: Hearings - U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs

HASC hearings can be viewed at: Hearings – House Armed Services Committee 

SASC hearings can be viewed at: Hearings – U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services

View The American Legion Legislative Handbook Here