SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION

"Proud Possessors of a Priceless Heritage"

Welcome to the Home Page of The Sons of The American Legion National Legislative Commission.
The purpose of this site is to keep you informed regarding the activities of the Commission and legislation affecting our Veterans and Country.

2008 - 2009 Commission Members
Chairman: George B. Evans (IN)	Vice Chairman: David Lee (NY)
Member: Jeff Evans (VA)	Member: Roger Dees (MI)
Member: Carl Rossi (MA)	Member: Andew Newman (PA)

LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION MISSION STATEMENT

The mission statement of the Sons of The American Legion National Legislative Commission is to have an effective and productive way of communicating with Congress and other elected officials by the use of Grassroots Advocacy. To supply the tools to all members to accomplish this task productively and with the best possible results. To have all members of our organization be active participants. To disseminate legislative information to the entire membership in a timely manner to make them more informed members, along with an awareness of the issues and legislation.

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2009 WASHINGTON CONFERENCE

TThe 49th Annual Washington Conference of The American Legion Family will be held Sunday, March 1 through Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. The National Sons of The American Legion Wreath Laying Ceremony at The Tomb of The Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery (in Arlington, Virginia) is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. (tentative date and time).
A Memorial Wreath will be placed by the following representatives of the National organization: National Commander Tommie Cisna (IL), National Legislative Commission Chairman George B. Evans (IN), and along with members representing various Detachments present to honor our Veterans of all Wars. Other members of the American Legion Family are also encouraged to attend to join The Sons of The American Legion in observance of this solemn ceremony of honor. Detachments will also have the opportunity to present Memorial Wreaths at the various memorials visited by the National Sons of The American Legion to honor our Veterans from the various wars.
A Memorial Wreath Laying Ceremony will also be conducted by the National Sons of The American Legion, with National Commander Tommie Cisna and members at the World War II Memorial, to honor the many brave men and women of “The Greatest Generation” of World War II. The Sons of The American Legion will also visit and pay honor to those of the Vietnam War at The Vietnam Wall Memorial, the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, and the National Korean War Memorial.
A scheduled tour will also be available to our members during our time spent at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as the Tomb of The Unknowns Museum and Guards’ Quarter. The tours should be both educational and most enlightening.
The National Legislative Commission would like to thank all those who have participated in the various wreath laying and the commission meetings in the past and look forward to seeing you in 2009. This year’s bus transportation will be available to a limited number of members on a first come first serve basis. A box lunch will also be available to those participants of the wreath laying on Sunday. Advance reservation for memorial wreaths, bus seats, and box lunches is mandatory

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WANTED

2009 Nominees for Grassroots Veterans’ Advocate of The Year Award

The Grassroots Veterans’ Advocate of The Year Award recognizes a member who has performed outstanding service and made significant contributions of time and effort in Grassroots Veterans’ Advocacy work. In no instance will more than one award be given in a year. It is possible that this award may not be given every year. One award will be presented each year to a member who displays an aggressive leadership role by building relationships with elected officials that directly impact public policy; by actively taking the message of the National Sons of The American Legion to key media outlets; and by developing strong grassroots initiatives. During the 2008 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona, the Grassroots Veterans’ Advocate of The Year Award went to Roger Dees of the Detachment of Michigan.
At the 2009 National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, the National Legislative Commission is again looking forward to presenting the Grassroots Veterans’ Advocate of The Year Award. That special member once again on stage will be recognized by the entire National Sons of The American Legion Membership for their accomplishments and endeavors.
Please make a copy of everything you submit for your own records and mail the original application form, score sheet, and documentation, to George B. Evans, Chairman SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION Awards Committee, 6600 West 87th Place, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.
The deadline for submissions, regardless of the delivery method, must be received not less than thirty (30) days prior to the National Convention of each year. This will allow the awards committee to judge all submissions in a timely fashion. Application form, score sheet, rules, and criteria can be found in the Administrative Manual, on the National Legislative Commission Web Site and the National Sons of The American Legion Web Site (in the Administrative Manual).

We have provided you with some useful links as additional resources to prepare you for your grassroots lobbying on issues having a great impact on our Veterans. Please use these informational tools and resources in your lobbying efforts.