Martin Luther King Junior Day



 

(21 JAN 2019-Lawton, OK) Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton Oklahoma would like to share one of our favorite quotes on #MartinLutherKingJrDay.


Dr. King is quoted as saying: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"

 How does the American Legion help others?

Each year, American Legion department service officers help thousands of veterans receive VA benefits they earned through service to their country. The Legion conducts, promotes and supports hundreds of career fairs for veterans and transitioning servicemembers, bringing employers face to face with job hunters.

Through Operation Comfort Warriors, the Legion raises funds to provide comfort items for U.S. troops recovering in military hospitals and transition units worldwide.
Legion staff lobbies Congress for better quality of life for U.S. military personnel.

Through American Legion Baseball, nearly 100,000 young men get to experience teamwork and competition each year. The Legion provides more than $138,000 in scholarships through The National American Legion High School Oratorical Contest. And Legion Riders, through the annual Legacy Run, have raised more than $2 million for the Legacy Scholarship, helping ensure the children of U.S. servicemembers killed on or after Sept. 11, 2001, have a chance at a college education.

 

76th Anniversary of Four Chaplains Day 3 February 2019



Reverend George Fox, Rabbi Alexander Goode,
Reverend Clark Poling and Father John Washington

Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019 will mark the 76th anniversary of the sinking of the United States Army Transport Dorchester and the selfless acts of four Army chaplains aboard.

The Dorchester tragically sunk on Feb. 3, 1943, while crossing the North Atlantic, transporting troops to an American base in Greenland. A German U-boat fired a torpedo that struck the Dorchester, killing 672 of the 902 officers and enlisted men, merchant seamen and civilian workers aboard. Many of those surviv...ors owe their lives to the courage and leadership exhibited by four chaplains of different faiths, who, in sacrificing their lives, created a unique legacy of brotherhood.

As soldiers rushed to lifeboats, Reverend George Fox (Methodist), Jewish Rabbi Alexander Goode, Reverend Clark Poling (Dutch Reformed) and Father John Washington (Roman Catholic) comforted the wounded and directed others to safety. One survivor watched the chaplains distribute life jackets, and when they ran out, they removed theirs and gave them to four young men.
As the Dorchester sank, the chaplains were seen linked arm in arm, praying.

American Legion posts nationwide remember Four Chaplains Day with memorial services that pay tribute to the courageous chaplains and the brave young men who lost their lives on that fateful night

Quilts to Cover Veterans Offered by Volunteers

William "Buzz" Sawyer (L) exchanges
information with Don Henke (R)

(Lawton, Oklahoma - 19 JAN 2019) Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton, Oklahoma spoke with Don Henke after the 19 JAN 2019 Fire Base Lawton Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 751 General Membership Meeting held at the new Bingo Country location – 1826 NW 52^nd St. in Lawton, OK to learn more about Quilts to Cover Veteran.

“The quilts are free to all Veterans, “said Henke. He wants Veterans to know all Veterans are eligible to receive a quilt. There is no requirement to be a member of the American Legion or Vietnam Veterans of America . The only requirement is the recipient uses the quilts.

Speaking of the lady who makes the quilts Henke said, “She’ll tell you: She wants everybody to use them. Do not fold them up and put them in a cubbyhole some place. Use them.”



One of the quilts from Quilts to Cover Veterans

The quilts (pictured to the right) are made by ladies based out of Fort Cobb. After information is received from a Veteran making a request for a quilt, a date is set up for the Veteran to receive it. The volunteers want to cover all Veterans.

To receive a quilt, please contact Don Henke (580) 919-7589 or (580) 248-3082.

Story and Photography by Chip Bates

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Town Hall 17 JAN 2019

(17 JAN 2019)  United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert Wilke was  part of a town hall held on the internet today. The web event can be found at https://bit.ly/2DgeFSu The town hall lasted one hour and fifty minutes and featured speakers from different departments from within VA. Speakers included: VA Secretary Robert Wilke, Dr. Richard Stone – Veterans Health Administration, Dr. Paul Lawrence – Veterans Benefits Administration, Randy Reeves – National Cemetery Administration, Cheryl Mason – Board of Veterans Appeals, Dr. Lynda Davis – Veterans Experience Office, Dr. Kameron Matthews – Community Care, and Dr. Keita Franklin – Suicide Prevention. This report will focus on Secretary Wilke’s report to the town hall.

Wilkes started the town hall off by touting two positive reports concerning VA stating for the first time in VA’s history Partnership for Public Services has declared VA one of the best places to work in the federal government. The second report Secretary Wilkes spoke about stated VA care is as good or better than Americans receive in any part of our country. He went on to say to VA is still improving and people are noticing.

Wilkes announced the Appeals Modernization Regulations (AMR) will be published by the Federal Register on 18 JAN 2019 VA. Implementation of the regulations would begin 18 FEB 2019.  Speaking further, Wilkes said AMR “gives Veterans more choice and control in the claims and appeals process and will result in quicker decisions.”

VA Secretary Wilke went on to discuss priorities for the upcoming year.

Wilke sited ending Veteran Suicide as his single most important priority stating suicide is a national public health issue that affects communities across America. He pointed to the VA’s Improvements concerning mental health care for veterans through telehealth and same day mental health services. Wilke would go on to say VA wants to educate empower and mobilize as many people as possible to join in veteran suicide prevention efforts as part of a public health approach that looks beyond the Veteran and brings in peers, family members, and communities to prevent suicidal behavior before it occurs. The VA Secretary pointed to the 400 suicide prevention coordinators and their teams that currently connect Veterans with care and educate communities about suicide programs and suicide prevention resources that can be found at every VA medical center to highlight this new approach.

Secretary Wilke spoke next about next about how the Whitehouse VA hotline [(855) 948-2311] was launched in June 2018 as part of the modernization effort. The hotline answers Veteran’s needs and concerns anytime of the day seven days a week. He spoke highly of the hotline’s 82% case resolution rate and the average seven second wait time to speak with an agent.

Wilke gave a brief overview of the Veterans Welcome Kits (https://www.va.gov/welcome-kit) He described them as a way to guide Veterans through: going to school, transition to jobs, buy a house, acquire health care, retire, and aging Veteran care. VA feels these Welcome kits need to be in more veteran hands.

When discussing the VA Mission Act, Wilke described it as the most transformative piece of legislation in the history of VA. The Community Care Program is expected to be operational by June 2019. It is anticipated to Improve service for veterans and payment times for Community Care partners by consolidating VA Community Care programs.

The last item Secretary Wilke discussed was the replacement of an aging electronic health records system. The VA is now connected with DOD, private health care companies, and private pharmacies creating an interoperable holistic record that from the day an American citizen begins service in uniform. Veterans will no longer need to carry paper records of any type in regard to service connected injuries or illness.

General Membership Meeting 16 JAN 2019

Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 holds general membership meetings on the third Wednesday of every month 7:30 PM at La Felisitas 2102 NW Cache Road in Lawton, Ok (the corner of 21st Ave and Cache Road.) Each meeting there is a 50/50 drawing. Tickets are one for $1 or six for $5. The winning ticket receives half the money in the pot and the remaining half raises funds to finance post activities. 

For more information please contact Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 at (405) 300-8330
AmericanLegionLawton@Gmail.com
facebook.com/AmericanLegionLawton

Department of Veterans Affairs Considering Letting Veterans Use Private Doctors

#LoweryWhitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton Oklahoma has been monitoring a story concerning new options the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is considering when it comes to #VeteranHealthcare.

The reports from several media outlets suggest VA is taking a hard look at new rules that would allow Veterans to access walk-in clinics on a co-pay system. It would also be easier for Veterans to receive care in privately run hospitals and have the government pay for it.

Reports suggest VA hospitals have struggled to see 7 million Veterans annually. The new rules would be meant to eliminate the long wait times VA notoriously experiences due to "the crunch of an aging Vietnam Veteran population and an influx of Veterans from Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror." While the move may do much to give quality health care to Veterans in a timely fashion, it may potentially move billions out of the VA hospital system.
President Donald J. Trump is expected to comment on the issue during the State of the Union Address.

#VAHealthAndRehabilitation
National American Legion Press Association (NALPA)
The American Legion Department of Oklahoma

Future Leaders of America Wanted for The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State

(Lawton, Oklahoma - 10 JAN 2019) The American Legion, the nation’s largest Veterans organization, is inviting all members of Lawton-Fort Sill , Oklahoma and Cache, Oklahoma to join them in sponsoring young men to attend Oklahoma American Legion Boys State this summer in the campus of NEO A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma.

“These young men are the future leaders of America ,” said Claude F. Bates, Jr. , commander of Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton, Oklahoma. “We are seeking boys with outstanding qualifications in character and leadership to attend one of the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction ever designed for high school students.”

High school juniors are selected in early spring by local American Legion posts to attend the program, which will be held at NEO A&M College from May 25, 2019 - June 1, 2019.
“It is a participatory program where each young man becomes a part of the operation of his local, county and state government,” said Bates.

 In most cases, a sponsoring American Legion post, a local business or another community-based organization pays expenses associated with attending this program.

“I encourage the entire community – and in particular high school counselors, community leaders and business owners – to submit their recommendations for candidates to attend The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State program,” said Lowery-Whitehead Post 29 commander Bates.

The training at Oklahoma American Legion Boys State is objective and practical with city,
county and state governments operated by the students elected to the various offices. Activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, chorus and recreational programs.
”The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government by taking part in a mock governmental system,” said Bates.

American Legion Boys State is currently conducted in 49 Departments of The American Legion. Hawaii does not conduct a program. As separate corporations, Boys States vary in content and method of procedures, but each and every Boys State adheres to the basic concept of the program - that of teaching government from the township to the state level.

 The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors a similar program for girls called Girl’s state.

Lowery-Whitehead is looking to sponsor at least one junior male from each of Lawton, Oklahoma's three high schools and one from Cache High School in Cache, Oklahoma for a total of 4 Oklahoma Boys State delegates. For more information on The Oklahoma American Legion Boys State program, contact Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29 by phone at (405) 300-8330 or by E-mail AmericanLegionLawton@gmail.com American Legion An Oklahoma Boys State application may be downloaded at the following link:
https://goo.gl/CcYsp6

Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post Recognizes Law Enforcement Day

#LoweryWhitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton Oklahoma would like to express our gratitude for all the Lawton Police Department, Comanche County Sheriff's Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, and all Law Enforcement do for all of us everyday. Thank you!


#LawEnforcementAppreciationDay
The American Legion Department of Oklahoma

American Legion Legislative Director Mathew Shuman Legislative Agenda for the 116th Congress

#LoweryWhitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton Oklahoma would like to share this video of  Matt Shuman , National Legislative Director for The American Legion, announcing and explaining the 116th Congressional Legislative Agenda for the American Legion Family.

In the video from the American Legion Auxiliary Legislative Group's facebook page Shuman relays the 115th Congress was the most successful session in the way of Veteran friendly policy in decades and says some of the keys for success within the 116th Congress is implementation and oversight of the passed bills. Examples of the those successes include: The Appeals Modernization Bill, VA Accountability Bill, The Choice Extension Bill, The American Legion Coin Act, and the VA Mission Act. 

Shuman goes on to say the Agenda for the 116th Congress will include the following: Funding the DOD, Veteran Suicide Prevention, Quality Female VA Health Care, Reclassification of Cannabis, Reduce Veteran Homelessness, Expansion of the GI Bill, U.S. Citizenship for All U.S. Veterans, Repeal Veteran Offsets, and The Gold Star Family Initiative.

To learn more about the elected officials in your area please visit:
http://capwiz.com/legion/dbq/officials/ 


The following are the elected officials representing Lawton, OK

Contact Sen. James Inhofe via Web Form.
Website: inhofe.senate.gov
Washington, D.C. Office:
205 Russell Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4721
Fax: (202) 228-0380                                 
Oklahoma City Office: (moredistrictoffices)                                     
3817 NW Expressway #780
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
Phone: (405) 608-4381
Fax: (405) 604-0917    



Contact Sen. James Lankford.                                             Website: lankford.senate.gov
Washington, D.C. Office:
316 Hart Senate Office Building,
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5754
Fax: (202) 228-1015                                 
Oklahoma City Office:                                    
(moredistrictoffices)                                    
1015 North Broadway Avenue, Suite 310
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Phone: (405) 231-4941                                    


Contact Rep. Tom Cole.
Website: cole.house.gov
Washington, D.C. Office:
2207 Rayburn House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-3604
Phone: (202) 225-6165
Fax: (202) 225-3512                                 
Norman Office: (more district offices)                                      2424 Springer Drive, Suite 201
Norman, Oklahoma 73069
Phone: (405) 329-6500
Fax: (405) 321-7369
 

Oklahoma City Office:
3817 NW Expressway #780
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
Phone: (405) 608-4381
Fax: (405) 604-0917

Tulsa Office:
1924 South Utica Avenue #530
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74104-6511
Phone: (918) 748-5111
Fax: (918) 748-5119

Enid Office:
302 North Independence #104
Enid, Oklahoma 73701
Phone: (580) 234-5105
Fax: (580) 234-5094

McAlester Office:
215 East Choctaw Avenue #106
McAlester, Oklahoma 74501
Phone: (918) 426-0933
Fax: (918) 426-0935                                                 

#Legislative #AdvocateForVeterans
National American Legion Press Association (NALPA)
The American Legion Department of Oklahoma



Lowery-Whitehead American Legion Post 29: Pay Our Coast Guard Act During Govdernment ShutDown

#LoweryWhitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton Oklahoma would like to pass along this message from National Commander Brett P. Reistad - The American Legion.
 
"We are pleased that Senator John Thune, Senator Wicker, Senator Cantwell, Senator Dan Sullivan, Senator Blumenthal, Doug Jones, Senator Collins & Senator Brian Schatz have come together in bipartisan fashion to introduce S. 21 the "Pay Our Coast Guard Act," during the #GovernmentShutdown.

 Please call your senator or... click this link : https://t.co/sAnP9AAODy?amp=1 and ask them to cosponsor S. 21, encourage the Senate leadership to bring it to the floor for a vote, and to promise to vote for this legislation, to ensure our members of the Coast Guard do not go without pay."

Listed below is the contact information for the legislators from our area:

Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK)inhofe.senate.gov
Washington, D.C. Office:
205 Russell Senate Office Building
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-4721
Fax: (202) 228-0380
Oklahoma City Office:
3817 NW Expressway #780
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73112
Phone: (405) 608-4381
Fax: (405) 604-0917

Sen. James Lankford (R-OK)lankford.senate.gov
Washington, D.C. Office:
316 Hart Senate Office Building
District of Columbia 20510
Phone: (202) 224-5754
Fax: (202) 228-1015
Oklahoma City Office:
1015 North Broadway Avenue, Suite 310
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102
Phone: (405) 231-4941
Fax: N/A
#Legislative #AdvocateForVeterans
National American Legion Press Association (NALPA)
The American Legion Department of Oklahoma

American Legion Department of Oklahoma 2019 Midwinter Conference Slated for Shawnee, Oklahoma

#LoweryWhitehead American Legion Post 29 in Lawton Oklahoma would like remind everyone The American Legion Department of Oklahoma 2019 Midwinter Conference will be at The Grand Casino Hotel & Resort in Shawnee, OK. 25 JAN 2019 and 26 JAN 2019

To see the agenda for the 2019 conference please visit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/AmericanLegionLawton/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1664130133732215