Orv and Bev Otterness of North Branch recently returned from Washington, D.C. where they represented the North Branch American Legion and Auxiliary post.

Both took part in lobbying for issues that affect American war veterans.

Orv, vice commander for the Minnesota American Legion, was one of 32 Minnesotans at the conference.

Bev, the National Poppy Chairman of the Auxiliary, was among 32 auxiliarians at the conference.

Both delegations met with all Minnesota representatives and senators.

Issues brought forth included:

ï making veterans health care funding mandatory. Like Social Security and Medicare, veterans health funding through the Veterans Administration should be mandatory and not subject to yearly cuts and debates;

ï the flag protection amendment. The measure has been introduced in both the House and Senate. In an election year, the Legion will be monitoring support on this critical measure. The bill calls for an amendment that would allow protection of the U.S. flag from physical desecration; and

ï third party reimbursement. Veterans should be able to use their Medicare or other third party reimbursement to pay for VA health care.
The delegation spent four days in Washington.

There are 114,000 members in the Minnesota American Legion and 54,000 members in the Minnesota American Legion Auxiliary.

Top of Page

©ECM Post Review

6448 Main Street
North Branch, MN 55056
Telephone: 651-674-7025
Fax: 651-674-7026
E-mail: editor.postreview@ecm-inc.com