Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the Legion’s efforts to curtail veteran suicide.
Stoffer believes they are making progress through the organization’s “Be The One” program. Additionally, the Legion will hold a Buddy Check Week twice this year, from March 12-17 and Nov. 5-11. During these weeks, members of the Legion call other veterans and check-in to see if they need any type of support.
He then addressed how the VA is preparing for a large increase in veterans’ claims following the August passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act. The Legion wants the VA to have proper oversight and staffing of the necessary departments to ensure requests are not delayed.
Stoffer also discussed the rehabilitation of veterans at the Idaho State Correctional Center. The correctional center is the home of American Legion Post 201 - the only Legion post in a correctional center. Members of Post 201 help prepare veterans for their release. Stoffer said the members are active; they even started a crochet club to create blankets for both women’s shelters and veteran’s in the surrounding area.
Lastly, he added that the President of the Military Women’s Memorial, Phyllis Wilson, has asked female military veteran’s to share their stories online in order to help expand their outreach.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.