Today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion Media and Communications Division, who discussed the January edition of the American Legion Magazine. He discussed some of the feature stories, like the importance of the United States ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention amid Chinese expansion, the mysterious heroism of the so-called "Rambo of the Ardennes" from World War II and the nationwide preparations for the country's upcoming 250th birthday.
Stoffer began by discussing the story on the United States' absence from the United Nations’ Law of the Sea Convention. Despite having led negotiations and crafted much of the treaty in the 1980s, the United States remains the only major Western nation that has not ratified it. Stoffer outlined the consequences: diminished influence over deep-sea mining, loss of economic zones and missed opportunities to secure rare earth minerals vital for technology and security. He emphasized how China has seized this vacuum by building islands and exerting military control, while American jobs and national interests suffer due to Congressional inaction.
Stoffer then discussed the story of Lt. Eric Fisher Wood Jr., a decorated World War II soldier whose extraordinary exploits during the Battle of the Bulge have become legendary. Drawing from a new book and extensive research, the story Stoffer highlighted shares Wood’s survival skills and solo resistance, which reportedly thwarted German advances for weeks in the Ardennes forest. Wood’s mysterious final stand, in which he was found surrounded by seven slain German soldiers, has inspired ongoing efforts to honor his bravery and preserve his memory both in America and Belgium. Stoffer said this story illustrates the enduring impact of individual heroism in shaping historical narratives.
Finally, Stoffer previewed the Legion’s plans for the semi-quincentennial, America's 250th anniversary, led by former U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios and the America 250 Commission. He outlined the community-focused celebrations, which will include a traveling American flag, youth competitions reflecting on national identity and a cross-country storytelling initiative. Stoffer said these events, designed to engage Americans in every community and territory, aim to foster patriotism and unity, reminding listeners of the enduring strength and evolving journey of American democracy as the nation approaches a historic milestone.
For more from Stoffer, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.