Jeff Stoffer, Media and Communications Director for The American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the recent signing of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act and the impact it will have on veterans.
Since the 1970s, when Vietnam war veterans first began experiencing the health effects of Agent Orange exposure, the American Legion has advocated for legislation like the PACT Act to be passed, Stoffer said. He estimated at least 3.5 million post-911 veterans have been exposed to burn pits, and the passage of this law will fast-track their care. The American Legion has 3,000 accredited service officers who can help eligible veterans access the care they need, he added.
Stoffer also explained the American Legion’s campaign to address veteran suicide, “Be the One,” and its approach to peer-to-peer veteran support through a combination of therapies such as cognitive behavior, outdoor recreation and virtual reality therapies.
He then spoke about the American Legion Legacy Run, which raises money for the American Legion’s Legacy Scholarship. Children of veterans who have been disabled or killed in action are eligible to apply for the scholarship.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.