10/29/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dr15ZRLTB/
Good Day, New Jersey American Legion Family,
One of the most important missions of the American Legion Family is Legislative Advocacy. Because of that, I strongly encourage every Post, Unit, and Squadron to appoint a Legislative Chair. I also encourage every County to designate a Legislative Chair who can help keep members informed and engaged.
I am proud to share that our Department Legislative Committee has already met and developed a legislative plan addressing both federal and state issues affecting veterans, servicemembers, and their families. The committee works closely with information and guidance provided by our National Organization to ensure that our efforts are aligned with the priorities impacting the veteran community.
The American Legion's National Legislative Division actively addresses issues of national importance in Washington, D.C., and across the country. Serving as The Voice of the Veteran on Capitol Hill, the division advocates for servicemembers, veterans, and their families by advancing The American Legion's legislative agenda, providing trusted expertise to Congress, and building partnerships that help preserve veterans' benefits and services for generations to come.
In addition, the Legislative Division supports Departments and Posts nationwide by providing guidance, resources, and expertise on strategic advocacy and federal engagement efforts.
Learn more by visiting:
The American Legion Legislative Division
https://www.legion.org/advocacy
Many of us remember the days when we put pen to paper and mailed letters to our elected officials. While that method is still effective, today's technology provides us with another powerful option that saves time, money, and effort while ensuring our voices are heard.
By now, I hope many of you have heard about the American Legion Grassroots Action Center.
https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home
The Grassroots Action Center is an online advocacy platform that connects American Legion members, family members, and veteran supporters directly with Members of Congress. That means no envelopes, no stamps, no wondering if your message was received. With just a few clicks, you can communicate directly with your elected representatives.
Key Features
• Direct Lawmaker Contact – Locate your federal representatives by ZIP code and send pre-drafted or personalized messages regarding veteran-related legislation.
• Active Legislative Campaigns – Support priority legislation such as the Take Care of America's Veterans Act (TCAVA), the Major Richard Star Act, the GI Bill Parity Act, and other issues impacting veterans and military families.
• Legislative Alerts – Receive daily or weekly updates on congressional activity, committee actions, and pending legislation.
• Advocacy Toolkit – Access talking points, issue briefs, scripts, and Congressional Contact Report forms that help record and track engagement with elected officials.
You can access these resources by visiting:
The American Legion National Legislative Advocacy
or
American Legion Auxiliary Grassroots Action Center
Why Is This Important?
That is an important question.
As I travel throughout our great state and visit Posts, Units, Squadrons, and Counties, I continue to see incredible work being done in our communities. I see volunteers giving their time, raising funds, supporting veterans, mentoring youth, and strengthening their communities every single day.
However, I rarely hear members talking about the advocacy work being done on behalf of veterans at the legislative level.
Too often, members do not realize that they can directly influence the laws and policies affecting veterans and military families. The truth is that every one of us can be part of the solution.
Advocating for veterans is just as important as any fundraiser, community event, or membership initiative. As the nation's largest Veterans Service Organization, we have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that our voices are heard.
We must continue to remind our communities, our veterans, our active duty servicemembers, and our elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels that The American Legion is here, engaged, and working every day to improve the lives of those who have served our nation.
A Simple Request
If you have not already done so, please take five minutes to sign up for the American Legion Grassroots Action Center.
Then commit to participating whenever you can:
• Once a week
• Once a month
• Or even once a day
Every message matters.
Every voice matters.
After contacting your representatives through the platform, you will receive confirmation that your message was sent. In many cases, you may also receive a response outlining the representative's position on the issue. These responses can help educate our members and strengthen our continued advocacy efforts on behalf of veterans and servicemembers.
Together, we can make a difference.
Together, we can ensure veterans have a strong and effective voice in government.
Together, we can continue to Be Part of the Solution.
As always, I ask you to join me as we continue to be GLADDEN to Be the LIGHT to Be the ONE!
Thank you for all that you do in service to veterans, our communities, and the American Legion Family. I look forward to seeing many of you as we continue to traverse this great state.
For God and Country,
Anthony "Tony" Gladden
Department Commander
