Improving the lives of veterans, the military and their families

The American Legion
Department of Oklahoma
Improving the lives of veterans, the military and their families
The American Legion
Department of Oklahoma
Senior Vice Commander Martin Shared a video on the Oklahoma Veterans Registry click the link to watch the video. https://fb.watch/k2kHnuPEuA/
click the pdf link below for the Oklahoma American Legion College Application.
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:a14ad2a3-eaac-3c19-93ec-dbd40ee06ad2
Email your application to: oklegioncollege@gmail.com
Mail your application to: Registrar, American Legion College
201 S. Capital Ave Tishomingo, Oklahoma 73460
click the pdf link below to view the Oklahoma American Legion College Mission Statement
https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/review?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:435e96fe-f7ee-3349-90c2-a0a9ff1888dd
Be The One
TO ASK VETERANS IN YOUR LIFE HOW THEY ARE DOING.
TO LISTEN WHEN A VETERAN NEEDS TO TALK.
TO REACH OUT WHEN A VETERAN IS STRUGGLING.
https://www.facebook.com/okamlegion/videos/2310212452474272/
Dear American Legion Family Members and Friends,
2022-2023
Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola (pronounced Tree-Ola) was elected national commander of the nation’s largest veterans organization on September 1, 2022 in Milwaukee during The American Legion’s 103rd national convention. His theme as national commander is “V.E.T.S., Veterans, Education, Teamwork and Sponsor.”
A life member of American Legion Post 1682 in Rockland County, N.Y, he served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves from 1969 to 1974. He completed a tour aboard the USS Nitro, an auxiliary ammunition ship with the Sixth Fleet. He was honorably discharged as a boatswain’s mate third class. He is also a member of Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1682 based on the World War II service of Jim’s father.
Jim spent his entire working career in the automotive service industry, where he began as a parts manager at a local Chevrolet dealership and went to serve in many capacities of management. At the time of his retirement in 2017, he was director of service and parts at a New York Metro Mercedes Benz dealership. After a brief time at home, he began an entirely new career as a school bus driver for the Falmouth School district and part-time motor coach operator.
Jim served in many offices at every level of The American Legion. He was elected department (state) commander of New York for 2010-2011, and chaired several national commissions include the National Security Commission, Legislative Commission, Veterans Employment and Education Commission and the Membership and Post Activity Committee. He was elected national vice commander for 2016-2017.
He married his wife Saveria (pronounced Sa-Vare-ee-ah) in 1973. They have two daughters, Laura and Jeanette; a son-in-law, Michael; and three grandchildren, Alexander, Abigail and Natalia. The Troiolas include three generations of American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary or Sons of the American Legion membership.
Jim currently lives in Maine to be close to a daughter and his grandchildren, while still being within driving distance to the Department of New York.
For God and Country, Vincent J. "Jim" Triola National Commander of The American Legion
Good afternoon all,
Please share as you see fit and as needed. Please carefully review the attached National Emergency Fund (NEF) application. Spring 2022 has begun. In light of the recent tornadoes and wildfires in the south and anticipating destructive weather conditions now that Spring is upon us, we are sending this e-mail to all as a reminder that the NEF is here to assist Legionnaires, SAL members and American Legion posts that have sustained damages due to a declared natural disaster. For the fires, the NEF will only provide for those fires that were started naturally, not fires started by people.
For Legionnaires and SAL members, grants are capped at $3,000. For American Legion Posts, grants are capped at $10,000.Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
Please review the application carefully, and remember, until there’s an emergency or disaster declaration for a natural disaster in place (federal, state or local), the NEF can’t help until one is issued. If a declaration is issued, ensure that the applicant is current on their membership prior to the disaster and at the time of application submission, provides photos, receipts and any insurance paperwork. FEMA statements are good too. Statements from American Legion Post/District/Department officers or community leadership is encouraged to reinforce the grant application. Ensure application is completely filled out, or it could be sent back to the department for more information. This is all outlined on the application and is provided for on the instruction sheet and the video. NEF does not provide for repairs or replacement of lost or damaged items in the primary home of residence. If the destroyed property is owned by the member, but he/she does not physically live there, that property is not covered by the NEF. Vehicles or outbuildings are not covered. These should be covered by the member’s insurance. If available, provide copies of insurance determination, if any. If the home is rented, renters insurance information should be provided, if any. Call or e-mail me for any clarifications. For American Legion posts, only things covered are post programs that might sustain losses pertaining to the intent of the Four Pillars of The American Legion. Losses from the social quarters and/or restaurant of the post are not covered. A copy of the most recent Consolidated Post Report (CPR) needs to be attached. Written statements from post/district/department officers and/or local community leaders as to how the losses to the post will be detrimental in the community is very helpful. Insurance documents should be provided. Departments can mail, fax (317-630-1413) or scan/e-mail the application and any attachments (photos, receipts, other supporting documents) to ia@legion.org. Staff will process from there. If approved by the National Adjutant, a check will be cut from Finance and mailed that same day or the next day to the department adjutant to disburse to the member or the post. Address to mail to: The American Legion National Headquarters ATTN: National Emergency Fund Internal Affairs & Membership Division P. O. Box 1055 Indianapolis, IN 46206 If a National Emergency Fund application comes to us directly from the member, we will scan/e-mail back to the department adjutant for his or her recommendation. Remember, the department leadership and volunteers are “boots on the ground”, so the department has to make the best determination for recommended grant amount to the national organization.
(OKLAHOMA CITY) – ODVA AIMS TO SERVE OKLAHOMA’S MOST DISABLED VETERANS THROUGH “70 PERCENT-PLUS INITIATIVE”
The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) “70 Percent-Plus Outreach Initiative” has been launched. The “70 Percent-Plus Outreach Initiative” is a tightly focused effort by ODVA to connect, through in-person presentations, direct mail, radio spots and word of mouth, with the 53,000 Oklahoma veterans who are 70 percent or higher in their service-connected disability to reach those who need long-term care. Veterans with a long-term care need and service-connected rating of 70 percent or higher can live completely free of charge in one of ODVA’s seven State Veterans Homes. Unlike many other long-term care facilities in Oklahoma that rely on Medicare/Medicaid (CMS) funding, ODVA does not have a “spend down” requirement where a veteran must divest of his or her life savings prior to receiving assistance. Also, all medications are provided to all resident veterans completely free of charge. Oklahoma’s seven Veterans Homes are located in Ardmore, Claremore, Clinton, Lawton, Norman, Sulphur, and Talihina and have a combined total of 1,423 beds. Each Home is designed and staffed to meet the unique needs of aging and disabled veterans, and each Home has its own unique features, amenities, and local culture. Each Veterans Home offers highly professional, on site accredited medical staff, social workers, pharmacies, and recreation, as well as varied therapies. Also, a brand-new State Veterans Home is presently under construction in Sallisaw, Oklahoma and is scheduled to open its doors mid-summer 2023. “It is indeed a special privilege to care for Oklahoma veterans who have faithfully served our state and nation,” stated Joel Kintsel, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs. “These men and women truly exemplify the ethos of “service before self” and it is an honor to care for them and to support their families.” By state law, disabled veterans receive priority admission to the State Veterans Homes as do veterans on the basis of their service period and status as combat veterans. In addition, ODVA maintains an admissions “waiting list” to allow veterans who do not need care now, but wish to plan for future long-term care needs to apply now to minimize what could be a significant wait at the time they seek future admission. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have served in active Armed Forces of the United States for at least 90 days and must have received a discharge under conditions other than dishonorable. Likewise, an applicant must need long-term care as documented by a medical professional. A full list of eligibility requirements as well as the application for current or future “wait-listed” admission can be found at: oklahoma.gov/veterans/veterans-centers.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 30, 2022 (OKLAHOMA CITY) – The Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs (ODVA) is excited to announce that Oklahoma has reached a special milestone. Oklahoma has achieved a ranking of number ONE amongst the 50 States in a new category.
The Annual Benefits for Fiscal Year 2022 published by The United States Department of Veteran Affairs indicates that Oklahoma Veteran's in receipt of disability compensation and pension benefits are compensated at the nation's highest average rate of $8,593 per year. That is more than $450 per year more than the nearest state. The states of North Carolina, Texas, Alabama and Georgia round out the top 5 in this category. While the Annual Benefits Report for Fiscal Year 2021 listed Oklahoma as first amongst the 50 states for veterans per-capita in receipt of disability compensation and pension benefits, the same report shows that Oklahoma has slipped to second by the narrowest of margins in that category in Fiscal year 2022. With 36.9% of veterans in receipt of disability benefits, Oklahoma is now a very close second by a mere two-tenths of a percent behind first place Nebraska whose rate of participating veterans is 37.1%. I am so proud of Oklahoma veterans. Together, for the second year in a row, we have achieved a number "One in a matter of great importance not only for veterans specifically, but for the entire State of Oklahoma", said Joel Kintsel, Executive Director, Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs.
Out of approximately 290,000Oklahoma veterans, there are over 104,000 veterans with some level of service-connected disability. Service-connected disability means that the federal VA has established that a veteran has a compensable injury or medical condition resulting from military service. For 104,000 service-connected, disabled Oklahoma veterans, this reflects over @2.2 billion provided directly to the individual veterans.
It is established that more than half of the Oklahoma veterans who may be eligible for compensation for injuries and or medical conditions arising from military service have not yet applied. Oklahoma veterans who need assistance with filing a claim for service-connected disability are invited to call or visit on-line (405)523-3400: www.oklahoma.gov/veterans
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local posts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans throughout our nation. The American Legion’s success depends entirely on membership, participation and volunteerism.
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
The American Legion's Washington Conference, held annually in our nation's capital gives our organization's leadership a chance to meet with elected officials to discuss legislative initiatives and priorities important to Legion members and their families. It also provides a forum that allows Legionnaires to hear from senators, representatives, and officials from the White House and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Please give to our Oklahoma Veterans and their families.
Help The American Legion provide another 100 years of service.
USAA is proud to be the Preferred Provider of Insurance and Financial Services to The American Legion.
Please visit usaa.com/legion or call (877) 699-2654