The 98th annual American Legion convention is underway in Cincinnati with some 9,000 people expected to attend between now and Sept. 1. Organizers estimate the event will generate $15 million in economic impact.National Commander Dale Barnett says the convention is focused on healthcare for veterans, national defense - specifically the size of missions compared with the size of the military, and military budgets, youth and children's issues, and promoting patriotism.
Barnett says membership is increasing slightly when you consider there are fewer people eligible to join, but reaching younger veterans of more recent wars and conflicts is a concern.
"Yes, it is a challenge," he says. "But it is a challenge that our membership is up to. And maybe it's good that we're not at a period of war where everybody - like my father's generation - went off to war. That's a good thing."
He says the American Legion has a five year strategic plan aimed at growing the organization.
Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump, Veterans Affairs Secretary Bob McDonald, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Joseph Dunford, are all slated to address the convention next week.
"We want to make sure that our veterans understand the issues, are very informed," Barnett says. "We're not a political organization but we do encourage people to vote and be informed voters and inform their communities of what the candidates policies are, and then let the people decide."
Clinton speaks Wednesday followed by Trump on Thursday.
Public Events
- Job fair for veterans, service members and their families: A resume workshop will be provided from 9 a.m. until noon on Tuesday, Aug. 30, followed by a job fair from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. More than 35 companies are expected to meet individually with job seekers at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West Fifth Street.
- Small business workshop: The American Legion will conduct a two-day entrepreneurial course, called “Boots to Business: Reboot,” Aug. 29-30. The course is specifically designed, free of charge, for all veterans and military spouses.
- Women Veterans Empowerment Workshop: All women veterans and service members are welcome to attend the workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 30, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Caprice Room of the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, 35 West Fifth Street.
- American Legion Parade: Sunday, Aug. 28, starting at 4 p.m.
