Enough Is Enough, American Legion National Commander Rips Latest Proposal To Close Stateside Commis

DENVER - Nov. 29, 2013 - PRLog -- The head of the nation’s largest veterans service organization slammed a Department of Defense proposal to shut down all military-run grocery stores in the United States as just “another plan to punish veterans” for Washington’s inability to balance the budget on November 27, 2013.

“As we count our blessings on Thanksgiving, shouldn’t we remember that it is our veterans and our military that have kept us safe and free?” asked American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger. “And shouldn’t that gratitude extend everyday and not just on holidays? Many military retirees are on fixed incomes and rely on these commissaries. They devoted a life of service to this nation. Their health insurance premiums are going up and the Pentagon openly considers cuts to pay and benefits for those still serving in harm’s way.  Is it too much to ask that other areas of the federal government be cut and that the men and women who have already sacrificed so much for this country be allowed to keep the benefits that they have earned? They have already paid an enormous price to be eligible for these benefits, far more than what it is costing the treasury. Enough is enough. Veterans benefits are a cost of war and a free society.”

Dellinger also pointed out that many military retirees have chosen to live in communities based on their proximity to commissaries and military exchanges. Delegates at The American Legion national convention in 2012 unanimously passed a resolution opposing any efforts “to dismantle or downsize the Defense Commissary Agency.”

The Colorado State American Legion Commander, Carol Kennedy stated today, “We have a duty to care for our veterans. They are giving and have given this country the best years of their lives and many live on limited income, some without housing, and others with inadequate clothing and many with no health care. Active duty troops have to apply or food stamps, WIC and other programs just to feed their children. Now the government wants to take away more. Will it ever stop?? It's time we STEP UP and SPEAK UP!

Commander Kennedy stated further, “Stop pretending that veterans and their needs don't exist! Contact every Senator and Representative and help us force their hand. Our VETERANS WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!  Give them the benefits they have earned.” “If these benefits are taken away, more will be taken away later. Civilian benefits will be next.  Make your voices heard. Make them heard NOW!!!”

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For More Information Contact Pat Smith, Adjutant Department of Colorado, or Darrell Myers Department Public Relations Officer at

303-366-5201 or by e-mail at observer@coloradolegion.org