FROM THE BLOG: LOUSISIANA GOV. JINDAL APPOINTS AMVET JOHN ABSHIRE TO STATE VETERAN'S AFFAIRS COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC—Last week, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal appointed Louisiana AMVETS member John Abshire to the state’s Veterans' Affairs Commission. The Veterans' Affairs Commission serves to advise the Louisiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs, State Secretary of Veterans Affairs Lane Carson, and the governor on matters relating to the welfare of veterans. Abshire was selected by MVETS leaders in Louisiana to represent the organization on the governor’s commission. Two years ago Abshire, an Army veteran who left the military in 2005, helped charter AMVETS Post No. 2007 in Lafayette, recognizing a need to reach out to today’s veterans. READ MORE

AMVETS ELECTS NEW NATIONAL COMMANDER
At 65th national convention in New Orleans, AMVETS members from across the country select Air Force veteran Duane J. Miskulin to lead organization for 2009-2010.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26, 2009—At the recent 65th annual AMVETS National Convention in New Orleans, U.S. Air Force veteran Duane J. Miskulin, a life member of Stevens Point AMVETS Post No. 1051 and a prominent veterans’ advocate in Wisconsin, was elected to serve as national commander of AMVETS for 2009-2010. READ MORE

SEN. EDWARD KENNEDY, ARMY VETERAN AND AMVET, DIES AT 77
After a year-long battle with brain cancer, the second most senior U.S. Senator, Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), died last night at his home in Cape Cod.

Kennedy, who long served on the Senate Armed Services Committee and left his mark on such noteworthy military and veterans' legislation as defense appropriations for up-armored humvees, anti-IED technology, and the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, was one of the most recognizable political figures in the United States and an astute leader capable of reaching across party lines.

In 1951, Kennedy enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on the honor guard at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Paris. He left the military honorably in 1953 as a private first class. Kennedy's name appears on the official membership rolls of AMVETS. READ MORE.

AMVETS SERVICE FOUNDATION DONATES CLIMBING WALL TO GEORGIA VA MEDICAL CENTER
AMVETS Healing Heroes donates $150,000 to Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, to benefit Augusta veterans’ rehabilitation program
AMVETS National Service Foundation donated $150,000 to the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Ga. READ MORE

FROM THE BLOG: VA'S "YOUR LIFE, YOUR CHOICES” A NON-ISSUE FOR VETERANS
Over the weekend, cable news pundits bashed the continued use of VA's end-of-life care planning manual, "Your Life, Your Choices," mislabeling the handbook as "Obama's Death Book for Veterans." AMVETS would like to set the record straight on this handbook, which has been in use with the VA for more than a decade. READ MORE.

REGISTER NOW FOR VETERANS'
JOB NETWORKING EVENT
Our partner, MyVetwork, the inclusive online community for veterans, has heard that the most important thing for you right now is finding a new job. You’re not alone! We know that job-hunting looms particularly large in the entire veteran community as you and your fellow veterans deal with the challenges of re-integrating into civilian life after one or more tours of duty.READ MORE

AMVETS CONTINUES PARTNERSHIP WITH KAPLAN UNIVERSITY
Commander John C. Hapner is pleased to announce the renewed agreement with Kaplan University that will support the educational pursuits of service members, veterans and their families. READ MORE

CMDR HAPNER REACTS TO THE TALIBAN VIDEO OF U.S. POW
More than two weeks ago, the U.S. military acknowledged that an American soldier was missing from a forward operating base in Afghanistan. In the days that followed, the Taliban took responsibility. Over the weekend, the Taliban posted an illegal video of their prisoner online.

On behalf of AMVETS and the veterans’ community, I want to condemn this cowardly act. Aside from the ridiculous demands made by the Taliban, operating as rogue gangs inside the borders of two sovereign countries, I must also condemn the posting of the Taliban video, which blatantly violates international law. READ MORE