Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – We are writing to invite you to collaborate to bring attention to work being done to protect veteran and service members from abusive financial practices.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was created following the financial crisis of 2008 in order to defend the American public against mistreatment from financial service companies.  We recently released a report demonstrating how active duty service members and military veterans are often victims of abusive and predatory financial products, and how the CFPB has made strides over the past 6 years to protect them. We partnered with Senator Duckworth, Veterans of Foreign Wars, National Military Family Association, Student Veterans of America, and more, in releasing the report.

Unfortunately, there are efforts underway in Congress to weaken and undermine the CFPB and its ability to protect consumers. Critical to our campaign to defend the CFPB is bringing more public attention to it and its work - as we know the public strongly supports the CFPB when educated about the work it does.

We have interest from a Chicago Television news producer in doing a story about our report, but we need a personal story from a service member of veteran to help tell the story.  So, we are looking for a veteran or current service member who has had some challenge with a bad practice from a financial services company that would be willing to go on camera and share their story.

It's important that all the District Officers are updated for the 2017/2018 Legion Year. This Legion Year The 1st. Division will have its own Directory.  Please submit to Kendal Bishop Adjutant and cc that information to my attention as well. The goal is to have the Directory ready for our September 6th. Division Meeting at Tinley Park. Thank You in advance for your cooperation.   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The First Division is hosting a Leadership Seminar on October 8th  at Franklin Park Post # 974. Doors open at 8:00AM, Start time 9:30.  This gathering is for the leadership of the First Division, its Post and District Commanders (Senior and Junior Vice Commanders are also invited). There will be information presented to help you in understanding the responsibilities of your position in the American Legion, even more important the main portion of this get together is for open discussion between the leaders of different Posts within the First Division. Let’s share ideas, break some myths and help each other in our Legion Journey!  Dress Code: Legion Casual [Legion Polo Shirts – Slacks, Bring your Caps!      RSVP to Commander Anthony Siciliano at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Notice of Expulsion - The Department Executive Committee heard the recommendation of the DEC Sub-committee that considered Sylvester J. Hendricks’ appeal of the actions taken by Post 2091 and the 3rd District. The Department Executive Committee upheld the actions taken by Post 2091 of expelling Mr. Hendricks from the Post and the 3rd District action of expelling him from The American Legion. The approval of the Department Executive Committee shall be final and conclusive.

American Legion's Dispatch - Agent Orande VA benefits expanded -  The Department of Veterans Affairs recently published a new regulation that expands eligibility for some VA benefits for Air Force veterans and Air Force reserve veterans who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular and repeated contact with contaminated C-123 aircraft that had been used in Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand (ORH). 

Roosevelt University partners with the Department of Education to develop “Veterans Upward Bound” program.   In order to find success in today’s society, many veterans are required to enhance their skills. As a result, further education is often the key to starting a second career. Veterans Upward Bound (VUB) is a free-of-charge program (funded by the U.S. Department of Education) that helps veterans, who have not completed a bachelor’s degree, to prepare for enrollment at the college of their choice.

Cook County Military & Veterans Discount Program is announced.  We are writing to inform you about an exciting new program being rolled out by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs. After Veterans Day, November 11th 2014, we will begin issuing the Cook County Military and Veterans Discount Card. Our goal is create a network of businesses throughout Cook County that offer discounts and incentives to active duty military and veterans, and encourage businesses to offer these discounts year-round.