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1.3 45 Reviews

The American Legion Complaints Summary

3 Resolved
42 Unresolved
Our verdict: If considering services from The American Legion with a critical resolution rate, extra caution is advised. Examine detailed customer feedback to understand the severity and nature of unresolved issues. Be prepared for the possibility of unsatisfactory responses and have contingency plans, including seeking assistance from consumer advocacy groups if necessary.
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The American Legion reviews & complaints 45

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10:15 am EDT

The American Legion unethical behaviour

On August 16th 2021 My friend and I and our wives went to the American Legion in Wellington Ohio They had one barmaid as normal but this night they had karaoke. we were playing tickets and losing the bar became very busy for one barmaid and she became overwhelmed. Unauthorized people were letting people in the door with drinks in hand. slowly she began to lose control of the situation. My friend was talking to a patron at the bar and he asked a question to my friend he answered him and the barmaid overheard the conversation and to my friend to get out so he asked for his money from tickets and left without incident. we proceeded to follow. my friend was confronted by 2 individuals in the parking lot by people from karaoke crowd. they taunted him and harassed him. finally we got what we needed and left. We were both served with letters 10 days later. my friend was suspended for 6 months and I was given a reprimand. none of this would have happened had the post had enough help. we have been accused with out us telling our story and noone care. we were found guilty with out saying a word sounds like a dictatorship to me

Desired outcome: a written letter of an apology

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1:44 pm EDT

The American Legion Veterans rights

On Wednesday July 7th I visited Post 8 Dover Nh.
On entering I was approach by Commander Wayne Gower sticking an application in my face demanding I fill it out.
I said no need to I am a member of the sons.
then I was verbally abused by the bar manager Jim Wood
He asked me to go outside to fight.
I believe this all stemmed from me asking why they were closed on the fourth of July.
An honest question since it is a holiday about Veterans.
This apparently was a bad question seeing I was not the only one looking for the answer.
Also the bar manager spending time smoking pot in the parking lot on his break has me concerned along with the Nepotism with his cousin doing the accounting for the post along with his Daughter bar tending, and the by-laws say no nepotism.
By-laws also say the bar manager shall work 40 hours a week this also isn't happening.
The bar manager also gets drunk and starts managing the place going behind the bar serving shots to his buddies.
Last but not least he gives out memberships to people who are no qualified to be a member.

Thank You In advance for addressing this.

Desired outcome: Any kind of Discipline would be appreciated

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1:19 pm EDT

The American Legion Theft & Fire Hazards

The American Legion Post 122 has been operating in a very Unprofessional, unethical manner. First, they have some side-deal with the previous commander, before Matt (Phil). Everyone there knows Phil is a thief & has some side deal going on with Fritz (new commander). Instead of the Event Committee being in control of "Thitsty Thursdays" Phil has it operating like a trashy night club & it pocketing money, like before.
Every Thursday, the place is over the capacity & ghetto people from the hood are parking in unauthorized places. The American Legion is not supposed to be run like some ghetto night club. I feel the Event Committee should suspend the event for good, since the old commander (Phil) is a Thief and should not be holding parties every Thursday at no cost.

Someone needs to look closely to what is going on there at Post 122 & rectify it Immediately!

Desired outcome: Cancel Thirsty Thursdays For Good

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10:20 am EDT
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The American Legion Management

I was just physically and hurtfully harmed by the bar manager of our local American Legion. What can I do to resolve this painful and embarrassing moment. He told me I had to leave because my membership dues were past due, I began to explain my situation and he suddenly attacked me, pinning me against the wall. He yelled... You will never drink here again. I reacted and subdued him with the help of two other members. He continued ranting and once again approached me and grabbed me by my throat. Before I contact a lawyer concerning this matter, I would like to hear back from you. Sincerely, Rick Hocking. [protected]. [protected]@yahoo.com

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6:31 pm EDT

The American Legion New commander

I will be transferring my membership from 495 because the Commander they are voting in Monday is a drunk and disrespectful. He is a always drinking shots of Jamison and I will be moving on. Post 495 is all about the cliques and I will leave..his name is David Scott. Also John Scott is a member of the legion riders and out of control, I will hire a lawyer if need be...

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10:10 pm EST

The American Legion Failure to represent my claim for disability benefits, and only minimal advice

I've been a member for many years and never been able to get help with disability claims other than basic instruction on how to file myself. Always seems there's a sickness with my post rep and never get back to me. Can you give me a reason to renew this year? All my dues should help someone, but never for myself. Sorry if I'm out of line, but I know I have a solid case but need assistance. My DAV filed with minimal information, but I have a 0% rating. My VA doctors all support me. No help with nexus letters or exams. Very disappointing. Paul h.bullock post 104, Warren, ri 02885

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6:15 pm EDT
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The American Legion Holding campaign for Eric Trump on 9/10/20

I have been a member of this post for 20 years. I'll admit I am not active and I have never been to the bar or any event at that location. However, every year I have loyally paid my dues. I learned yesterday (9/5) that the presidents son was coming for a campaign rally, at the post, on 9/10. The president has said guys that went to Vietnam and died are suckers. My last C.O., in the United States Navy, was Capt. John McCain and Trump has repeatedly made disparaging comments about him. A Legion Post should not be used for political grandstanding especially this president. This being Labor Day weekend, I have left messages with the Post to cancel this event but I thought the national office should know what is going on in Washington, PA. If this event takes place I will cancel my membership and encourage other to do the same. You leave politics to the politicians but the creed of duty, honor and country belong to those who have served. I have sent a similar msg to the Legions Internal Affairs.

Respectively submitted, Gary L Ford, 809 Baker Hill Road, Washington, Pa 15301, [protected], [protected]@comcast.net. American Legion membership # [protected]

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Legal Eagle VII
Springfield, US
Nov 02, 2022 11:15 pm EDT

When Legion members conduct some advancement of any political issue or Canidate, record the incident, in a crowd or where 3 or more are gathered you can record what is said.

Political actions are a violation of IRS Code and can result in a 501 (c) 3 0r 19 from losing that tax status. Report it to the IRS with evidence upon request.

Do not tolerate political activism in any American Legion.

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Frank Hammond
, US
Aug 28, 2022 6:00 pm EDT

nice to see the hypocrisy of the legion in full force

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F
3:21 pm EST

The American Legion american legion tolerance for racist members

The American Legion as a whole promotes Discrimination and Racism. After attending a meeting at my new post locally and listening to members sit around talking about other ethnicities in discrimatitive manners, it was disgusting to the point, that I had to leave. Also include this Post President addressing an annual membership letter to me using a racially insensitive nickname as part of my address, that I have never indicated as part of my name. I quit supporting the American Legion based on it's Racist Member Tolerance, White Supremacy Views of its members and Discrimination towards many members. This Organization does not Honorably represent all Veterans and operates on a biased view in order to promote it's funding only. As a caucasian, I will not tolerate any organization that discriminates against Veterans from all races that served proudly before, after or with me. There have been many complaints against this Organization Nationally and the American Legion Leadership has failed every time to address this National Problem within its ranks. I don't support Racist Organizations.

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1:44 pm EST

The American Legion lifetime membership

I made payment through credit card which posted 11/12/2019 in the amt of $599.00 for Lifetime membership including promotional commemorative coin.
I have talked to 3 call center representatives and have been lied to. I recently talked to Teresa on 01/13/2020, 9:35am and informed me packet with coin was mailed 12/20/19.
I talked to another rep and was informed packet would be sent out first week of January due to no coins available.
I talked to Frey on 01/13/20 11;19 am and informed her that I haven't received packet nor coin. I am not concerned about the coin, I am concerned for lifetime card as I didn't have prove of being a member while traveling and getting discount rates.
I would appreciate getting this resolve and being lied to. If I can't get my lifetime membership card, I would appreciated getting back the $599 charged to my credit card as I have already paid for.
Sincerely,
SEMPER Fi
member no. [protected]

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Legal Eagle VII
Springfield, US
Nov 02, 2022 11:00 pm EDT

Report it to the FBI and Post Master as "mail fraud". Chances are you'll get a response from AL. Thank you for your service.

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Michael Johnson jr
, US
Aug 18, 2020 7:47 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Wow,
I keep getting things to renew membership, after renewal .. the problem is, when a member needs a hand, no one to answer the phone.. answer machine says, all shops are closed .. The va is open. How does a member get help ?

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5:24 pm EDT

The American Legion The head of the american legion in midland mi

We had a dinner there Otober 1st a funneral dinner and the guy at the funneral director told us that they put on a dinner for the veterans and my husband is a veteran. but what we didnt understand that we had to pay for the dinner. We thought they would of put it on for a good cause. Well come to find out we had to pay 2:00 dollars a head. Well the bill came to $224:00 dollars. I was not to happy because at a time like that we didnt have the extra cash. If I would of known he was going to charge I would of had a church put on the Dinner.. And also the guy wad rushing us couldn't go back for a second plate. He started tearing the meal down because they had a birtday party coming in. I am not to happy with the Smerican Legion here in Midland mi. I will never recommend no one to go there. zThe guy was rushing us. And since my husband was a veteran we thought the food would of been for a good cause. I should get some of that money back. For the fact of the rudeness we got and rushing us through our dinner and coukdnt get seconds because he was tearing it down because a birthday party coming in. Not to Happy. With the service.. Thank You Claudua Dill

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Polly Jones
, US
Jan 18, 2022 10:31 am EST

Should have just walked out on the bill.

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jessicamark
, US
Dec 12, 2019 5:14 pm EST

becuse all american legion are on a power trip they dont care about u

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jessicamark
, US
Dec 12, 2019 5:13 pm EST

you should f done it at a church in the 1st place not at any american legion

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5:38 pm EDT
Featured review
This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

The American Legion - Unethical behaviour: verbally abusive bartender

My husband is retired military, and we live near Rehoboth so we stopped in to get a drink. The barmaid said that he needed to be member, asked for military id, then said we had to sign in as well. I signed in. We ordered drinks, and she served us but then when we tried to pay, she announced that they only accepted cash not credit cards. No mention of thi...

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7:51 am EDT

The American Legion Abuse of power against patrons

Talking about the post Patron was dismissed from the post and barred from coming back in this was just a rumor and alcohol played a high situation I was told patrons have no power or opinion and that they Commander has the right to Bar anyone who feels like this is not proper etiquette making a formal complaint I have went to the committee and I was told by the commander that a patron has no rights and no opinions and cannot be brought up against them oh my understanding we are a civil organization I was supposed to cater to the public and our veterans I was told that if I pursue this that I would be brought up on charges my name is Anthony Rivera I am the bar manager post 96

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Polly Jones
, US
Jan 18, 2022 11:53 am EST

Do you really expect NON-MEMBERS to have any "power or opinion"? If you think so than you're delusional. The non-member is a NON-MEMBER! Tell them to become a member then!

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11:35 pm EDT

The American Legion Unprofessional conduct of the commander failing to follow protocol during election

June 7th 2019 two people running for Commander 23 votes were cast one member receive 13 volts one member receive 10 volts upon the counted of the votes nobody check the sign-in sheet to see how many individuals had sign in it was brought to my attention and I found it to be unethical and unprofessional that the commander did not check the sign-in log 2 how many votes were cast it was only 20 people that signed in and then given excuses that they forgot to sign in when it's clearly said out loud by the sergeant of arms to make sure you have signed in Prior before we take our election I brought it up during the installation of the new Commander I told the outgoing Commander that this was wrong he told me to file a complaint so I am now filing a complaint that he failed to follow proper protocols I believe this should be looked into there's a lot of mishandling at times at post 96 from the old Commander

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Legal Eagle VII
Springfield, US
Nov 02, 2022 10:50 pm EDT

Forget American Legion HQ, go to your State Attorney General and Secretary of State for complaints. AL is nothing more than a "good ole boys club" attack the non-profit status with those offices as well as the IRS to get their attention and force compliance.

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Polly Jones
, US
Jan 18, 2022 11:37 am EST

Oh, trust me, nothing will ever get done about it, as nobody follows the rules these days. American Legion is nothing more than a MONEY MAKER these days. No better than a regular bar, just in disguise as a vet organization. Wake up!

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7:48 am EDT

The American Legion Commander, rudy avelar and 2nd vice med garcia - action needed immediately!!

COMMANDER: RUDY "COACH" AVELAR, is running the Post and the name of the American Legion straight into the ground.
He believes Post 241 is his personal playground and the money brought in is for his own use to pay off his personal debts. How can anyone get elected COMMANDER when he can't handle his own finances or his personal life. In the past several years he has been arrested in Riverside County, has filed bankruptcy, has had several Federal Tax Liens against him, several evictions and a judgment against him from an ex-landlord.

He sexually disrespects all of the female bartenders, cheated on his wife with two of them in the past 6 months, allowed his finance officer Steve to physically knock a guest to the floor and did nothing about it. He himself attempted to charge after another guest in the parking lot intending to beat him but was stopped by another member.

A long-time bartender was seen on camera stealing money from the office safe and he did nothing about it, no doubt because she knows what he does and she could blackmail him. The bartender who took money from the safe has also been stealing from the register every time she works a function, the Commander has proven it and yet, he has done nothing about it. The post is losing hundreds of dollars with every hall rental.

The commander was also seen by myself and several other members purchasing a stolen pressure washer inside the bar, when he didn't have enough cash on him to pay the thief, he took a key out of his pocket and unlocked the Post Juke Box and took the all the cash out of it and paid him.

The commander has surrounded himself with all the officers he has chosen, new members, who he uses as his puppets. One of these new members, only became a member 6 months ago and the Commander has paid for his election into the position of 2nd Vice, Bar Committee and a place on the E-Board, 18th District, this person is on disability for mental issues. He and his officers are daily customers in the Post bar from opening to closing, drinking straight alcohol and pitcher after pitcher of beer until way past closing.

The Post recently underwent a complete remodel in the back hall and although he agreed to the estimate given to him by the contractors when the job was complete, the commander refused to pay them. A special meeting had to be called to vote on rather or not to pay them, everyone voted yes and no one could understand why he refused to pay? The contractors gave the Post a $2, 000.00 veteran discount but still, the only way the commander would pay them was if the contractor took an additional $3500.00 off of their bill, which was not what was agreed to when the original estimate was discussed.
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The commander also recently fired two bartenders, the first one because he was done sleeping with her and the latest one because she wouldn't sleep with him. He has blatantly spoken about the bartender's private parts out loud, so the entire bar could hear him.

The kitchen and bar are overrun with *** Roaches and Gnats and rats that have chewed through the syrup lines, the Pepsi company has repaired them over and over again, but he still refuses to get an exterminator for the rats. Upstairs, the roof is leaking, either from rain or the air conditioning unit, and the Commanders solution is to place pots and pans under the dripping water, pots, and pan that no one empties out, so they overflow, it's caused mildew and black mold in the carpet and wood.

This list could go on and on as Post 241 has endless problems with it. I have been a member there for the past 6 years and I have never seen it in such need of cleaning and repair.

The Commander needs to be replaced along with all of his officers. It's the most unprofessional Post I have ever walked into and I am in the midst of changing my membership over to a different Post.

Two last things I should mention... one is that when they sell food out of the Roach infested kitchen, much of it is cooked at various peoples houses and then brought in and heated up. I happen to know that this is not tolerated by the health department unless each of those kitchens has been inspected and have a permit to do so.

And lastly, when the latest bartender was fired, I suggested she go file for unemployment, she informed me that they were all paid cash. The commander has not been paying taxes on any of the 5 bartenders he employs, this bartender has been here about a year, but others have been paid under the table for as long as 15-18 years.

I AM CERTAIN THIS COMPLAINT WILL GO NO WHERE AND NOTHING WILL BE DONE TO RUDY AVELAR AND HIS PUPPET OFFICERS, WHICH IS WHY I AM SENDING THIS SAME LIST OF COMPLAINTS TO THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE I.R.S., THE LABOR BOARD, THE AMERICAN LEGION 18TH DISTRICT and to ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS I CAN THINK OF THAT WILL MAKE THIS SO-CALLED MAN ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS UNLAWFUL, SELFISH, UN-VETERAN LIKE BEHAVIOR AND HOPEFULLY WILL HAVE CRIMINAL CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST HIM FOR STEALING MONEY FROM THE POST TO PAY OFF HIS ENDLESS PAST DEBTS.

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Polly Jones
, US
Jan 18, 2022 12:19 pm EST

You sound like a disgruntled female member that is upset that the Commander isn't having an affair with "you". I don't know you, but it definitely sounds like you have an axe to grind with him and you're sexually frustrated. Just saying.

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fed up female legionnaire
, US
Feb 03, 2023 1:53 pm EST

what a rude sexist [censored] thing to say...

American Legion National tells Post members that "issues" within the post are post problems... when you have enough of social unacceptable behavior that tarnishes 'your' image of a real veteran and no one within the Post want to rock the boat.. you start calling and writing the city, county, state and federal governments. you call the police.

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5:01 pm EDT

The American Legion Harassment

What is the proper way to refute a complain about a member? A friend had a sexual harassment complaint called in and the person receiving the call won't even let the person give his side of the story. This person not only did not talk to him in private but yelled at him in front of a bunch of people.

This person is also bullying him spreading rumors about him and also insinuating that he is cheating on his wife which is not true. The sexual harassment is not true as well.

The person causing the problems is at the state level.

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Update by Xyz123456789
Jul 28, 2019 5:41 pm EDT

Thankfully the wife doesn't believe any of this about her husband. She does not have any more to do with the legion because she lost faith in it and she is a Veteran herself.

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Polly Jones
, US
Jan 18, 2022 10:42 am EST

These Post's nowadays are very shady and cliquey. I'm a darn Post Board Member and they are all ganging up on me and harassing me to get me to step down. I will not be renewing and I'm done with the AL bullcrap.

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6:14 pm EDT

The American Legion can't get help

My name is Stacey S Latimer (Last 4- 9349) (call back number [protected]). For almost 2 month now. I have called the American Legion almost everyday leaving messages. On 5/17/19 at 12:05pm I received a recorded message from Dave Sprinkle, switch didn't help me. The end of the message states, if there are questions call me back at 212-807-3066. I have called back almost everyday since then, sometimes 3 and 4 times a day. I have been told he is going to call you back at least 3 times; He is on another line at least 6 times; "I gave him your message 4 times'; "He hasn't called you back yet, " 3 times, and the 3 times today that I called, each time I was told that he was in a meeting. Where else might I go to get service? Who else do I call to get the help I need before it's too late for me?
PS: I tried attaching his message, bu it would not load.

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jessicamark
, US
Dec 18, 2019 11:28 am EST

hey just stop going The American Legion all of them are abusive power hungry they dont care about u

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10:56 am EST

The American Legion stanley adler

My husband is with the American legion located in Louisville, ky. His VSO, Stanley Adler, has been rude, disrespectful, unhelpful and argumentative whenever he interacts with my husband. Mr. Adler offers no advice to my husband if he has no answers to any question (which is always the case). He is never willing to listen, always wants to dismiss my husband to avoid doing any work. There is no solution to this issue other than to move to a different organization. The last interaction was today 3/1/2019 around 1020am.

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5:34 pm EST

The American Legion re:bullying if member

I use to be a highly supportive member however the American Legion allows local posts to do whatever they want which includes bullying individuals.The commander Bret Reistad ignored my FB message then blocked me .The legion can pick and choose members as they want and have meetings behind closed doors about members .They have individuals handling the money as officers who have been sued for not being able to handle their own finances .I donated countless hours, raised money was on the color guard to be told I was no longer welcome since I was told that the previous commander Cherie Korn did not like me although the current commander now denies he told me that in a conversation and then attacked me after I filed a complaint .She now is suppose to represent women veterans .I have now joined veterans groups that are very active in the community supporting fellow veterans as well as first responders .I can no longer stand with a group that asks women to show their *** on Veterans Day to support veterans .I was told that I could be part of the women's auxiliary but I am a veteran and until the end of the year a current member .The American Legions membership is declining as current veterans are more interested in being active not drinking /smoking /eating .It is truly sad the It appears the Legion has lost sight of its mission and also attacks fellow veterans on FB .I showed the State office they lied but was told the local posts are allowed to govern themselves and do whatever they want so I will no longer be paying my dues or supporting the legion as I have joined a couple awesome groups that do not judge individuals, accept all individuals and helps them instead of tearing them down .I highly recommend before you join you do your research and so thankful I did not pay lifetime dues as they make so much money by members paying them for life .They do not respond to complaints and they slander their members .Its very sad but this holiday I am focusing on the positive and leaving the legion in my rear view mirror and they do NOT deserve one more second of my time .Unlike them I do not talk behind their backs but if they continue to treat members in this manner they will eventually fail as the majority of their members are much older as as they pass away the have very few new members in their place as most people want to be active .I wish them nothing but the best and meet some truly outstanding individuals that are lifetime friends .The leadership clams to be Christian but they judge who they want and are dishonest .Its truly heartbreaking.

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2:30 pm EDT

The American Legion american legionnaire trust program

I purchased hospital insurance through the American legion. Approx a year past and I had to have surgery and was in the hospital back in May 2018. I filed a claim sent them itemized bill, doctor sent one too, all the tests and results and every couple weeks I get a paper telling me I have to send the same info again. Then in August they sent paperwork saying i was deceased, 2 weeks later after talking with them and faxing them the paperwork they ask for I got another paper saying I was deceased. So I called again and they said it was all good. Today I get yet another letter telling me to send the itemized hospital bill for the 3rd time? Is this insurance even real? It's a ripoff!

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4:54 pm EST

The American Legion failure to investigate complaint of misconduct

The American Legion and Its Response to Member Misconduct
By Paul McInerny
December 2017

From the June 4, 2013 American Legion:

"On June 3, President Barack Obama signed into law The American Legion-backed Stolen Valor Act of 2013, which now makes it a "federal crime for an individual to fraudulently hold oneself out to be a recipient of any of several specified military decorations or medals with the intent to obtain money, property, or other tangible benefit."

Past Legion Commander James E. Koutz praised the overwhelming, bipartisan vote.

"The American Legion is impressed with Congress today, " he said. "Those who deliberately lie about military service, wear medals they did not earn or make claims of combat heroism they did not achieve are more than just liars. They are perpetrators of the worst kind of fraud. Their lies are an insult to all who have truly stood in harm's way and earned their decorations. We raised this issue at our national convention, and the House acted."

The American Legion, a prestigious veterans organization, was an ardent supporter of the Stolen Valor Act of 2013 and Commander Koutz said those who lie about their military service are "perpetrators of the worst kind of fraud."

Certainly, the American Legion would not tolerate such an individual in their organization. They would conduct an in-house investigation to determine whether of not allegations of misconduct had any merit and take appropriate action. Or would they?

In July 2017, a member of the American Legion community sent a letter to an American Legion Post Commander in New York regarding one of its members who had Honorably Discharged from the Navy at the rank of Commander. The Navy veteran, however, had been photographed in a Navy uniform with the rank of Captain with Aviator Wings, the Navy Cross, the Silver Star, Purple Heart and numerous other medals. The Navy veteran had written about his heroic exploits as a pilot, how his aircraft had been struck by a surface-to-air missile over the skies of Hanoi and how he, wounded and bleeding profusely, nursed his crippled aircraft back to the carrier, where he crash landed. The only problem, according to research with the National Personnel Records Center and the Navy Awards Section, there are no records of any kind to indicate the veteran earned any of the mentioned medals. Not one.

Now, the wearing of rank and medals not earned may not meet the elements necessary to make it a violation (crime) of the Stolen Valor Act, but surely the American Legion would look into the matter to determine whether or not the Navy veteran, a member of its organization, was wearing medals he did not earn or make claims of combat heroism he did not achieve. After all, he would be more than just a liar. He would be one of the "perpetrators of the worst kind of fraud."

What was the local Commanders response to the veteran who made the allegation(s) of misconduct? Nothing. No response or communication of any type.

The veteran who initially wrote to the local American Legion Post attempted additional contact with the local Commander and received absolutely no response. Frustrated, the veteran decided to forward his allegations to the American Legion Headquarters. Convinced they would look into the matter of the Navy veteran and perhaps even research why there was no response at the local level.

The veteran compiled a packet of the information he had gathered through research and included a photograph of the Navy veteran in the Captain's uniform. The information was sent via mail to the American Legion Headquarters and addressed to the Legion Commander.

A month passed by and the veteran received no confirmation from anyone at the American Legion Headquarters. A phone call to headquarters indicated the packet had quite possibly been lost, as they receive a great deal of correspondence. Additional phone calls and voice mails proved frustrating and non-productive, until approximately a month and a half had passed, when the veteran finally spoke with someone at American Legion Headquarters who appeared genuinely interested in the allegations. He asked that the contents be emailed directly to him and he acknowledged their receipt. He assured the veteran he would send the packet "up the leadership chain, " and would let him know how things developed, as he was able.

Approximately two and a half months later, the veteran who made the allegation(s) received no updates of any kind. No emails, no phone calls, no letters. It is unknown if the American Legion Leadership even received the packet of information and allegations, or, if they did, what course of action they took ~ if any.

On December 4, 2017, Mr. Jeff Chapman, Assistant Director of Membership called to discuss the issue. The official stance of the National Headquarters is to not become involved in allegations of misconduct against one of its members. The responsibility belonged to the local post. Would the National Headquarters become involved if the local post failed to investigate the allegations? The answer from Mr. Chapman was an emphatic, "no."

Mr. Chapman said he would, however, contact the local post regarding our conversation.

There are two concerns to be addressed.

The first concern is the lack of response from the he local American Legion post commander who was notified of the allegations of misconduct. There was and is sufficient, tangible documentation (official records, photographs, etc.) to warrant a thorough investigation at the local level. At the very least, the local American Legion should have afforded the veteran the courtesy of a response.

The second concern is the possibility the local American Legion post has turned a blind eye to the allegation(s). Perhaps they decided not to conduct their own, independent investigation into the misconduct of the Navy veteran. It is unknown what course of action was taken, because of the lack of communication.

What is known, the National Headquarters of the American Legion does indeed turn a blind eye. The National Headquarters would not even entertain the notion of an investigation into the allegation. As Mr. Chapman indicated, if the National Headquarters had to investigate every allegation of Stolen Valor against one of its members, they would be too busy to conduct any business for the benefit of the veterans the organization serves. If the local post declines to investigate, national headquarters is fine with the decision.

This is the same American Legion, which raised the issue of Stolen Valor at one of their national conventions. Apparently, the issue was important enough as a topic at a national convention, but doesn't rate consideration at the local level and the National Headquarters doesn't become involved.

Apathy. Clearly, the "not-my-job" attitude. And we wonder why there is a proliferation of individuals parading around in uniforms with medals they didn't earn. We wonder why the topic of Stolen Valor even had to be an issue at a National Convention of the American Legion.

This is your American Legion.

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Milo76
Cedar Lake, US
Jan 18, 2022 2:50 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I'm a 30 year SAL member and recently transferred to Post 261 in Cedar Lake, IN. The Legion bar trustee was asked to provide his DD-214 to prove his status and has refused to do so since July, 2020. He signed off on a Legion land sale and conspired to keep the adjutant unaware of the sale which, when discovered invalidated the transaction. He is widely believed to have been dishonorably discharged but he has a lot of friends and the adjutant stands alone in her request for his documentation. He also brags about his purple heart but he is not listed in the purple heart registry. The adjutant bumped the matter up to district but they said handle it in house, I've spent the last 2 years volunteering on the property, clearing woods and building a 20 hole disc golf course with the permission of the E-board. The course has attracted over 30 new members and was self funded yet he is doing his best to destroy all my hard work. The above story tells me I shouldn't expect a response from the National Headquarters. Doesn't anyone care ?!?

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NHQ_IT_Justin
Indianapolis, US
Dec 07, 2022 11:45 am EST
Replying to comment of Milo76

Unlike the military, The American Legion is a grassroots organization. Meaning Posts are autonomous. If you're having no luck getting the post to investigate their own issues, inform a District Commander. In Indiana, districts work closely with posts and the department to resolve these types of issues.

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fed up female legionnaire
, US
Feb 03, 2023 2:00 pm EST
Replying to comment of Milo76

check for state of indiana stolen valor laws. Contact police for investigation of misuse of funds and fraud.

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