National Security
The American Legion believes national security is upheld by keeping a well-funded Department of Defense, a good quality of life for troops and a sensible transition between service and separation. American Legion Post 179 supports local blood drives, is committed to achieving a full accounting of all POW/MIAs, and supports legislation for a strong national defense.
Post Legionnaires participate give blood and blood report it to our Post, which we track on our annual Consolidated Posts Reports. We also seek opportunities to host blood drives. Legionnaires can give blood by making an appointment for a donation at The American Red Cross' website.
The American Legion is committed to achieving a full accounting of all POW/MIAs from the Gulf War, Vietnam War, Cold War, Korean War and World War II. This means returning living POWs, the repatriation of their remains, or finding convincing evidence why neither of these is possible. The Post commemorates POW/MIA Recognition Day annually on the third Friday of September to honor the commitment and sacrifices made by this nation's prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action, as well as their families. Additionally, we designate a POW/MIA Empty Chair at all official meetings as a physical symbol of the thousands of American POW/MIAs still unaccounted for from all wars and conflicts involving the United States.
Support Legislation for a Strong Defense
The Legion supports legislation that contributes to a strong defense. We currently ask you to urge Congress to pass the following bill(s):
The Senate passed Senate Bill 316 in 2023 in a 66-30 vote to end the Iraq War era Authorizations for Use of Military Force. It has been stalled in the House of Representatives as H.R. 932 since February of 2023, having been referred to the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Urge your representative to pass this bill:
- District 10: Michael McCaul (Travis County) – Chairman, House Foreign Affairs Committee
- District 15: Monica de la Cruz (Guadalupe County)
- District 20: Joaquin Castro (Bexar County) – Member, House Foreign Affairs Committee
- District 21: Chip Roy (Comal, Hays, & Kendall Counties)
- District 23: Tony Gonzales (Bexar County)
- District 28: Henry Cuellar (Bexar & Guadalupe Counties)
- District 35: Greg Casar (Bexar, Comal, Hays, & Travis Counties)
- District 37: Lloyd Doggett (Travis County)
Read the bill's text and history at Congress.gov.
Good Quality of Life for Troops
We have a special request from one of our overseas commissaries: They need coupons! This is a great opportunity to get members involved in working the mission of National Security, especially those members who may be homebound. Below are instructions:
- Only Manufacturer’s Coupons may be used. This can include coupons for food, non-food items like hygiene or cleaning supplies, baby items such as diapers, and pet supplies. The commissary is unable to accept store coupons, restaurant coupons or internet coupons.
- Cut out the coupons. Please do not send sheets of unclipped coupons.
- Overseas Commissaries are permitted to accept expired manufacturer coupons up to 6 months past the expiration date. Be sure to consider the time it will take to mail the coupons and for the commissary to sort.
- Try and sort the coupons before mailing: separate the expired (or soon to expire) from the non-expired. Then separate and group together by type: Food, non-food, baby and children, and pets.
- Send the coupons to the below address:
Yokosuka Commissary
PSC 473 BOX 33
FPO AP 96349