#373 FireSide Chat w/ the Crew & Mario Marquez of American Legion; 18 Mar 2025

Retired Marine SgtMaj, Mario Marquez, joins the crew to discuss what is happening on capital hill and how the new administration is effecting the VA and our VSOs. He speaks out to help answer everyone’s questions on the status and how things are going for the veteran community. He answers the following questions and more.  1.    What are The American Legion’s primary legislative priorities for 2025 concerning veteran affairs, and how do you plan to advocate for them?     2.    Can you elaborate on the “Winning the War Within” initiative and its significance in addressing veteran mental health and suicide prevention?     3.    How does The American Legion view the proposed Restore VA Accountability Act, and what impact do you anticipate it will have on VA operations?     4.    What is your stance on the Veterans 2nd Amendment Protection Act, and how do you believe it will affect veterans’ rights and due process?     5.    Given the VA’s budget request of $369.3 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, what are your thoughts on its adequacy in meeting the needs of veterans, especially concerning disability compensation and healthcare services?       6.    How is The American Legion responding to reports of planned workforce reductions within the VA, and what implications do you foresee these cuts having on veteran services?       7.    In what ways is The American Legion collaborating with the VA to promote post-traumatic growth among veterans dealing with PTSD?       8.    How do you assess the current administration’s commitment to improving veterans’ access to mental health care and alternative therapies?     9.    What measures are being taken to ensure that veterans are not discouraged from seeking mental health care due to concerns about losing their constitutional rights?     10.    How can veterans and their families become more involved in advocacy efforts led by The American Legion to influence VA policies and programs? Main Page    https://www.legion.org   Legislative    https://www.legion.org/advocacy/legislative   Be The One    https://www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one   Grass Roots Efforts    https://www.votervoice.net/AmericanLegion/home   Independent Budget (VSOs)    https://www.independentbudget.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Independent-Budget-2024_FINAL-DIGITAL.pdf