American Legion presents veterans programs, backs HB 40 and Buckeye Boys State recognition to House veterans committee

Jacob Brault, legislative representative for the American Legion Department of Ohio, told the Ohio House Veterans and Military Development Committee about the group's statewide services and legislative priorities, including support for House Bill 40 to raise the disabled veterans homestead exemption and House Concurrent Resolution 7 to recognize Buckeye Boys and Girls State.

Brault said the American Legion, chartered after World War I, now serves about 70,000 members in Ohio and organizes programs under four pillars: veterans affairs and rehabilitation; national security; Americanism; and children and youth. "We were started in 1919. We're fairly chartered by Congress," Brault said, summarizing the organization's history and mission.

The committee heard that the department's veterans affairs and rehabilitation work includes the department service officer program that assists with VA claims, death benefits and appeals. "Those are our bread and butter, our biggest support for veterans," Brault said,…