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National Legion Commander talks about homeland security When asked what, in his opinion as National American Legion Commander David Rehbein considered the most important issue facing Americans today, he said 'defense and national security.' At a press conference on October 25, during his official visitation at the August Mauer Post #286 in Newark, he said one of the responsibilities of his office is to represent the 2.7 million Legion members, one million Legion Auxiliary and 300,000 Sons of the American Legion members to the United States government. In so doing, his testimonial address to the House of Representatives joint meeting with the Veterans Affairs Committee fell on September 11, 2008. He said, 'One thing I pointed out on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks was that it could happen again.' As commander, he feels that more border control is needed. Also that it is not only the northern and southern borders, but seaports and airports as well. 'We need to know who and what is coming into the United States. It is my job as Commander to set and report expectations to those who can make changes. Two weeks after the September 11th attacks, I flew to California. I noticed that everyone on the plane was vigilant; no one was just reading or visiting. We need to continue to do that every day,' he said. Rehbein is a member of Ames Post #37, in Iowa, and has served in many local, state and national capacities and was appointed by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack to serve on the Iowa Commission on Veterans Affairs. In addition, he served on several committees and commissions for Legion youth projects. His family is involved in American Legion activities. His wife Ann is a past department president of Iowa, his son Chris is a past commander of Sons of the American Legion squadron. His daughter Jennifer is the current Unit President in Ames and holds dual membership in The American Legion and The American Legion Auxiliary. Every year, The American Legion Commanders at various levels adopt projects toward which they put their energies. Commander Rehbein has two projects including the Legacy Scholarship Fund and the National Emergency Fund. At a reception dinner Saturday at Canalside Restaurant in Newark, Department New York District 7 10-county membership contributed over $7400 to those projects. During his address, Rehbein praised the Marion Minutemen 7th District Color Guard and Department New York Color Guard for representing The American Legion at many organizational and public events. He asked members to support the Color Guard in any way they could and also challenged them to spread the word about what The American Legion members do for their communities. 'After World War I, everybody knew who Legionnaires were. They performed many community service projects as well as helping their own. Be visible. Wear the Legion emblem proudly and let your communities know what you do for them.' Rehbein was involved in talks that resulted in a new Veterans Administration appropriations bill being passed that would include coverage for the mental health of all veterans, not just Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans. 'Many Vietnam, Korean and World War II veterans relive traumatic experiences when they hear about our present servicemen and women being attacked and injured or killed. They need to be covered and treated,' he said. While in Washington, he and his companions were able to encourage the passage and signing of a bill adding $3 billion more for VA medical care than the President had initially wanted. Copyright
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