Week 15 – #PositivelyStressed
For those of you following the series, you’ve likely noticed the hashtags I use – especially #BeTheOne.
#BeTheOne is a the national initiative by The American Legion, a cause that’s very close to my heart.
My first introduction to the Legion came in high school when I participated in their Oratorical Contest (I didn’t do that great as a freshman). Later as a junior, I attended the Wisconsin Boys State program – where we built a “51st state” over the course of a week-long summer camp.
It was at Boys State where I had a conversation with a criminal defense attorney that has stayed with me for nearly 20 years:
“The role of the defense attorney isn’t to get the defendant off. It’s to keep the prosecutor and the police honest. Because if they can get away with being dishonest with those whom we know are guilty, how are those of us who are innocent going to stand a chance.” And today, I’m a civil defense attorney.
Other youth programs offered by the American Legion include:
- Legion Baseball – producing over 79 inductees into Cooperstown!
- Junior Shooting Sports – alumni include Olympic Gold medalists in shooting.
- Scouting (formerly Boy Scouts) – in the form of sponsorships.
- Youth Cadet Law Enforcement – a week-long summer camp to learn about policing in your community.
- Various national, state, and local scholarships.
Since 2022, the Legion’s #BeTheOne campaign has focused on combating the mental health epidemic among veterans. This proactive campaign works to reduce the stigma around seeking help, mental health treatment generally, and empowering us all to save one life at a time.
Key efforts of this campaign include:
- A partnership with Columbia University’s Lighthouse Project to provide suicide prevention training.
- Buddy Checks, a phone and door-knocking campaign to check in on veterans regarding physical and mental health needs.
- Free assistance with VA disability, education, and employment resources.
The #BeTheOne campaign has received nationwide attention, including primary partnership with a winning INDYCAR team since 2022 and becoming the official charitable partner of the INDYCAR series.
Want to get involved in the #BeTheOne campaign? Visit www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one.
If you or a family member served or is serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, consider joining a local American Legion post and the Family of Legion organizations. Visit www.legion.org.
Don’t forget to vote in the poll over on LinkedIn while it is still active.
By: Stephen Delcuze, Esq. - Found on LinkedIn here.
