On August 23, the 2nd day of National American Legion's National Convention took place in Reno, NV. Stevens-Chute Post 4 Commander William Chan and Adjutant Lara Chan were there to witness history. During the session, President of the United States Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, VA Secretary David Shulkin, Former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates, and others graced the stage of the 99th National Convention. Following his speech, President Trump signed the Veterans Appeals Modernization Act into law. This is the first time in the history of The American Legion that a bill was signed into law on its stage.

 

 

 

Department of Oregon Legionnaires watching President Trump for its area.

 

President of the United States Donald Trump

 

President Trump with Medal of Honor Recipient Donald Ballard.

 

National Commander Charlie Schmidt with former Secretary of Defense Dr. Robert Gates. Dr. Gates received The American Legion's Patriot Award.

 

Darren Ware. Darren Ware is the Assistant Fire Chief for the Prince George County Maryland Fire/Emergency Medical Services Department. Mr. Ware is an Army Veteran that received The American Legion's Firefighter of the Year.

 

National Commander Charlie Schmidt with the Honorable David Shulkin. Mr. Shulkin is the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

 

Mike Rowe addressing the Legionnaires in the audience. Mr. Rowe is the host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs. He was awarded The American Legion's National Commander's Media and Communications Award.

 

The 2016-2017 American Legion National Commander and Past Department of Oregon Legionnaire Charlie Schmidt.

 

National Commander Schmidt, President Trump, Medal of Honor Recipient Donald Ballard, and others following the signing of the Veterans Appeals Claims Act.

 

President of the United States The Honorable Donald Trump

 

National Commander Charlie Schmidt shaking the hand of President Donald Trump.

 

President Trump giving thumbs up to the audience.

 

Michigan State Trooper Joseph Rowley addressing the audience. Trooper Rowley was selected as The American Legion's Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

 

2015-2016 National Commander Dale Barnett addressing the audience. PNC Barnett from the Department of Georgia help present the award to Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati hosted the 2016 National Convention.

 

President Donald Trump getting ready to sign the Veterans Appeals Modernization Act into law on the stage of the 99th The American Legion National Convention. This is the first time in American Legion history that a bill became law on the stage of the national convention.

 

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