Thank you Mr. Chairman and thank you Ranking Member Buyer for mentioning the loss of my husband.  Harvey was a proud veteran who served his country well.

Commander Rehbein, I want to thank you for appearing before this Committee today.  I would like to congratulate you on your recent election to the post of National Commander. The American Legion has a long tradition of advancing veterans concerns and ensuring the men and women that so bravely served our country are receiving the benefits and care they deserve.

I know that at the American Legion’s National Convention in August your members discussed the issues most important to them and put together a legislative agenda for the upcoming year. I look forward to hearing from you today about these issues and how we can work together to address your memberships concerns.

I also want to take this opportunity to recognize two constituents who made the trip to Washington D.C. and are with us today.  Commander H. Warren Post and Mr. Robert Schmidt, I want to thank you for making the trip and thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of veterans. 

Once again, I welcome you to the hearing and look forward to hearing your thoughts on the issues before us today.