ARMY RESERVE DEPUTY CHIEF TO ADDRESS AMVETS

Brig. Gen. Leslie Purser to discuss veterans’ transition issues facing today’s Reserve soldier

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Aug. 10, 2010—On Friday, Aug. 13, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Army Reserve, Brig. Gen. Leslie Purser, will speak to the delegation of veterans gathered at the Galt House in Louisville for the 66th annual AMVETS National Convention.  

Purser, whose responsibilities as the Deputy Chief of the Army Reserve include development of transition strategy, discussed issues critical to today’s transitioning Reserve forces and how veterans’ groups like AMVETS can provide critical support to ensuring recently-returned veterans successfully transition from soldier to citizen.

"I am excited about talking with veterans and their advocates at the AMVETS National Convention this year,” said Purser. “The U.S. Army Reserve is dedicated to facilitating and improving a seamless transition for soldiers and veterans."

Seamless transition was one of AMVETS’ top legislative priorities for 2010 and is one of the central topics of discussion at AMVETS 2010 Symposium for 21st Century Veterans taking place concurrent with the AMVETS National Convention.

Earlier this week, AMVETS brought together 50 Iraq and Afghanistan-era veterans to discuss the issues facing their generation and to propose fresh solutions. Purser’s discussion on current Army Reserve initiatives will also help to inform AMVETS on how today’s military seeks to assist veterans in transition.

“AMVETS is honored to host Gen. Purser and to hear what she had to say on an issue that is very critical to our work,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin. “Today’s Reserve forces face very unique challenges while trying to manage both civilian and military obligations, so we’re excited to see that Army Reserve leadership is taking proactive steps to address these challenges and we’re excited to hear from one of the Army Reserve’s top leaders on how AMVETS can play a role.”

At the annual convention, members of AMVETS and its umbrella organizations, AMVETS Ladies’ Auxiliary, Sons of AMVETS, and AMVETS Riders, gather to elect officials and discuss the way forward for the organization. AMVETS members also gather to vote on critical resolutions to guide the organization’s work in Washington, D.C., helping to secure improved benefits for veterans, past and present, such as improved mental health screening and care, reducing the VA claims backlog, and better serving today’s female combat veterans.

AMVETS has provided a critical voice on Capitol Hill for more than 65 years, most recently helping to secure advance appropriations for VA health care, passage of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, establishment of a family caregiver benefit for wounded warriors, and expansion of presumptive conditions related to Agent Orange exposure. AMVETS looks to continue its hard work in the coming year advocating for America’s heroes.

At this year’s convention, AMVETS will also host an expo from Wednesday through Friday for more than 25 exhibitors eager to assist the veterans’ community. The convention will conclude with the installation of AMVETS’ new national officers on Saturday, Aug. 14 at 2:30 p.m.

For more information on the convention, visit www.amvets.org. To follow the convention live, visit the blog for American Veteran magazine, the official publication of AMVETS, at http://americanveteranmagazine.blogspot.com. 

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.