American Legion Executive Director Wins Prestigious Award

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Nov 17, 2015, 03:52 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Legion Executive Director Verna Jones was honored with a top award at the Professional Women in Advocacy Conference held in Washington yesterday.

"I think of Verna as an extremely qualified and knowledgeable professional veteran that The American Legion is fortunate to have," said American Legion National Commander Dale Barnett. "Her experience as an attorney and department service officer gives me full confidence every day that our Washington headquarters is in good hands. This award is well deserved. While I am proud that The American Legion has been a strong advocate for women veterans since our founding, and I am extremely proud of Verna Jones, I don't think of her as a woman executive director. She is a tremendous asset."

Jones, who was previously director of The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Division, was selected by the conference as the winner of the "Excellence by a Veteran Advocate" award.

"I am truly thankful to receive such a prestigious award for doing what honors me most – advocating for some of the finest men and women this nation has to offer, our veterans," Jones said. "I am grateful and privileged to do so in the name of patriotism and pride on behalf of The American Legion the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization over 2 million strong."

During the height of last year's VA "wait time" crisis, Jones became one of the most visible figures in The American Legion. At town hall meeting after town hall meeting, she would patiently, professionally and compassionately listen to hundreds of veterans complaints and experiences about using the health care system that was created to serve their needs. It was not easy listening to heartbreaking stories for hours on end, but she never lost her composure. Just as importantly, her take charge demeanor gave veterans and their families what they needed most, hope.

With a current membership of 2.2 million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through nearly 14,000 posts across the nation.

Media Contact: Andrea Dickerson, (202) 263-2982 / cell (202) 417-4090 [email protected]; John Raughter, (317) 630-1350 / cell (317) 441-8847, [email protected]

SOURCE The American Legion