Andy Proffet

Indianapolis

Freelance Journalist at Freelance

Assistant Editor at American Legion Magazine

Professional writer and editor. Journeyman runner and blogger. Proud husband. Former cat dad (RIP Jules). 'A damn delight.'

Articles

On veterans’ doorsteps, Legionnaires lend a hand and an ear

1 week ago | legion.org | Andy Proffet

As part of California District 22’s Be the One Weekend, local and national Legion leadership went door-knocking to connect with lapsed members and their families. At one home, the former Legionnaire was noncommunicative with a terminal illness. At another, the former Legionnaire’s wife tearfully explained that her husband was in hospice due to the effects of Agent Orange.
‘This is what we can do for you’

1 week ago | legion.org | Andy Proffet

Legion Family, local agencies work together to make Be the One Weekend in San Diego County a supportive one for veterans and their families. Tony Sodl noted he’s had several people tell him they noticed the cannons in front of American Legion Post 282 in La Mesa, Calif., but they weren’t really sure what the post was about.
Astros’ Meyers named Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year

3 weeks ago | legion.org | Andy Proffet

The 2014 Bob Feller Pitching Award winner added the Graduate of the Year award to his honors. Houston Astros centerfielder Jake Meyers cherishes the Bob Feller Pitching Award he earned as part of the Omaha (Neb.) Post 1 team that played in the 2014 American Legion World Series. But it may be the overall experience of playing with some of his best friends that he cherishes most from his day playing American Legion Baseball. “I really, really enjoyed my time playing Legion ball in Nebraska.
‘The heroes that wars produce are the best of America’

1 month ago | legion.org | Andy Proffet

In Illinois, Legion Family and their communities honor the fallen on Memorial Day. Under a bright blue sky, amidst a crisp breeze, Gary Pugh spoke about “the saddest thing I hear.”“When someone passes away and you hear people say, ‘I didn’t know they were a veteran.’ I think that’s a flaw in our society that needs to be fixed,” said Pugh, the vice commander and chaplain of American Legion Post 499 in Gilman, Ill.
SAL encouraged to start planning for program’s centennial

1 month ago | legion.org | Andy Proffet

The Sons of The American Legion will turn 100 in 2032. While the centennial of the Sons of The American Legion is still seven years away, it’s not too early to start planning and preparing for the milestone. That was the crux of Tyler Vanice’s message to the SAL National Executive Committee (SAL NEC) during the SAL NEC Spring Meetings May 3 in Indianapolis.
Legionnaires urged to ‘use their voice’ in D.C. and at home to help homeless veterans

Feb 25, 2025 | legion.org | Andy Proffet

The Veterans Employment & Education Commission heard speakers address homelessness, entrepreneurship and more at the Washington Conference. In addressing members of the Veterans Employment & Education Commission on Feb. 24 at The American Legion’s Washington Conference, Kathryn Monet encouraged them to not just use their voice in D.C. when they met with legislators.
VA Secretary: ‘The best day for a veteran is lying ahead of us’

Feb 24, 2025 | legion.org | Andy Proffet

New VA Secretary Doug Collins optimistic about department’s renewed focus on the veteran. The new Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins, took a cue from The American Legion’s primary mission as he addressed the Legion Family at the commander’s call Monday at the 65th Washington Conference. “Letting people know that it’s OK not to be OK. … We’ve got to be a people that embrace those that have found the time because of struggles (to ask for help),” Collins said.
‘We need our home back’

Dec 9, 2024 | legion.org | Andy Proffet

The National Emergency Fund, and the support of the Legion Family, helped Florida’s Post 303 and its members get back home. If there’s a Legion Family that knows all too well just how effective the National Emergency Fund is, it’s the Legion Family at John F. Murphy Post 303 in Bonita Springs, Fla. Hurricane Ian flooded the post with eight feet of brackish seawater in September 2022.
Veteran entrepreneurs find access to resources at New Mexico summit

Dec 5, 2024 | legion.org | Andy Proffet

The American Legion was a cosponsor of the Dec. 3 Small Business Administration event in Las Cruces. Perhaps the most important takeaway for the veteran entrepreneurs attending the Small Business Administration (SBA) Military Community Entrepreneurship Summit on Dec. 3 in Las Cruces, N.M., was the number of resources available to them as they develop and grow their small businesses.