Latest news with #LaCoursiere
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Endeavor Communications Engages with Congressional Representatives to Advocate for USF's Critical Role in Providing Americans with Access to Broadband
Cloverdale, IN April 28, 2025 --( )-- Endeavor CEO Darin LaCoursiere met with congressional leaders in Washington, D.C., this week to advocate for the critical role of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in ensuring rural Americans have access to high-quality, affordable broadband services. They also discussed current broadband deployment programs, permitting reform, regulatory burdens and tax legislation. 'Congress plays a critical role in crafting the policies and programs that make it possible for Endeavor Communications to bring quality, reliable, high-speed broadband services to our local community,' said Mr. LaCoursiere. 'We appreciated the opportunity to meet with policymakers to discuss our work and the importance of a sustainable Universal Service Fund.' Mr. LaCoursiere was in Washington from April 27 to 29 to participate in the NTCA 2025 Legislative and Policy Conference. Nearly 500 rural broadband provider representatives from all over the country gathered in the nation's capital for educational briefings about emerging rules and regulations and other industry issues. They also visited policymakers on Capitol Hill and the FCC. Contact Information: Endeavor Communications Mike Harian 800-922-6677 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Endeavor Communications Engages with Congressional Representatives to Advocate for USF's Critical Role in Providing Americans with Access to Broadband Press Release Distributed by
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American Legion leader delivers heartfelt appeal to help save lives of veterans in distress
Apr. 1---- Bronze sculptures of Raymond Fagen and 11 other infantrymen charging out of a Higgins' boat and onto Utah Beach on D-Day provided a dramatic backdrop for James A. LaCoursiere Jr. and the quiet, to-the-heart message he usually delivers in the more subdued surroundings of Legion halls across the country. "Together we can and will destigmatize mental health," LaCoursiere, national commander of the , told more than 100 Legion members and guests at the in Granite Falls on Friday. "My brothers and sisters, it is OK to not be OK as long as we are there for one another." His visit Friday was sponsored by American Legion Post 69 in Granite Falls. He spoke the preceding night in as the guest of Legion Post 271. The national commander has been speaking to veterans across the country to promote the Legion's "Be the One" mission to prevent veteran suicide. Each day, an average of more than 17 veterans take their lives in the U.S., according to a report released in 2024 by the . Veterans are at a 58% higher risk of suicide than those who have not served, according to the VA. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among post-9/11 veterans. LaCoursiere told his audience that he often starts by reciting a few of the key words that describe the hidden wounds suffered by some: post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, loneliness, under-educated, unemployed and homelessness. "We need to be there for one another. We should always be there for one another," LaCoursiere said. His message for veterans is to use their compassion and listen to those expressing their distress. Whether talking in person or on the phone, "We need to be with them, locked in with them during that moment," he said. The national commander also emphasized to his audience that the American Legion is very much "all in" when it comes to protecting veterans' health care and other benefits from any federal budget cuts. "We care. We truly care and we are committed 110%. We're all in to make sure nothing happens — there are no reductions to VA health care and your VA benefits. " ... We are on top of it," he said. "You may not hear the American Legion turning around and throwing out weekly messages and that's because we're making it clear with . We want to work with Congress." He added, "We also want Congress to be aware we will not allow any cuts or delays when it comes to veterans' health care or any reductions with our benefits." He encouraged his audience to use their voices and let their state and federal elected officials know their opposition to any cuts. After his address, LaCoursiere told the he has heard talk about cuts to veterans' health care and benefits, "but we're not going by hearsay and not acting on hearsay." He said he has had assurances from members of Congress that there will not be cuts to veterans. "We're staying on top of it. The Washington, D.C., staff is keeping me appraised daily," he said. LaCoursiere has been serving as national commander for the American Legion since Aug. 29, 2024. He is a U.S. Air Force veteran and prior state commander in Connecticut, where he is a member of American Legion Post 91 in Moosup. In welcoming the national commander, Steve Midthun, commander of Post 69 in Granite Falls, told the audience that he was only four months into his role. His start was challenging. The local post was dealing with a number of issues, including the death of its club manager, he said. When the state adjutant called unexpectedly, and started talking about a visit by the national commander, Midthun said he thought: "What the hell have we done now?" He turned to Ron and Diane Fagen about the possibility of hosting the commander at the Fagen Fighters Museum. "From the day we talked about it, it was 'what can we do for you,'" said Midthun while thanking his hosts. The museum, which opened in 2012, hosts thousands of visitors annually who come to tour four large hangars housing pristine World War II aircraft and equipment. The museum honors the memory of Ron Fagen's father, Raymond, who died in 2010 at age 91. Ray Fagen was part of the 4th Infantry which landed on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Ray Fagen returned home with three battle stars for his role in the Invasion of Normandy, the Liberation of Paris and Battle of the Bulge. He received a Purple Heart for injuries suffered while fighting in Belgium. The Granite Falls museum's D-Day exhibit of the charging infantrymen includes sand from Utah Beach, and is situated in front of a wall-sized mural of the invasion created by the nationally known artist Dave Reiser.
CBS News
28-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
American Legion's national commander touts veteran suicide prevention program during Minnesota visit
The national commander of the American Legion has been in Minnesota this week, visiting different posts to talk about a variety of veterans' issues. Friday morning, he was at Fagen Fighters World War II Museum in Granite Falls. "I'm taking in every bit of it I possibly can. This is fantastic to see this," said James LaCoursiere, Jr. Surrounded by war planes and military relics, the national commander talked about the sacrifices veterans have made. "It truly is a mission. It's not a program and it's not a catchphrase. It's the mission to save the life of a veteran, a child, a spouse," said LaCoursiere. The mission and his message to the crowd was about the veteran suicide rate. LaCoursiere is promoting "Be the One." It's a suicide prevention initiative that he's sharing with all 12,000 American Legion posts across the country. "It's all about listening and your true commitment and compassion being locked in with the individual at the time. Even someone who doesn't have military ties, it's something they can share and do in their community," said LaCoursiere. He said about 20 veterans a day commit suicide in our country — a statistic that hits home for Carla Tappanier. "This 'Be the One' project, that is the most important because I can personally tell you that I've lost five or six good friends to suicide," said Tappanier. Tappainer is the membership director for Minnesota's American Legions. She's thankful the national commander is sharing his message here, and nationwide. "You need to be there for them. Listen to them. Exactly what he said. Listen to them. Talk to them. Speak with them. Whatever you need to do, do not leave them alone," said Tappanier. LaCoursiere is encouraging people to download the "Be the One" app on their phones. You can find it wherever you download apps. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything. In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness , or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National Legion Commander to address suicide prevention in Forest Lake, Apple Valley talks
American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere Jr. is in Minnesota this month to raise awareness about the Legion's 'Be the One' efforts to prevent veteran suicide. On Monday, LaCoursiere will be the featured speaker at an event at the American Legion Post No. 225 in Forest Lake. On Tuesday, he will speak at a breakfast event at American Legion Post No. 1776 in Apple Valley. LaCoursiere was elected national commander of the American Legion on Aug. 29 during the 105th national convention in New Orleans. Veteran suicide is the 'most significant issue facing veterans,' LaCoursiere told the convention after being elected. 'It is the most significant issue of our time. It's also an issue that galvanizes all of us. I know that we are all touched by someone who has taken their own life.' A U.S. Air Force veteran and member of American Legion Post 91 in Moosup, Conn., LaCoursiere will visit Post No. 225 at 355 W. Broadway Ave. for a social hour, dinner and presentation starting at 5 p.m. Monday, and talk with veterans, community leaders and local residents. The event is open to the public; cost of dinner is $10 for members of the post and $20 for non-members. To RSVP for the Forest Lake event, call Terry Larson at 651-464-2600, ext. 308. LaCoursiere will visit Post No. 1776 at 14521 Granada Drive in Apple Valley for a breakfast and presentation starting at 8:15 a.m. The event is open to the public. If interested in attending, call Carla Tappainer at 952-240-7849. For information on other Minnesota stops, visit Local News | 'You were willing to risk your life to maintain our freedom.' Cottage Grove World War II veteran honored for service Local News | Trump administration plans to cut 80,000 employees from Veterans Affairs, according to internal memo Local News | Biden awards the Medal of Honor and Medal of Valor to military heroes and first responders Local News | At South St. Paul's Sunlight Restaurant, four veterans in their 90s still meet to reminisce Local News | New Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum taking shape next to Camp Ripley
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
American Legion national Commender coming to La Crescent to speak on veteran suicide and other pressing veteran matters
LA CRESCENT, Min. (WLAX/WEUX) – American Legion National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. of Connecticut is coming to La Crescent and will speak on issues of importance to Minnesota veterans. LaCoursiere is strongly committed to raising awareness for The American Legion's 'Be the One' efforts to prevent veteran suicide. 'It is the most significant issue facing veterans,' he told the national convention after being elected in August. 'It is the most significant issue of our time. It's also an issue that galvanizes all of us. I know that we are all touched by someone who has taken their own life.' He will visit La Crescent Area Event Center at 595 Veterans Pkwy. for a social hour, dinner and presentation starting at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, March 25th. LaCoursiere will talk with veterans, community leaders and local residents. The visit is hosted by the veterans of La Crescent American Legion Post 595. The American Legion also is focused on stopping veteran claim sharks, passage of the Major Richard Star Act (which eliminates concurrent receipt on military retirement pensions), implementation of the PACT Act, parity for the federal definition of a veteran, full accountability of POW/MIAs, ending veteran homelessness, paying the Coast Guard during federal shutdowns, and passage of an amendment to protect the U.S. flag from desecration. Post 595 plans to celebrate The American Legion's birthday as well. Any local residents wishing to attend can contact Ricard Acevedo. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
