LSC Board Chair John G. Levi Releases Veterans Day Statement
WASHINGTON – Legal Services Corporation Board of Directors Chair John G. Levi released the following statement in observance of Veterans Day:
Today we join the nation in honoring the courageous and selfless Americans who have served in the United States armed forces.
At this time of increasing threats to world order and the rule of law, we are reminded of the service and sacrifice of our veterans in protecting our country and its values.
Those who fight to preserve our freedoms should not have to fight when they leave the military for access to the support and resources they need for a future of security, dignity and justice.
For nearly 50 years, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) and its 132 grantees in every state have helped veterans struggling with their civil legal needs, including eviction, foreclosure, unemployment and wrongful denial of benefits. Last year LSC grantees assisted more than 32,000 veteran households.
Over the years, LSC and its grantees have supported veterans in a number of other ways, including launching StatesideLegal.org, the first national website focused on helping veterans and military families; establishing medical-legal partnerships with veterans’ health centers; operating legal hotlines for veterans; sponsoring and participating in Stand Down events and Military Mondays; receiving regular referrals from veterans groups; and other outreach and advocacy programs.
Last year, LSC released the compelling report of its national Veterans Task Force, formed to raise awareness of the civil legal needs of veterans, promote partnerships among legal aid providers and other organizations that serve veterans, highlight successful model programs, and provide strategies to increase pro bono legal service for vets.
In just a few days at LSC’s annual veterans forum, a panel of experts will discuss the particularly challenging task of providing legal services to low-income veterans who live in rural and remote regions of our country.
On this special day, and every day, LSC and its grantees remain committed to serving those who have served our country, recognizing that we are the land of the free only because we are the home of the brave.