Fang A. Wong, the National Commander of the American Legion, was an honored guest at a Legion department conference held this week at American Legion Post Seven in Chapala.
Wong, a native of Canton, China, immigrated to Hong Kong when communists took over his country and then moved on to New York City when he was 12 years old. He served in the Vietnam War and remembers how veterans of that military action were treated when they returned home. He believes that it is those same veterans’ responsibility to ensure that a similar negative homecoming doesn’t await the men and women who are fighting the war on terror.
Wong is a busy man, visiting each department (each state and Washington, D.C. is a Legion department) in the United States and the four located abroad: Mexico, the Philippines, France and Puerto Rico. He also visits troops on active duty overseas and will spend only 25 days at home this year. The reporter’s Jeanne Chaussee caught him on the fly this week for a short conversation about the relevance and future of the American Legion.
What is the relevance of the American Legion in today’s society and has it diminished in the way so many traditional fraternal organizations have of late?
We do have fewer posts these days, with some of the old ones fading out and being closed but we have new ones and most of them are important, vibrant parts of their communities. As to the relevance of the Legion – the American Legion was organized back in 1919 after World War I. While the troops were waiting to come back to the states and to re-enter society they realized that they were going to need help and that there was really nothing to help them or even help the widows and orphans created from the conflict. That’s how the Legion was born. It was built on what we call “The Four Pillars” that are just as relevant today as they were back in 1919. Those Four Pillars are veteran’s affairs and rehabilitation and support of veteran’s families, advocating a strong national defense, promoting Americanism (obligations and duties of American citizens) and training youth about their responsibilities. I believe our goals are still very relevant, although things for veterans are much improved, we find that there are still many shortcomings.
Does the American Legion act as a lobbyist for veterans’ benefits?
We are lobbyists and, just as important, when the money for veterans’ programs has been secured, we are the watchdogs to make sure the money goes where it is supposed to go. So we are the good guys/bad guys. Another of our pillars, advocating a strong national defense, we believe helps avoid war. Since all of us have already been to war, war is the last thing we ever want to see. We see that strong defense is necessary to make the bad guys think twice before they start anything. Look at the Cold War. We won because we were dealing from strength.
Do you feel that because today’s army is a volunteer army and not a drafted army, that the government is less vigilant about seeing to the way veterans are treated because their feet are not being held as closely to the fire?
Well, they shouldn’t. Our history is one of volunteerism. We had the draft for about 60 years, but the United States became independent, was born, with volunteer soldiers and militias back in the 1700s. Our volunteer soldiers today should be just as revered as those who were drafted even though they stepped up on their own to fight for their country. I think that the way the government treats our veterans has a lot to do with the way the general public feels and the public should be grateful that one percent of the population is willing to step up and put their lives on the line to defend our country. Americans should show their appreciation to those doing the dirty work by providing everything necessary to the veterans.
Do you think that returning veterans today are blessed with as many benefits as those who returned after World War II?
It’s hard to say because in each era, in each generation, the needs are different and the society is different. After World War II, when the veterans came home, they became what we call “The Greatest Generation.” They took advantage of the GI Bill that offered them free education and then again they used it for guaranteed loans to purchase homes. That brought financial success to the building industry and to other businesses. They had a different mentality than people today. They were really grateful for what they had and were willing to jump into anything for the community and ask questions later. They were interested in improving the community and their country as a whole. Today’s society is different. No matter how patriotic they are, their mind set is different. They often ask “What’s in it for me?” We actually have a new and improved GI Bill that a lot of people are taking advantage of, but it is geared toward this new, maybe smarter, generation. The world is different.
What is the best thing about holding the position you’re in?
It’s wonderful to travel of course, but I also get to see the great work being done by 14,000 Legion posts all over the world. Here at Lake Chapala these Legionnaires and the Auxiliary are helping veterans, creating goodwill with lots of the local young people and aiding charities. They are our representatives overseas and are doing a great job. They are amazingly dedicated. That’s Americanism.