NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Army News Service, Sept. 3, 2004) -- Acting Secretary of the Army Les Brownlee lauded the dedication that veterans continue to show to the U.S. military during a speech he made to American Legion delegates Aug. 31.

Thousands at the legion's 86th convention provided a standing ovation when Brownlee recognized Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Briscoe, 5th Special Forces Group, who was severely wounded during an ambush last year in Iraq. It was his second tour to the area. Despite losing his arm, Briscoe managed to commandeer a vehicle and get his fellow Soldiers back to base.

Brownlee not only expressed his appreciation to the noncommissioned officer but also to his local American Legion post who gave him a hero's welcome when he returned home.

The Army's top official took the opportunity to introduce the legion’s veterans to the Disabled Soldiers Support System. The Army has partnered with the Department of Veteran's Affairs to create a program to help severely disabled Soldiers and their families. The DS3 will involve everything from casualty notification and evacuation to their return home and possible transition to civilian life.

"Although their physical injuries may preclude their remaining on active duty," he said, “they still have the intellect, character, integrity and self discipline that made them such marvelous American Soldiers."

The secretary commended the thousands of veterans at the convention for their numerous contributions in boosting the morale and supporting the troops serving overseas. He specifically thanked the American Legion for its phone card program that has allowed Soldiers to stay in touch with their loved ones back home.

"We are a nation at war and once again you have answered your nation's call," he said.

"You have distinguished yourselves through your patriotism and dedication to those ideals to which our forefathers committed their all," he said, citing the service of the organization since its inception nearly a century ago.

Brownlee recognized the roles that many of the delegates played in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other battlefields. He paralleled the sacrifices of the veterans to modern-day Soldiers.

"Like the men and women of the armed forces who served their nation in earlier conflicts, today's Army is poised to play a similarly critical role in the course of modern human history," he said.

He went on to share how the resilience, courage and adaptability of today's Soldiers are timeless characteristics that Soldiers have embodied since the American Revolution.

"As in previous generations, today's Soldiers display empathy and compassion while helping the newly liberated peoples of Iraq and Afghanistan build democratic governments," the secretary said.

Brownlee closed by thanking the audience for the support they have shown the Army and the nation in the past as well as the present.

"Our Soldiers will continue to uphold the traditions of service and sacrifice, of patriotism and courage, and the same dedication to freedom and democracy that characterizes all of you, the members of the American Legion."

(Editor’s note: For more information about the Disabled Soldier Support System, call 1-800-833-6622 or go to to www.ArmyDS3.org.)