President Donald Trump spoke in Reno at the 99th National Convention of The American Legion, which is the nation's largest organization of wartime veterans.
Governor Sandoval was among those that greeted President Trump at the airport. The President spent several minutes after he exited Air Force One greeting the crowd, shaking hands, and he even kissed a baby.
The President began speaking just after 11:00 a.m. Wednesday and finished around 11:30 a.m. The event was not open to the public.
The President began by thanking Governor Sandoval and Senator Dean Heller, then he spoke highly of those in the armed forces, speaking to a crowd at the American Legion convention.
"Everyone here today is part of a long unbroken chain of American heroes. We salute your service. The American Legion not only remembers history you help keep history alive," the President said to the crowd to a round of applause. The President said we must fulfill "our patriotic duties, we must take care of our great veterans," Trump continued.
Speaking about VA care, President Trump said that wait times for each VA are now visible online, the White House VA hotline, and how they've increased the number of veterans that are allowed to see the doctor of their choice. He thanked the American Legion for their help in getting these goals accomplished. President Trump also spoke about the VA accountability legislation that passed this year, saying that when there are VA workers that are "not treating our fellow patriots well, we look at them and we say 'You're Fired' that's it, that's it. They don't do a good job, they're out."
Moving onto foreign policy President Trump spoke again about how the U.S. "will pursue an honorable and enduring outcome in Afghanistan."
President Trump said "we can do it ourselves" when speaking about manufacturing and the economy.
"We will always support our law enforcement personnel," Trump said to which the crowd applauded. "We are one with one home and one great flag."
President Trump concluded with the story of an American hero who threw himself on a grenade and served in the National Guard for over 20 years. Medal of honor recipient Donald E. Ballard took the stage and shook hands with President Trump. "I think we've elected the right leader to drain the swamp," Ballard said in an unplanned comment. President Trump thanked him for his courageous service.
"There is no country like the United States of America," President Trump continued, "There is no enemy too strong for us to overcome." President Trump thanked the American Legion, all of our service members, all of our "great great veterans" and President Trump went to the side of the stage and immediately sat down to sign the Veterans Appeals Improvement and Modernization Act which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this month. They say the legislation will "streamline the lengthy process that veterans undergo when appealing their claims for disability benefits with the VA," helping the more than 470,000 veterans currently in that process.
Outside both supporters and opponents of President Trump gathered. Both sides carried signs and chanted on the streets outside of the convention center. All of the groups have been peaceful. Channel 2 News is speaking with both sides and will have that tonight on Channel 2 News.
President Trump is just one of several speakers scheduled over the multi-day event which include members of President Trump's cabinet, Governor Brian Sandoval, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and even country music star Neal McCoy.
The main conventions begins Tuesday, August 22nd at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center and ends on Thursday, August 24th.
"We expect nearly 9,000 member of The American Legion Family to take part in convention activities between August 17th and 24th," said Michael E. Walton, chairman of The American Legion National Convention Commission. "Legionnaires and their families will actually be attending three different, but simultaneous, conventions - The American Legion convention, the American Legion Auxiliary convention and the Sons of the American Legion Convention."
The American Legion founded in 1919 has two million wartime veteran members and about 13,000 posts across the country. For more information click here.
A great honor to sign the Veterans Appeals Improvement & Modernization Act into law w/ @AmericanLegion @SecShulkin.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 23, 2017
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Local Reaction Ahead of the Visit:
Governor Sandoval greeted President Trump in Reno. "Governor Sandoval was graciously invited to ride to the American Legion event by President Trump when he greeted him on the tarmac. They discussed the health of the nation and Nevada’s economic recovery, local and national veterans issues and Governor Sandoval’s role as Chairman of the National Governors Association," his office said in a statement Wednesday evening. "The Governor is grateful that the President traveled to the great state of Nevada to address the American Legion and honor our nation’s veterans."
Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve issued a statement ahead of the event saying that it was the decision of the American Legion to invite the President., "I'm grateful that the American Legion has chosen to hold this year’s national convention in Reno," she continued, "I have great admiration and gratitude for all of America’s Veterans." Schieve wrote that she encourages "the President to deliver a strong message rejecting racism, hate and violence."
Bob Lucey, the Chair of the Washoe County Commission says he is "pleased" to personally greet the President. "We would like to utilize this opportunity to address the President on current issues impacting Washoe County residents," Lucey continued to say they'd like to meet with Interior Secretary Zinke to discuss economic development, conservation, a lands bill, and I-11 infrastructure.
Nevada Attorney Adam Laxalt sent a statement saying Wednesday's visit "presents a unique opportunity for the president to address one of the largest veteran populations in our country. As an Iraq war veteran and former naval officer, I am grateful for his demonstrated commitment to our military communities, and look forward to greeting him alongside other elected officials."
