The American Legion [Volume 141, No. 6 (December 1996)]

The Power Of Praise: Say something nice, and some nice things happen by Robert McGarvey -- It's A Wonderful Life: How and why Frank Capra 's first post-war film became a holiday classic by Victor M. Parachin -- Mr. Veteran: G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery's legacy to veterans past, present and future -- Tin Can Odyssey: A destroyer's crew set sail to victory and manhood by Kent Wadsworth -- The GI Bill Of Health: The Legion's plan addresses the needs of veterans' families by Miles Z. Epstein -- Miracle On An Unsilent Night: In the heat of combat, two downed fliers are blessed with the promise of peace by Tom McKenney -- The Bottom Line Is Quality Care: National Commander Joe Frank shares with Congress the Legion's vision for VA -- Big Issues: Should government phase out Amtrak support? -- Vetvoice -- Commander's Message -- Washington Watch -- On Duty -- Your American Legion -- Veterans Update -- Legion News -- Vets -- Parting Shots -- Cover: Wonderful: Few films have affirmed our values and our holiday hopes as touchingly as It's A Wonderful Life. Illustration by Eric J.W. Lee.