The American Legion is celebrating 105 years of service. Founded on March 15, 1919, the American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. If you’re a veteran, consider the below reasons of why you should belong.
Through youth programs such as Boys State and Girls State, the fifth grade flag essay, and the high school oratorical contest, the American Legion educates and promotes citizenship, its rights, duties, and responsibilities.
Promoting national security is multi-faceted. Key aspects include ensuring a well-funded, well-equipped, and well-maintained military and focusing awareness and surveillance on rogue nations, terrorist groups and global threats to U.S. security around the world. The Legion believes national security is upheld by keeping a well-funded Department of Defense, a good quality of life for troops and a sensible transition between service and separation.
As for individual veterans, since 2020 the American Legion’s network of 3,000 accredited service officers obtained more than $62.1 billion in disability compensation for veterans with nearly $19 billion in just the last fiscal year alone. They did this free of charge for the veteran and regardless of membership status. Some organizations charge for this service.
Another service of the Legion’s service officers is their work with the Veteran Treatment Courts (VTCs) which provide equitable access to high-quality care for veterans who have mental health and substance use concerns related to their military service. The Legion recognizes that veterans share experiences not common among civilians, thus they provide service officers, mentors, and links to federal, state, and community veterans’ resources.
The legislative division of the American Legion serves as “The Voice of the Veteran” to the United States Congress and serves members of Congress as an institutional authority on all matters relating to the veteran community. With the oversight provided by the American Legion, the burn pits of Post 9/11 will not become the Agent Orange of Vietnam. The Legion played a crucial role in the passage of the PACT Act of 2022. This legislation represents the largest expansion of veterans’ rights since the GI Bill, all because of the lobbying efforts of the Legion.
What are the benefits of belonging? You are directly influencing our youth and their future, you are maintaining a strong legislative presence for veteran benefits, and you are supporting your fellow and future veteran brothers and sisters. Your dues matter.
What do your dues pay for? All the above, plus much more.
If you’re a veteran and your desire is to benefit all veterans, current or future, join now. Call 515-386-5547 for membership.
Barb Labate, Post Adjutant, American Legion Post #11
