American Legion

11 Nov American Legion

Who is the American Legion?

The American Legion is the nation’s biggest veterans service group and is dedicated to upholding traditional ideals daily.

Mission

The American Legion’s mission statement, as approved by the National Executive Committee in October 2020, is as follows:

“To promote the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military and our communities through mutual assistance.”

History

Congress founded the American Legion in 1919 as a patriotic veterans group. By focusing on service to veterans, service members and communities, the Legion expanded from a group of war-weary World War I soldiers into one of the most influential humanitarian organizations in the United States. Local chapters sprang up throughout the country as the group swiftly grew to more than 1 million members. The group, which has over 13,000 locations around the world, now has almost 2 million members.

Over the years, the Legion has influenced substantial social change in America, gaining hundreds of benefits for veterans and launching other critical initiatives for children and youth.

Emblem

“The American Legion’s Emblem gleams, and it’s your badge of honor, service, and distinction. It represents God, Country, and Man’s Ultimate Rights. Each component has its meaning.”

Family & Youth Programs

American Legion Baseball

Hundreds of thousands of young Americans have been taught the value of sportsmanship, good health and active citizenship through American Legion Baseball. The program also promotes equality by uniting young athletes from all walks of life.

Boys Nation

Boys State, sponsored by the American Legion, is a hands-on program where children participate in municipal, county and state government operations.

Each of the 49 Boys States sends two representatives to Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders learn about the federal government’s structure and functions.

Junior Shooting Sports

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety and marksmanship program that focuses on the fundamentals of safety, education, fun and competition.

Oratorical Contest

The American Legion Oratorical Contest aims to increase high school students’ understanding and respect of the United States Constitution.

Since 1938, the program has provided participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of American citizens’ duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges.

Scholarships

The American Legion offers several scholarships and other resources to assist young people in obtaining higher education.

• Samsung Scholarship – Boys and girls who attended State are eligible to apply.

• Legacy Scholarship – Making higher education accessible to children of post-9/11 veterans.
• Baseball Scholarship – Applicants must be American Legion Baseball players.

• Eagle Scout of the Year – A $10,000 scholarship is awarded to the Eagle Scout of the Year.

• Shooting Sports Scholarship – Available to junior shooters.

Scouting

More than 2,500 Scouting units are sponsored by Legion posts around the country. The American Legion’s support for the Boy Scouts of America dates back to 1919 when it held its first national conference.

Youth Cadet Law Enforcement

The Youth Cadet Law Enforcement Program gives participants first-hand knowledge and insight into law enforcement operations. The program also provides these highly motivated young people the opportunity to contemplate a career in law enforcement.

Youth Support

Helping the youth of our country is a longstanding tradition of the American Legion. Several youth-focused programs, such as Temporary Financial Assistance, Family Support Network and well-being programs, have been developed.

Community Programs

Amateur Radio Program

The American Legion has created a unique entity to give a platform for combat veterans who are now involved in a hobby that can also serve as an emergency communication system. To become a part of the Amateur Radio Program, you must pass an exam covering electronic theory, operating procedures and regulating rules.

American Legion Riders

The American Legion Riders are noted for their humanitarian efforts, which have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for local children’s hospitals, schools, veterans’ homes, critically wounded service members and scholarships.

Family Support Network

Families of deployed and activated military people confront unique challenges and tribulations, according to the American Legion. These families do not have to bear this burden alone, thanks to the Family Support Network.

Homeless Veterans

The American Legion backs public and private sector efforts to help homeless veterans and their families. Additionally, the Legion supports legislation that would offer homeless veterans and their families medical, rehabilitative and job aid.

American Legion College

Through education, development and inspiration, the National Legion College trains Legionnaires for leadership roles in posts, districts, counties and departments.

Mission Blue Post Assistance Program

The Mission Blue Post Assistance Program (PAP) award is designed to help posts whose revenue has been damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic in their region, as well as any government-imposed limitations.

National Emergency Fund

In the aftermath of calamities such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires, the National Emergency Fund has been actively involved in satisfying the needs of both the community and individual Legion family members.

Operation Comfort Warriors

Contributions to Operation Comfort Warriors will be used to provide comfort products and help to injured warriors.

Financial Assistance

The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has provided financial awards to minor children of active duty or American Legion members since 1925. These subsidies assist low-income families in meeting the costs of housing, food, utilities and health care, allowing the child or children to grow up in a more stable environment.

Volunteering

Find an opportunity to volunteer with an American Legion-supported organization, such as:

• VA Volunteer Services
• Habitat for Humanity
• Honor Flight
• Rebuilding Together
• Red Cross
• United We Serve
• USO

Women Veterans

The American Legion helps women veterans understand their benefits, campaigns for gender-specific health care and strives to abolish military sexual trauma.

How Do I Contact the American Legion?

Address:

The American Legion National Headquarters

700 N. Pennsylvania St.
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206

Telephone: (317) 630-1200

Fax: (317) 630-1223

Customer Service: (800) 433-3318

myLegion & mySAL: (833) 253-9995 (Toll Free)

Americanism: (317) 630-1203

(Baseball, Flag Education, Boys Nation, Boys State, Scholarships, Scouting, Junior Shooting Sports, Oratorical Contest, Child Welfare Foundation, Youth Cadet Law Enforcement)

Convention & Meetings (317) 630-1313

Employment & Education (202) 861-2700

Emblem Sales (888) 453-4466

Finance (317) 630-1200

Internal Affairs (317) 630-1330

Legislative (202) 861-2700

Library and Museum (317) 630-1366

Media & Communications (317) 630-1272

Media Relations (202) 263-2991

National Security (202) 861-2700

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation (202) 861-2700, (317) 630-1346

American Legion Meetings and National Affairs

Citizenship

Providing help and guidance to immigrants on the lawful path to citizenship has been a proud Legion tradition nearly since its inception.

Flag Advocacy

For flag etiquette and display questions, the American Legion’s Flag Advocacy program is an excellent resource.

Get out the Vote

The American Legion’s “Get Out the Vote” campaign encourages all citizens to register and vote in all elections. Each Legion post, district and department is encouraged to participate entirely in the election process by acting as poll volunteers and workers promoting others to register and vote.

Legislative Center

The American Legion’s Legislative Division represents veterans in Congress as “The Voice of the Veteran.” The Legislative Division’s primary function is to offer staff support to the Legislative Commission and its Convention Committee, with more than 2 million people.

National Convention

The national convention is the American Legion’s largest annual gathering. Only the national convention delegates can vote on changes to the Legion’s constitution and bylaws.

National Security

One of the Legion’s Four Pillars is national security. And they believe that it is best protected by a well-funded Department of Defense, good quality of life for troops and a healthy transition between service and separation.

Washington Conference

The annual American Legion Washington Conference in our nation’s capital allows our organization’s leadership to meet with political officials to discuss legislative ideas and goals vital to Legion members and their families.

American Legion Services

Benefits Center

Veterans and their families can receive free expert support from accredited American Legion service officers. While a service officer’s primary responsibility is to process VA disability benefits applications, they also give information, recommendations, and resources on education, job and business, death benefits and other essential topics.

Career Center

The American Legion assists veterans in finding jobs that match their abilities and ideals. They also host interactive virtual events for military job seekers worldwide to network and interview firms offering career skills programs.

Education Center

Veterans’ education advantages have enticed millions of people to join the military. The Post-9/11 GI Bill, the newest benefit, is particularly appealing since it provides the most significant financial help ever to service members.

Health Care

Healthcare services include assistance to veterans who have earned and deserve prompt, high-quality care. The American Legion offers PTSD, traumatic brain injury, suicide prevention and military sexual assault treatment.

USAA Partnership

To assist exhibit pride in its purpose and activities, USAA has teamed up with The American Legion. When you join USAA, you enter an extended military family that can be passed down generations.

Click on the Learn more about the benefits of a USAA membership.

To learn more, dial 877-699-2654.

American Legion Membership

Get special perks and free online tools to view and engage with members throughout your department or detachment.

Eligibility

All current active-duty military personnel is eligible to join. You are eligible for membership if you have served at least one day of federal active duty during any qualifying period.

Membership FAQs

Check out these frequently asked questions about American Legion eligibility.

Don’t hesitate to get in touch at membership@legion.org or 317-630-1321 if you have any further eligibility questions.

Discount Programs

Special discounts are available to American Legion and Sons of The American Legion members. A couple of them are listed below.

• Financial and Insurance
• Media and Entertainment
• Medical
• Moving and Relocation
• Post Discounts
• Retail
• Travel
• Auto Rental

Fodpal

Fodpal comprises 15,000 members and 250 American Legion posts spread over six departments outside the continental United States. The purpose is to promote The American Legion’s 4 Pillars.

It also encourages members of the FODPAL to work together more closely with the American Legion’s national organization, departments and posts.

American Legion Media

The American Legion Magazine

Monthly stories and interviews in the American Legion magazine cover national security, health care, history, travel and more.

Newsletters

Sign up for online updates, commander’s communications, flag alerts and more when you sign up for e-newsletters. To make your selections, sign in and click “edit.”

Library and Museum

The American Legion Library and Museum is located along the north end of the fourth floor of the National Headquarters building. Despite its private status, the library welcomes and helps Legionnaires, veterans and non-veterans alike.

Publications

To see the American Legion’s entire library of publications, go here. The majority of the materials on this page are PDF format, which requires Adobe Reader to view.

Tango Alpha Lima Podcast

The podcast is a veterans’ perspective on current events, focusing on the military and veteran communities. Visit https://www.legion.org/tangoalphalima for more information and videos.

Donate to The American Legion

Your gift will help The American Legion realize its objective of supporting veterans, military people, families and communities through charities, which distribute cash to support the organization’s activities and services where they are most needed.

You can donate online or send it by mail to “The American Legion National Headquarters” at the mentioned address.

Shop at the American Legion

Every purchase supports American Legion initiatives that improve the quality of life for America’s soldiers, their families and their communities as a division of The American Legion National Headquarters.

Show your support by purchasing one of the many items offered.