What Does American Legion Do for Veterans?
The American Legion is a non-profit veterans organization that was founded in 1919 to support and advocate for veterans and their families. With over 2 million members worldwide, the American Legion is one of the largest and most respected veterans organizations in the United States. So, what does American Legion do for veterans?
Veteran Support and Services
The American Legion provides a wide range of support and services to veterans, including:
- Claims Assistance: The American Legion has a team of trained claims agents who help veterans navigate the complex process of filing claims for benefits with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
- Benefits Counseling: The American Legion offers one-on-one benefits counseling to help veterans understand their eligibility for various benefits, including disability compensation, pension, and education benefits.
- Housing Assistance: The American Legion provides assistance to homeless and at-risk veterans, including temporary housing, food, and clothing.
- Employment Assistance: The American Legion offers job placement services, resume building, and interview preparation to help veterans find employment.
Advocacy and Legislation
The American Legion is a powerful advocate for veterans’ rights and interests, working to:
- Pass Legislation: The American Legion works with Congress to pass legislation that benefits veterans, including the GI Bill, veterans’ health care, and veterans’ education benefits.
- Protect Benefits: The American Legion fights to protect veterans’ benefits from cuts and attacks, ensuring that those who have served their country receive the recognition and compensation they deserve.
- Address VA Shortfalls: The American Legion holds the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) accountable for providing adequate healthcare and benefits to veterans, pushing for improvements in areas such as wait times, healthcare access, and benefits delivery.
Community and Social Services
The American Legion provides a variety of community and social services to veterans and their families, including:
- Post 9/11 Support: The American Legion offers support and resources to veterans who have served in the post-9/11 era, including mental health counseling, job placement services, and financial assistance.
- Disaster Relief: The American Legion provides disaster relief and assistance to veterans and their families affected by natural disasters and other crises.
- Community Programs: The American Legion sponsors community programs, such as youth baseball and soccer leagues, scouting programs, and community service projects.
Education and Training
The American Legion offers a range of education and training programs to help veterans and their families achieve their goals, including:
- Education Benefits: The American Legion helps veterans and their dependents understand and access their education benefits, including the GI Bill.
- Scholarships: The American Legion offers scholarships to veterans and their dependents to help them pursue higher education and career goals.
- Training and Career Development: The American Legion provides training and career development resources to help veterans and their families find employment and advance in their careers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the American Legion is a powerful force for good in the lives of veterans and their families. From providing critical support and services to advocating for veterans’ rights and interests, the American Legion is dedicated to ensuring that those who have served their country receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. Whether it’s claims assistance, benefits counseling, or disaster relief, the American Legion is always working to make a positive impact in the lives of veterans.
Table: American Legion Services and Programs
| Service/Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Claims Assistance | Helps veterans navigate the claims process for VA benefits |
| Benefits Counseling | Provides one-on-one counseling to help veterans understand their benefits eligibility |
| Housing Assistance | Offers temporary housing, food, and clothing to homeless and at-risk veterans |
| Employment Assistance | Provides job placement services, resume building, and interview preparation |
| Post 9/11 Support | Offers support and resources to veterans who have served in the post-9/11 era |
| Disaster Relief | Provides disaster relief and assistance to veterans and their families |
| Community Programs | Sponsors community programs, such as youth baseball and soccer leagues, scouting programs, and community service projects |
| Education Benefits | Helps veterans and their dependents understand and access their education benefits |
| Scholarships | Offers scholarships to veterans and their dependents to pursue higher education and career goals |
| Training and Career Development | Provides training and career development resources to help veterans and their families find employment and advance in their careers |
Bullets: Key Statistics
• Over 2 million members worldwide
• 10,000+ posts in the United States and abroad
• $150 million+ in annual charitable contributions
• 10% of the US population is a veteran or family member of a veteran
• 75% of the US population has a personal connection to a veteran
