Four Pillars
Pillar I - Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
The American Legion Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation pillar is composed of programs, services and advocacy efforts that improve the lives of those who served, along with their families and dependents.
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The American Legion advocates on Capitol Hill for a well- funded, appropriately staffed VA that can handle benefits claims efficiently, quickly and accurately. In fact, The American Legion helped usher in much-needed change to the review of VA benefits claims disputes. President Trump signed the historic legislation onstage during The American Legion’s 99th National Convention in 2017.
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The American Legion conducts System Worth Saving visits to VA facilities across the United States. These visits include a thorough assessment of the facility and discussions with patients and staff. This information is then compiled and published.
The American Legion works one-on-one with veterans to ensure they receive proper benefits. Accredited American Legion service officers are trained to provide free expert assistance to veterans and their families.
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Service officers spend much of their time on claims for VA disability benefits, but these compassionate professionals also provide information, referrals and resources on education, employment and business, death benefits and more.
Pillar II - National Security
The American Legion’s positions on national defense, homeland security, border control and military support are all part of the long-held American Legion value that the key to peace and world stability is a strong, well-resourced defense.
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To protect America, troops and their families must have support. The American Legion plays a vital role in supporting those who protect our freedoms. American Legion posts adopt military units, deliver care packages, provide support for families of deployed service- members and welcome the troops home.
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The pandemic has had a severe impact on health-care facilities, especially long-term care facilities like veterans’ homes. Taiwan donated 250,000 surgical masks to The American Legion. In turn, The American Legion distributed a portion to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, Mass., which was hard hit by the coronavirus. American Legion posts in Massachusetts had already risen to the occasion by providing care packages to the home. The mask donation and care packages are examples of The American Legion’s dedication to keeping America’s veterans and their communities safe.
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Another area where The American Legion is heavily involved is blood-donation efforts. The American Legion Blood Donor Program has existed officially since 1942. Each year, Legionnaires have donated to support the American Red Cross.
Pillar III - Americanism
For those looking to make differences in their local communities, The American Legion is a great place to start. From American Legion Baseball to Boys State/Boys Nation to the Oratorical Contest, there are plenty of opportunities to make your mark.
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Take, for example, the experience of Pat Unger, commander of Tyler Cates American Legion Post 281 in Mount Juliet, Tenn. Unger’s vision of creating an American Legion Baseball team came true. The post provides support by supplying uniforms, attending games, serving refreshments and meeting players’ transportation needs.
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“The enthusiasm and camaraderie among the Legion members and players has been one of the most rewarding experiences for everyone,” Unger says. “The experience of going to a baseball game and knowing that The American Legion is a driving force behind the teams is both gratifying and satisfying. American Legion Baseball is truly a rewarding and fun endeavor for any American Legion post to be involved with.”
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American Legion posts and volunteers like Unger coordinate each season, culminating with the American Legion World Series in Shelby, N.C., watched by millions on ESPNU and ESPN3.
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More than 54,000 young athletes compete for over 3,400 American Legion Baseball teams each year. Some of these baseball players go on to play professionally, including more than 82 who have been enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
Pillar IV - Children & Youth
The American Legion’s Children & Youth pillar is guided by three main objectives: strengthen the family unit, support organizations that help children in need, and provide communities with well-rounded programs to provide hope and opportunity for young people facing difficult challenges.
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Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) is designed to assist minor children of eligible active duty servicemembers or eligible American Legion members through cash grants. These grants help families meet the costs of shelter, utilities, food and medical expenses.
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An example of how The American Legion aids servicemembers was in full view of the nation in January 2019 when the longest government shutdown prevented U.S. Coast Guard servicemembers from receiving their paychecks.
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In response, American Legion volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to process TFA grants so the Coast Guard personnel and their families would be able to afford food, pay housing and utilities, and take care of other necessary bills.
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In all, the American Legion distributed more than $1 million to Coast Guard members and their families at that time. While an extraordinary effort, this type of support is carried out by American Legion members daily throughout the United States.