The American Legion

The American Legion, established and incorporated by Congress in 1919, is a patriotic veterans organization committed to enhancing the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, the military, and communities through mutual helpfulness. The organization operates a wide range of programs including Baseball, Boys State/Nation, Legion Riders, National Convention, National Emergency Fund, Operation Comfort Warriors, Oratorical Contest, and Scholarships. It also provides essential services such as Benefits Center, Career Center, Education Center, Health Center, Family Support, and USAA Financial Center.

The American Legion maintains a digital archive with full-text access to newsletters, press releases, and other publications, and it houses a library and museum, including the Emil A. Blackmore Museum at its National Headquarters. The organization’s mission is encapsulated in its vision statement, ‘Veterans Strengthening America,’ and its value principles emphasize embracing all current and former military members, celebrating selfless service, advocating for American values and patriotism, engaging with family and community, advancing the vision, and honoring those who came before.

Among its media resources are The American Legion Magazine, Basic Training Course, Digital Archives, Digital Dispatch, E-newsletters, LegionTV/Videos, and a Press Center. Notable programs include ‘Be the One’ for suicide prevention training, ‘Operation Comfort Warriors’ for providing comfort items to wounded military personnel, and ‘The American Legion Riders’ known for its charitable work. Other significant initiatives include ‘The American Legion Amateur Radio Club’ for promoting emergency communications, ‘The American Legion Legacy Scholarship’ for children of military members killed on active duty post-9/11, and ‘The American Legion Family Support Network’ to assist families of deployed servicemembers.

Additionally, the American Legion offers ‘The American Legion National Emergency Fund’ for financial assistance to members affected by natural disasters, ‘The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance’ for cash grants to minor children of veterans in need, ‘The American Legion Youth Cadet Law Enforcement’ to introduce young people to law enforcement, ‘The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports’ for teaching gun safety and marksmanship, and ‘The American Legion Oratorical Contest’ to promote a greater understanding of the U.S. Constitution.