Amid Hurricanes' Wrath, Patriotism Emerges

The National Guard and the American Legion continue efforts to aid Texas hurricane victims as Irma bears down on Florida.  CLICK HERE to read more.  

Texas Posts Serving as Donation Centers and Shelters

CLICK HERE to read about how Texas American Legion Posts are providing relief and aid to those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

The Department of Texas Commander encourages financial contributions be donated to the Legion's National Emergency Fund.

From a 'Miracle' to a Sad Tragedy

One of the stars of the Team USA ‘Miracle on Ice’ hockey movie, who later joined the Army and became a Green Beret, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  CLICK HERE to read more about this heartbreaking story.

New GI Bill a Forever Benefit

Legion testifies on GI Bill legislation, which has been referred to House floor for vote.  CLICK HERE to read more!

A Story Under Each Headstone

Legion Family and USAA leaders remember the fallen at Brittany American Cemetery.  CLICK HERE to read more on this story.

National Poppy Day Supports Veterans, Honors the Fallen

The American Legion Family leads the effort to keep all who served front and center.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Playing Patriotism

World War II veteran and Legionnaire Bruce Benson sounds taps every night at sunset to honor his late wife and fellow military veterans.  CLICK HERE to read the rest of this story.

Hawaii Fights to Save WWI Memorial

The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium has fallen into disrepair.  Now the Legion and preservationists are trying to save it from being torn down.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Purple Heart Lie Results in Six Guilty Verdicts

A former Holly Springs police officer was found guilty Tuesday of falsely claiming he was a Purple Heart recipient four years after an investigation showed he lied about his military affiliation.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Vietnam Veterans Day: An Unforgettable Medal of Honor Message

The President signed legislation honoring Vietnam Veterans Day, and a speech about coming home- CLICK HERE for more.

An "Ideal Setting" to Honor a Veteran

Post 27 in New Hampshire hosted a ceremony for a World War II veteran who received medals earned decades earlier.  CLICK HERE to read on. 

Appeals Modernization, Choice Program, Cannabis Research

New American Legion Legislative Director Matthew Shuman talks key issues facing veterans on Capitol Hill.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Home for Chrismas?  I Doubt It!

"I entered basic in November 1972 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. I don’t think they quite have winters as tough now as the one we endured that year."

CLICK HERE to read more about Peter Werner's Basic Training memories over a Christmas holiday!
 

"It Really is Closure..."

A Legionnaire was instumental in obtaining medals for a Private who was killed in Normandy awarding them to hi family 72 years later.  CLICK HERE to read more.

A Pause to Remember Pearl Harbor...

Military laders, Legionnaires and others honor Pearl Harbor veterans for their sacrifice, heroism, and "gift of freedom itself."  CLICK HERE to continue reading.

Pearl Harbor's Legacy of Comebacks and Valor

December 7th is a perfect example of why our nation must always be prepared.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Women Veterans: Tell Us Your Stories

Legion survey wants to know female veterans' experiences with accessing heath care, transitioning to civilian life and using education benefits.  CLICK HERE to participate in this survey.

Trump, Clinton Sidestep Key Veteran Issues

National Commander Charles E. Schmidt calls on Republican and Democratic presidential nominees to address key issues for veterans and servicemembers in future debates.  CLICK HERE to read on.

"A Great Leacy that the American Legion has built..."

National Commander Charles E. Schmidt highlights membership incentives to encourage growth and continued support of veterans, servicemembers and their families.  CLICK HERE to read on.

Hurricane Damaged Post Carries On

Flooding in Irma's aftermath won't stop Post 11 in Arcadia, Fla., from helping the community.  CLICK HERE to read more on what this Post is doing, even despite the damage to their Post home.

Hurricane Harvey: How to Help

Since Hurricane Harvey hit the gulf coast of Texas, many of you have asked how you can support Legionnaires and their families who have lost their homes to this devastating storm.  CLICK HERE to learn how you can help.

California Guard Members Told to Pay Back Bonuses

Ten years after the Pentagon enticed soldiers to reenlist by offering hefty bonuses, officials are demanding thousands of those veterans pay the money back.  And we don't think that's alright at all.  CLICK HERE to read on.

Veterans Health Care Omitted from the Debate

Our National Commander was disappointed that the candidates and moderators did not allocate a single minute of debate time to address veterans health care.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Eighth Anniversary of Battle of COP Keating

Eight Americans were killed and 22 others were wounded in the battle, which was one of the largest since American forces removed the Taliban from power in 2001.  CLICK HERE to read more.

"They Served Each Other"

At a World War I centennial event, our American Legion national commander praised the generation that fought the Great War and founded The American Legion.  CLICK HERE to read more.

TFQ: A Life-Changing Legion Program

National Commander’s fundraising program is for Temporary Financial Assistance, which helps meet basic needs of veterans and their families during financial difficulty.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

American Legion Elects First Female National Commander

Denise Rohan, the first woman elected American Legion national commander, asks Legion family members to continue their service to the nation, its veterans and military.  CLICK HERE to read more.

The GI Bill: Now and Then

A lot has changed with the GI Bill since it began many years ago.  CLCIK HERE to read about some connections made between the original measure and today’s post-9/11 veterans benefits packages.

Seabees Celebrate 75 Years of Successes

The Seabees have played a role in every U.S. conflict since World War II, providing national security, alleviating humanitarian crises and responding to natural disasters.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Three Legionnaires, Two Wreaths, One Purpose

Over the course of two days, Legionnaires showed the nation how truly appreciative they are of the donations that pour in from supporters of The American Legion and Soldier's Wish.  CLICK HERE to read more.

New National Commander Installed

Newly elected American Legion National Commander Charlie Schmidt urges Legionnaires to pass on Legion's vision to next generations of veterans.  CLICK HERE to read more.

House Passes Legion-Backed VA Appeals Modernization Bill

The legislation would reform VA's appeals process and reduce wait times for veterans’ claims.  CLICK HERE to read more!

From 2016 Boys Nation: Emotional Day Ends with President and Vice President Elected

Tennessee's Anighya Crocker was elected president and Nebraska's Choteau Kammel was elected vice president of 2016 Boys Nation.  CLICK HERE to read more!

National Commander Used Legion Legacy to Advance Legislative Agenda

National Commander Schmidt testifies before joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs committees.  CLICK HERE to learn more!

Vietnam War Veteran Charles Kettles Awarded the Medal of Honor

Vietnam war veteran Charles Kettles awarded Medal of Honor.  CLICK HERE to read more.

'51st State' Gives Oregon Youth a Taste of the Real World

Creating a ‘51st state’, Oregon Boys State immerses high school juniors in the political process and gives them a sense of what they’ll face as adults.  CLICK HERE to read more!

A Gold Star Dad and a Gold Star Post

American Legion Riders raising donations and awareness for Legacy Scholarship Fund as they head toward national convention in Cincinnati.  CLICK HERE to read more.

OMW Delivers Largest Grant to a VA Facility in Two Years

The New Mexico VA Health Care System in Albuquerque received $10,000 for the purchase of needed items for its veterans.  CLICK HERE to read more!

American Legion World Series Champions Crowned

A season-long goal of winning the American Legion World Series is realized by Texarkana Post 58 in thrilling fashion.  CLICK HERE to read more!

Legion Fights Efforts to Privatize VA Care

National Commander Barnett: Proposal lacks any real understanding of complexities of VA and serves primarily to set up the private industry to benefit.  CLICK HERE and HERE to read more.

Success and Failure in Syria

Understanding our successes and failures in Syria takes a great deal of reviewing the past and how things go to where they are today.  CLICK HERE to read more about what the American Legion considers the good and the bad of what has gone down in Syria.

Join the American Legion's Thunderclap

American Legion National Commander calls on Washington to put actions and accountability behind words, and on social media followers to amplify the message.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

Legion to Congress: VA Accountability Means Action, Not Just Words

National Commander Dale Barnett presents Legion’s legislative priorities to joint session of House, Senate Committees on Veterans’ Affairs.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Teen Creates US Flag with 4,466 Toy Soldiers

Jacob Feazel of Peru, Indiana, spray painted the soldiers red, white and blue to create a 4-by-6 flag for a senior art project.  CLICK HERE to read more!

Stolen Valor - A Lot More Prevalent Than You Even Know

People say that Stolen Valor is a victimless crime. Tell that to the person who got bumped from a valor flight for a guy with a phony POW story. Tell that to the people who honor these people, only to find out they lied about the whole thing.  CLICK HERE to read more in the Burn Pit column.

Return of War Medal: 'We have him back with us'

The discovery of a Vietnam War veteran's medals at a Goodwill store sent Legionnaires cross-country to return them to the veteran's widow.  CLICK HERE to read more.

New Mexico Man Admits Stolen Valor Charge

Anthony Gambino, 43, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating the Stolen Valor Act.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Department of Maryland Legionnaires Attend a Sendoff Ceremony

Department of Maryland members show support to 200 National Guard troops headed to the Middle East for nine months.  CLICK HERE to read more!

"We're Saving Lives"

After a brutal cold spell hit Portland and caused multiple deaths, Legion Post 134 set up a warming shelter that has housed more than 20 area residents each night.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Legion Assessing Damage in Storm-Ravaged Georgia

Tornadoes killed at least 15 in state, caused $100 million in damage.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Milwaukee Police Rescue Flag from Burning

Milwaukee Police restore honor to American flag torn and burned by protester on the eve of Veterans Day.  CLICK HERE to read more on this story.

DOD Urged to Review Awards for the Medal of Honor

More than 1,000 post-9/11 recipients of awards for valor to be reviewed for upgrades to the Medal of Honor.  CLICK HERE to read more about this story.

Providing a Membership 'Spark'

A district revitalization effort (similar to the event we conducted last February) in Wisconsin brought in 52 new, renewed or headquarters post members into local Legion posts.  CLICK HERE to read more about their experience!

A 'Timeless' Veterans Memorial Underway in Las Vegas

The memorial will feature 18 life-like statues depicting the Revolutionary War to today's Global War on Terrorism.  CLICK HERE to learn more!

VA Officials a No-Show at Congressional Hearing

Congress subpoenas VA executives over allegations of improper job reassignments.  CLICK HERE to read more and to hear what National Commander Barnett had to say about it.

SFC Martland Gets Temporary Reprieve

The Army postponed a planned discharge of a Green Beret who confronted an accused Afghan rapist.  CLICK HERE to read more about this developing story.

Commander Barnett Leads First Walk for Veterans

American Legion Family and community members in New Hampshire walked nearly 3 miles to raise awareness about the Legion and veterans.  CLICK HERE to read more about this story!

National Convention Arrives in Baltimore

Thousands of Legionnaires will descend on "Charm City" to hear from nation's leaders, conduct valuable workshops and consider resolultions that will shape the organization's future.  CLICK HERE to read more!

The Importance of Our Legion Youth Programs

CLICK HERE to read why Commander Mike Helm has so strongly supported and encouraged the American Legion to move forward with their Youth Programs!

Legion Celebrates End of Mt. Soledad Cross Standoff

The Mt. Soledad Memorial Association purchased land from the Department of Defense to preserve the 43-foot Mount Soledad cross.  CLICK HERE to read more about this story.

Scouts' Cross-Country Bike Trip Shatters Donations Goal

After riding roughly 3,600 miles, three Boy Scouts and a Vietnam veteran brought in nearly $20,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Officer Who Returned Fire in Chattanooga Recruiting Station Could Face Charges

Mohammad Youssef Abdulazeez attacked the U.S. Naval and Marine Reserve Center on July 16 with a handgun and an assault rifle, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Tim White returned fire.  Now it is possible that Lt. Cmdr. White may be charged with a crime for illegally discharging his firearm on federal property.  CLICK HERE to read more about this.

The Story of Our Flag Endures

To see the US flag in Vietnam was to remember who we were, why we were there and the homes we longed to see again.  CLICK HERE to read more.

The American Flag

"There is no organization more passionate or more knowledgeable about our flag than The American Legion..."

CLICK HERE to read more from National Commander Mike Helm on the American Legion's love and respect of our national colors.

Legion Survey to Measure Effectiveness of PTSD/TBI Treatment

Veterans will be asked to identify treatment programs they are using and to rate quality, access and timeliness of said care.  CLICK HERE to learn more about this story.

A Journey for the Children of the Fallen

After 2,500 miles, William Shatner and Legion Riders bring the Rivet Ride into Los Angeles – raising awareness and funds for the Legacy Scholarship along the way.  CLICK HERE to learn more about this outstanding cause!

Made in Hollywood by Veterans

The Legion is uniting with We Are The Mighty, the first media and lifestyle brand for, by and about the military community.  CLICK HERE to read more about this.

Boys Nation 2015

CLICK HERE to read about American Legion Boys National 2015 taking place in Washington, DC!

Tears for the Fallen of World War II

Battle of the Bulge heroes were recently remembered by American Legion Family group in ceremonies at Luxembourg and Bastogne.  CLICK HERE to read more about these memorial ceremonies.

Legionnaires Pay Respects on Memorial Day in DC

Washingtion, DC, was a popular, historic hub for Memorial Day observances.  CLICK HERE to read more about how the American Legion commemorated Memorial Day in our capital.

Memorial Day Message from the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read a special Memorial Day message from our National Commander, Mike Helm.

Resolution Encourages Collaboration with Post-9/11 Groups

Passed at Spring Meetings, Resolution 20 calls upon posts and departments to embrace next-generation vets groups in their areas.  CLICK HERE to read more.

'The Best People You're Ever Going to Find'

Post 392 in Panama City, Fla,, has used a mentoring approach, and the Legion Riders, to bring in dozens of active-duty military and Post-9/11 veterans.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Getting Perspective on the Transition Process

The American Legion's Verna Jones joined Marcus Luttrell and a former U.S. chief intelligence officer on a University of Phoenix panel focused on transition from military to civilian life during Super Bowl week.  CLICK HERE to read more about it!

"Coming Here was a Godsend to Me"

Nearly 100 sought help during the first two days of the Legion’s Veterans Benefits Center in Philadelphia.  CLICK HERE to continue reading this story.

LA Vets Air Array of Concerns about VA Care

Local, state and national American Legion represnetatives, along with VA officials, vow to address problems for Los Angeles veterans.  CLICK HERE to read more about this story.

National Commander Talks PTSD and TBI

CLICK HERE to see what National Commander Helm talk about critical need to tackle PTSD and TBI, an all too common discussion topic when it comes to our veterans returning home from combat.  Commander Helm also voiced concern for better treatment of these issues before House and Senate committees, CLICK HERE to more on his testimony.

DOD Opens Bases for VSO Support

American Legion National Commander Michael D. Helm praised Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel’s recent directives for military commanders to be more welcoming of nonprofit groups, including veterans service organizations (VSOs), that wish to provide support for troops and their families.  To read more about this, CLICK HERE!

End Game Needed for Military Action Against ISIL

National Commander Mike Helm believes that if military action is the necessary course of action, key objectives and the overall strategic goal must be stated clearly.  CLICK HERE to read more. 

Legion Birthday

The American Legion turned 96 years old on March 15th.  CLICK HERE to read more about our birthday!

Thankful Veterans Share Stories in New Legion Ads

National television messages spread awareness and raise funds to help those who served get the help they need.  CLICK HERE to learn more!

American Sniper Turning Into a "Litmus Test"

Clint Eastwood's "American Sniper" is breaking box office records, but it's also getting Americans to talk about how Hollywood portrays the military.  CLICK HERE to read more.

Afghanistan War Declared Over

CLICK HERE to read the American Legion's take on President Obama's declaration ending the war in Afghanistan.

Women Veterans Health Care

Every VA facility is committed to meeting the unique needs of women Veterans by delivering the highest quality health care to each woman, while offering her the privacy, dignity, and sensativity to gender-specific needs that she deserves.  CLICK HERE for more information.

Operation Comfort Warriors

CLICK HERE to read more about how Operation Comfort Warriors helps our homeless veterans.

PTSD/TBI Care: Is It Effective?

The American Legion and their members do not believe that the current PTSD/TBI care systems and procedures are effective enough.  CLICK HERE to read more about this very important issue that many of our young service members are struggling with day in and day out.

The Anonymous War with ISIS

CLICK HERE to read an interesting article regarding our current battle against ISIS.

American Legion Mobile Apps

Do you use a smartphone?  Or perhaps a tablet or mobile device?  And are you a member of the American Legion?  If so, CLICK HERE to read about great American Legion apps that are available for your devices!  You can also CLICK HERE to go directly to a download page for these apps.

The Oak Ridge Boys Unite with the American Legion

The American Legion and Grammy Award-winning artists, The Oak Ridge Boys, are uniting to raise awareness and support for needs of U.S. military veterans, including better detection and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), help with the VA benefits process, and education and career opportunities for those who served our nation in uniform.  CLICK HERE  to read more about it!

American Legion Baseball Champions at the World Series

CLICK HERE to read about the American Legion World Series champs making a visit to the 2014 MLB World Series!

President Signs VA Reform Bill

CLICK HERE to read about the VA Reform Bill which President Obama signed into law last week.  The reform package, which provides additional VA medical staff and allows VA greater authority to dismiss directors who fail to meet expectations, was introduced after VA whistleblowers came forward last spring to announce that they had been directed to falsify appointment records leaving some veterans on secret lists with no appointments scheduled at all.

From the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read a statement from our National Commander Dan Dellinger regarding the VA's request for emergency money.

Legion World Series

CLICK HERE to to read about the Legion World Series which took place in Shelby, North Carolina!

Actor Talks about Boys Nation Memories

CLICK HERE to hear American actor Donal Logue relive his memories of Boys Nation.

A Note on the National Emergency Fund

CLICK HERE to read a message from our National Commander on the National Emergency Fund of the American Legion.

From the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read a message from our National Commander, Dan Dellinger in regards to July 4th, our nation's birthday.

Crisis Center Set up in Phoenix

The American Legion has sent a team of experts to Phoenix to set up a Veterans Crisis Command Center to help veterans and family members affected by the health-care scandal at the city’s Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center.  CLICK HERE to learn more about these developments.

Seventy Years of the GI Bill

The American Legion recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of the GI Bill, one of the most famous education benefits utilized by thousands of service members every year.  CLICK HERE to read more about the history of this valuable program. 

Another Tragic Story and the VA

CLICK HERE to watch video on a tragic story as posted in the Burnpit on the American Legion website.  The videos tell the story of a veteran who died waiting for an ambulance at an Albuquerque VA hospital.

Commander Dellinger Demands Answers

CLICK HERE to read about Commander Dellinger's visit to Capitol Hill to demand answers from the VA. 

The "Secret List"

CLICK HERE to read a troubling letter in reference to the "secret list" at a VA Medical Center that may have caused the death of nearly 40 veterans.  The story will shock and disturb you.

Bush Plans to Breach ‘Civilian-Military’ Divide

Former President George W. Bush is putting the full strength of his institute behind the promise that he will break the 'Civilian-Military' divide.  CLICK HERE to read about his plan.

Commander Dellinger to Meet with President, VA Chief

American Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger will meet one-on-one Friday morning with President Barack Obama at the White House, just a short time after Dellinger and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki will have a similar meeting in the nation’s capital.  Discussion will be about how current affairs and budget woes are affecting the lives of our veterans.  CLICK HERE to learn more!

Agent Orange Exposure

The American Legion has announced its support for extending VA benefits eligibility to veterans who were exposed to aircraft that had previously sprayed Agent Orange over Vietnam during the war.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

"Veterans are Unteachable"

CLICK HERE to read an unbelievable story about what a college instructor claims to be her findings regarding students who are military veterans.  This will shock and enrage you!

The Eyes of Freedom

CLICK HERE to read about the artwork that is a part of the "Eyes of Freedom" in Ohio.

Legion Talks on FOX News about VA Backlog Issues

CLICK HERE to watch Peter Gaytan – executive director of The American Legion’s Washington office – on “Fox and Friends” discussing the Department of Veterans Affairs claims backlog.

24 Medals of Honor Awarded by the President

CLICK HERE to read about and watch video of President Barack Obama – in his role as commander-in-chief – awarding 24 Medals of Honor to US Army veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam.  Three of the recipients were on hand to receive their medals, while family members represented the remaining 21 who received the highest medal for valor posthumously.

Partial COLA Restoration Passes House

American Legion National Commander Daniel M. Dellinger says he has mixed feelings about a vote by the U.S. House of Representatives.  CLICK HERE to read about the partial restoring of COLA benefits for our retired veterans.

The 77th Annual American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program

CLICK HERE to read a message from our National Commander Dan Dellinger regarding the oratorical contest and learn more about this great program.

Legion to VA: Protect Our Personal Information

CLICK HERE to read about how the American Legion is challenging the VA to protect veteran's personal information.

Legion Battles Congress Over Benefits

CLICK HERE to read about the American Legion's fight on Capitol Hill over cuts in veteran retiree benefits.

Happy Holidays from the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read a holiday letter from our National Commander Dan Dellinger. 

Proposed Cuts to Retiree Benefits

CLICK HERE to read what our senior leaders of the American Legion are saying about the proposed cuts to retiree benefits as a part of the new budget.

A Question of Accuracy

CLICK HERE to read about the American Legion actively questioning the current claimed accuracy rate of the VA.

Stay Vigilant - Don't Be Fooled by Scammers

You will be appalled by this story of a man who scammed veterans out of pay at Christmas.  CLICK HERE to read this story and watch the TV news story.  And be leary of people like Tim Leatherby.

Connecting with Younger Veterans

CLICK HERE to read a very nice and informative article on ways to connect to younger veterans in the quest to bring younger membership to our veteran organizations!  This article is courtesy of The Post Insurance Program.

American Legion Membership Hits the Airwaves

CLICK HERE to see how the American Legion has hit the airwaves to drum up support for the organization and their membership efforts.

Happy Thanksgiving!

CLICK HERE to read a Thanksgiving message from our National Commander Dan Dellinger. 

On behalf of the officers and Executive Committee of Post 2, have a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend!

Legion Support Felt in Wake of Midwest Storms

CLICK HERE to read about how the American Legion and Auxiliary are aiding the town of Gifford, IL in the aftermath of tragic tornados that ripped through the community.  THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY FUND OF THE AMERICAN LEGION is aiding several families as they pick up the pieces following this terrible disaster.

Tragedy at Camp Pendleton

CLICK HERE to read about the tragic events that occured at Camp Pendleton resulting in the death of four Marines.  National Commander Dellinger on behalf of all American Legion members expresses his sympathies for the families of these Marines.

From the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read a Veterans Day message from the American Legion National Commander, Dan Dellinger.

2013 Veterans Day Freebies and Discounts

CLICK HERE for a list of freebies and discounts for active military personnel and veterans of the service.  This list was put out by military.com.

Johny Gomes' Helmet

CLICK HERE to read about how an Army helmet became emblematic of the world champion Boston Red Sox.

NEC Resolutions Passed

CLICK HERE to read about 32 resolutions that were passed by the American Legion National Executive Committee this past week.

From the National Commander

CLICK HERE to read a message from our National Commander regarding early consideration and planning for the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.

The Medal of Honor : Their Stories

CLICK HERE to watch several American heroes and Medal of Honor recipients tell their stories of valor and courage. This is an amazing set of interviews that will leave a lasting effect after you see and hear them.

Medal of Honor - Capt. William Swenson

CLICK HERE to read about and watch video regarding a brave American hero, Capt. William Swenson, who was recently awarded the Medal of Honor. 

A True Work of Art

CLICK HERE to see and read about a beautiful piece of art that pays tribute to our veterans in Amherst, Ohio.