The American Legion’s positions on national defense, homeland security, border control and military support are all part of the long-held Legion value that the key to peace and world stability is a strong, well-resourced defense.
In order to protect American troops and their families must have support. The American Legion plays a vital role in supporting the men and women who risk their lives to protect our freedoms.
American Legion post throughout the nation adopt military units, deliver care packages, provide emotional support for families of deployed service members and welcome the troops home.
Specific examples of their efforts include arranging transportation to reunite soldier with their families for the holidays and organizing fundraisers to buy phone cards for use in combat zones.
Such assistance doesn’t end when service members return home.
At U.S. military installations across the country – include Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Maryland, Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, and Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash. – Legion staff members help troops work representation before medical examination boards to www.legion.org/security
The American Legion maintains unwavering support for full accounting of all U.S. military personnel taken as prisoners of war, missing or killed in action o foreign soil. Official meetings of the Legion start with a prayer to honor our nation’s POWs. POW/MIA flags, patches and pins are displayed at Legion events to demonstrate the organization’s … [Read more…]
The American Legion maintains a strong working relationship with the State Department to promote peace, human rights and trade on a global scale. The Legion urges the president and Congress to continue pursuing the “smart power” strategy of using military and economic strength in tandem with foreign aid and human-rights negotiations to fulfill U.S. foreign … [Read more…]
The American Legion conducts state competition throughout the country for posts that donate blood or host blood drives. www.legion.org/security/blood
The American Legion’s Blue Star Banner was resurrected after 9/11 to acknowledge U.S. families with loved ones serving in the Armed Forces during wartime. American Legion Blue Star Salutes and other post-sponsored events to distribute the banners are effective expressions of home front support for military families. www.legion.org/troops/bluestar
The National Emergency Funds has provided more than $8 million in direct financial assistance to American Legion Family member and posts affected by the natural disaster in recent years. The immediate fiancial grants have helped American Legion members and Sons of The American Legion members rebuild their lives www.legion.org/emergency
The American Legion opposes illegal immigration and and amnesty for those who came to the United States illegally. The Legion advocates for strict border and port security as a defense against invasion or attack by foreign enemies, illegal drug trafficking and adverse economic impact. The Legion, however, strongly supports legal naturalization. Brochures on immigration and … [Read more…]
Dozens of American Legion posts and more than 3,400 Ham Radio Club volunteers set the tone for preparing for natural disasters. In many communities, American Legion posts serve as civil-defense shelter and havens of relief in the event of catastrophe or attack on U.S. soil. Ham radio operators can relay messages when other communication systems … [Read more…]
The U.S. military health-care system and medical insurance program frequently face challenges in Washington. The American Legion persistently testifies on the need to keep TRICARE and TRICARE for Life viable and affordable benefits of military service.
The Legion’s support of the U.S. military – from adequate funding for weapons systems to reasonable child-care services for deployed troops – is respected in the Pentagon, at the White House and on Capitol Hill.
This program provides wounded service members with rehabilitation equipment for physical therapy and entertainment in the form of special clothing, electronics, sports equipment, music and more. One hundred percent of donations to OCW go toward gift for injured servicemen and women. www.legion.org/ocw