The American Legion

This document provides an overview of The American Legion's website, detailing its background, functions, features, and online presence.

Organizational Background, Definition, and Goals

• History: The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by the U.S. Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. It was founded by veterans returning from World War I.
• Definition: It is the United States' largest wartime veterans service organization (VSO), committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.
• Mission and Goals: The organization operates based on Four Pillars:
  1. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation: Assisting veterans with accessing benefits, healthcare, and support services.
  2. National Security: Advocating for a strong military and supporting currently serving personnel.
  3. Americanism: Promoting American values, patriotism, civic engagement, and youth programs.
  4. Children & Youth: Supporting children of veterans and promoting programs that benefit young people.

Core Functions and Features

The website serves as the primary digital hub for The American Legion, offering several core functions:

1. Information Dissemination: Provides news, articles, press releases, and resources related to veterans' issues, legislative actions, national security, and community programs. Includes access to The American Legion Magazine.
2. Membership Services: Offers information on eligibility, benefits of joining, finding local posts, renewing membership, and managing member accounts.
3. Program Showcase: Details the various national and local programs run by The American Legion across its Four Pillars, including how to participate or get involved.
4. Advocacy Platform: Communicates the Legion's legislative priorities, allows members to contact elected officials, and reports on advocacy efforts.
5. Resource Hub: Provides access to resources for veterans, including help with VA claims, employment assistance, financial aid information, and health resources.
6. Community Connection: Helps users find local American Legion posts and learn about community events and volunteer opportunities.

Distinctive Programs and Services

While offering broad support, The American Legion is particularly known for several distinctive programs highlighted on the site:

• American Legion Boys State / Boys Nation and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State / Girls Nation: Premier programs teaching high school juniors about government and citizenship.
• American Legion Baseball: A significant amateur baseball league for young people in the U.S.
• Veterans Assistance: Comprehensive support including accredited Service Officers who provide free assistance to veterans navigating VA claims and benefits.
• Scholarships: Various scholarship programs, including the Legacy Scholarship Fund for children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty or have a high disability rating.
• Oratorical Contest: A constitutional speech contest for high school students offering scholarship opportunities.
• Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW): A program providing "comfort items" to wounded, injured, or ill military personnel and veterans.
• The American Legion Riders: A program for motorcycle enthusiasts within the Legion family, often involved in charitable work and memorial rides.

Value Proposition for Members and Supporters

The website implicitly highlights the advantages of being involved with The American Legion:

• Community and Camaraderie: Connecting with fellow veterans and service members through local posts and national events.
• Support Network: Access to vital resources, benefits assistance (especially VA claims), and emergency aid.
• Advocacy Power: Being part of a large, influential organization that advocates for veterans' rights and national security at the highest levels of government.
• Service Opportunities: Numerous ways to give back to the community and support fellow veterans and youth through established programs.
• Member Discounts: Access to discounts on various products and services.

Social Media Presence

The American Legion maintains an active presence on several social media platforms:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/americanlegionhq
• X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/AmericanLegion
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theamericanlegion/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-american-legion
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/americanlegionHQ

Organizational Relationships

The American Legion is the core organization within the wider "American Legion Family," which also includes:

• The American Legion Auxiliary: Comprising female relatives of eligible veterans.
• The Sons of The American Legion: Comprising male descendants of eligible veterans. These organizations often collaborate on programs and share a common mission of supporting veterans, service members, their families, and communities. The website may contain links or references to these affiliated groups.

Summary Statement

The American Legion website (legion.org) serves as the comprehensive online portal for the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization. It details the Legion's rich history dating back to 1919 and its enduring mission centered on the Four Pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. The site provides extensive information on membership, core programs (like Boys/Girls State and Legion Baseball), veterans' resources (including VA claims assistance), news updates, and advocacy efforts. It connects veterans, service members, families, and supporters, offering opportunities for community, support, and service, while also maintaining an active presence across major social media platforms and working closely with its affiliated organizations within the American Legion Family.