The American Legion, chartered by Congress in 1919, is the largest U.S. veterans service organization, with over 1.6 million members across more than 12,000 posts worldwide. Dedicated to serving veterans, servicemembers, and their communities, the Legion has a long history of advocating for those who have served, shaping transformative legislation, and promoting responsible citizenship.
Mission:
To strengthen the nation by providing programs, services, and advocacy that improve the lives of U.S. Armed Forces veterans, their families, and local communities.
Key Initiatives:
- Veterans Employment & Education:
- Focused on empowering veterans through employment opportunities, business development, and educational resources.
- Partnerships with government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and corporate organizations to host job fairs, career expos, and training programs.
- Advocacy for veteran-friendly policies through the Small Business Task Force and other commissions.
- Homeless Veterans Support:
- Dedicated programs and a national Homeless Veterans Task Force work to address homelessness among veterans by coordinating efforts at the local and national levels.
- Community Impact:
- Local posts engage in community-building initiatives, including youth programs, scholarships, and disaster relief.
- The American Legion's GI Bill advocacy has transformed educational and career opportunities for millions of veterans.
Membership:
The American Legion's robust structure includes 55 departments representing all U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Latin America, and the Philippines. Members are empowered to propose changes and influence the organization's direction through a resolutions process.
Recognition & Awards:
The Legion celebrates businesses and organizations that excel in veteran outreach and hiring through national recognition programs.