Historic Contributions

Wrote the original GI Bill in 1944 and has successfully lobbied for increases in Montgomery GI Bill funding.

Provides free, professional assistance -- for any veteran -- in filing and pursuing claims before any administrative or judicial body of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Advocates a GI Bill of Health to give military retirees, Medicare veterans and their families' access VA health care.

Strongly advocates adequate funding for training, equipment and quality-of-life improvements for the troops.

The first veterans group to identify "Gulf War Syndrome."

Through joint research with Columbia U., helped service members suffering from Agent Orange and radiation exposure.

Assists families of deployed active-duty troops through the Family Support Network, (800) 504-4098.

Spends more than $25 million annually on programs benefiting young people: American Legion Boys State/Boys Nation, National High School Oratorical Contest, Junior Shooting Sports and American Legion Baseball.

Largest collective donor of blood to the Red Cross: about 100,000 pints yearly.

National Emergency Fund awarded grants totaling more than $3 million since 1989 to help victims of natural disasters.

Authored original "flag code" under federal law and has advocated recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in U.S. schools.

Founded Citizens Flag Alliance to advocate passage of a flag-protection constitutional amendment.

Provides honor guards at civic events and for the funerals of countless veterans.

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