Hon. Mr. Daniel J. Seeharer, The American Legion National commander, proposed this question, “... What does The American Legion do?”

The citizenry of White will probably respond, “They serve Mickey Mouse pancakes.” The inhabitants of Astoria, Toronto, White) would probably declare, “Deubrook Area Schools Patriotic Support, Mrs. Grimsrud’s Flag Folding Ceremony, and Colour [sic] Guard Squad.

The Elktonions witness, “Honor Guard with Firing Squad for funerals.” Those of Milbank proudly boast, “The American Legion Baseball!” To the Volgaites, “Veteran Suicide Awareness 2.2 Miles for Heros Walk,” would come readily to their minds. The American Legion is serving their communities.

The national American Legion headquarters provides this guidance in what The American Legion does:

• Provides cash assistance to needy military and Veteran families with children at home.
• Awards college scholarships to children of post-9/11 Veterans who died on active duty, or have a combined VA disability of 50 percent or greater.
• Distributes urgent cash assistance to Veterans whose homes have been badly damaged or destroyed by natural disasters.
• Distributes more than $500,000 a year in grants to organizations that provide support for children in need.
• Provides relief, support, shelter, training and compassion for homeless veterans.
• Provides volunteer hours and services at VA medical facilities at an estimated annual value of $20 million.
• Fulfills needs and provides firsthand support for Veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury through a variety of therapeutic programs that are not dependent on prescription drugs.
• Purchases comfort items and recreational opportunities , from loose-fitting sweat suits for burn victims to amusement park tickets for families of hospitalized military personnel recovering from wounds and illnesses.
• Supports members, Veterans, service members and others with tools to take action when they believe a Veteran is at risk in order to reduce the number of Veteran suicides through the Be The One initiative.
• Delivers, free of charge, all U.S. flags for the graves of American military personnel laid to rest at overseas cemeteries.

Our mission statement:

“American Legion Charities provides direct support and assistance to veterans, military personnel, families and communities.”

For more information about our programs and services, visit legion.org.”

Be the one. Veterans protected us; now it is our turn.

For more information about a post near you and how to join it, contact the Department of South Dakota American Legion at https://www.sdlegion.org.

• Mail: P.O. Box 67, Watertown, SD 57201-0067 U.S.A.
• Phone: 605-886-3604 (0700-1600 CT, Monday through Friday, less holidays)
• Email: hq@sdlegion.org