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The American Legion Still Serving America . . . Since 1919

"We call Ourselves Legionnaires" Veterans Serving Veterans

By Warren Post, State Commander, Florida American Legion

As I travel across this wonderful state as Commander of the Florida American Legion this year, I'm surprised at the number of individuals that stop me and ask, 'What is the American Legion?" I hope this will provide the people of Florida with an idea of what we do and how much we give our local communities, our children and youth and our veterans.

The American Legion is the largest veterans' organization with 2.8 million members strong and 144,000 members in Florida and still growing.

When it was evident back in 1919 that young people needed guidance, what organization began sponsoring Boy Scout troops? And, what organization today is the chartering agency for scouting units involving 75,000 boys? The American Legion.

Who drafted the original GI Bill of Rights that helped more young people than ever before attend college and improve the standard of living for generations to come? The American Legion.

I can continue on and on, but let's talk about the Florida American Legion and what we do at the State level:

Facts: 2006-2007

  • Handled almost 8,000 rehab cases at no cost for veterans and their dependents.
  • Volunteered over 31,000 hours helping in VA hospitals, children's hospitals and homes.
  • Contributed over $95,000 to VA Hospitals.
  • Spent over $182,000 sponsoring over 500 boys to the Florida Boys State Program.
  • Sponsored over 110 American Legion Baseball teams at a cost of over $146,000.
  • Awarded 1,649 School Medal Awards to elementary, middle and high school students for their academic achievements at a cost of over $100,000.
  • Over 247 high school students participated in the High School Oratorical Contest at a cost of $8,500.
  • Awarded over $109,000 in scholarship money.
  • Volunteered over 131,000 hours to community projects at an estimated cost of $235,000.
  • Sponsored or participated in Special Olympics programs throughout the state.
  • Donated nearly $11,000 to the National Child Welfare Foundation.
  • Donated over 4,000 pints of blood.
  • Sponsored 77 Scout units serving over 2,500 boys throughout the state and contributed more than $66,000 to support the programs.
  • Contributed over $40,000 to the 9/11 Memorial Scholarship.
  • Provided an Honor Guard for over 5,400 funerals an expense of over $91,000.
  • Donated over $95,000 in emergency aid to Florida veterans.
  • Provided aide to nearly 12,000 children throughout the State.
  • Contributed $197,000 to educational programs.
  • Contributed nearly $473,000 to the Children and Youth program.
  • Presented over 1,800 JROTC medals to high school students in Florida.

And there is much more.

Now you know what the American Legion and the American Legion State of Florida is all about.

If you would like more information about the largest veterans' organization, contact your local American Legion Post our check out its Web site at www.floridalegion.org, or e-mail at mail@floridalegion.org.

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