V. O. Dobbins Building
301 Louis Street, Suite 301
Kingsport, TN 37660

Recent Signing of LEGION Act Changes Criteria for American Legion Eligibility

All veterans, whether they served in designated wars or not, will now be allowed to join the American Legion.

In a significant legislative victory for The American Legion, President Trump signed a bill July 30 that declares the United States has been in a state of war since Dec. 7, 1941.

The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 U.S. service members who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and other benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”

Membership eligibility is determined by Congress. Previously, membership was open to veterans who served during designated conflicts, such as World War II and Vietnam. There were seven recognized eligibility periods, starting with World War I and concluding with the current period, which spans from the Gulf War to the war on terrorism.

Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

The Legion, which has nearly 2 million members and nearly 13,000 posts nationwide, assists veterans, military personnel and their families with donations, grants and legislative advocacy on issues ranging from health care to education assistance.

If you are a veteran, Hammond Post 3 would like to encourage you to join with other members of the American Legion, and support our veterans, our communities, and our youth. Post 3 meets at 6 pm on the third Monday of each month, at the V.O. Dobbins Building, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport TN in 2nd Floor Conference Room. If you have questions, or would like more information, please contact Commander Gary Stidham or Adjutant Angelo Pellitteri  at Office Phone (423) 246-6991 or commander@tnpost.com, or adjutant@tnpost.com, or join us at one of our meetings.