FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Revitalizing American Legion Post #(__) in
 (City, State); Veterans Wanted

	(CITY) (Month date, year) – Wartime veterans of (city, state) American Legion are looking to expand an already existing outlet to interface with, and to serve, the community.  The American Legion, the nation’s largest veteran’s organization, is inviting all wartime era veterans in the area to join them in revitalizing American Legion (Post name & number).

	Officers and staff members of the Indianapolis-based American Legion National Headquarters and (State) American Legion Headquarters will be in town (day, date) through (day, date).

	 A “Welcome Home” ceremony for all veterans, present and past, will be held at (address, day, date, time from/to).  Membership and veterans’ information staff will be available at that location on (day, date, time).  Veterans with questions may call (name, number).	
	
In keeping with the tradition of The American Legion, the newly reformed American Legion post in (city, state) will focus on community service and assistance to veterans.  The scope and nature of the post’s community service will be determined by its members and inputs from local civic and community officials.

	Since its inception in 1919, The American Legion has been a key advocate for veterans’ benefits, children & youth, patriotic American values, a strong national defense and quality-of-life issues for those serving in today’s armed forces.

	The organization, which spearheaded the original GI Bill, has been advocating reform of the veteran’s health care system under its GI Bill of Health.  Creation of the federal forerunner of the Department of Veterans Affairs as well as the agency’s ascent to cabinet-level status is due in
part to The American Legion’s advocacy.  The American Legion was also instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Home Loan, veterans hiring preference and just compensation to veterans suffering from illnesses related to their military service, including those whose ailments stem from exposure to Agent Orange and mysterious Persian Gulf origins.

	Equally aggressive are The American Legion’s efforts to instill values in young people through numerous programs, including American Legion Boys State, American Legion Boys Nation, Junior Shooting Sports, the High School Oratorical Contest, American Legion Baseball, Teenage Suicide Prevention, Child Health and a McGruff Safe Kids Program.  The American Legion has supported Scouting since 1919.  Many American Legion posts also support Junior ROTC high school units, fundraising for handicapped children, the Children’s Miracle Network and partnerships with other nonprofit organizations such as Special Olympics.

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Contact:  (name, title, number).