It is estimated that over 11,000 children have lost a parent in the war overseas. That number continues to grow each day. The Legion is actively working to ensure that all those children who want a post-secondary education will be provided one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Legion doing with the money collected?
A. Each donation goes into the Legacy Scholarship trust fund, which earns interest to be used for scholarships. Currently, the fund’s principal is $4.8 million. In 2008, $36,000 in aid was distributed to students.

Q. What happens to the trust fund’s principal?
A. The trust fund remains untouched and grows with each donation. Scholarships are funded by the interest, which has awarded $191,970 in aid since 2004.

Q. Where has the money gone so far?
A. Scholarships grow in number and dollar amount each year. The first renewable scholarship was worth $2,000 and awarded in 2004. A year later, three $2,000 scholarships were given out. In 2006, six $5,000 scholarships were granted. Eight were awarded a year later for $4,500, and the scholarship number grew to 11 – $3,720 each – in 2008. Sixteen recipients each received $2,250 in 2009. in 2010, $46,000 in awards weer distributed in this manner: 10 scholarships at $4,000 each, and three scholarships at $2,000 each. In all, $191,970 has been granted.

Q. Who decides who gets scholarships and how much is awarded?
A. The national treasurer, with the National Finance Commission’s approval, determines the interest amount available for scholarship funding. By resolution, the National Americanism Commission is empowered to establish further rules, regulations and guidelines for the selection and awarding of scholarships with emphasis on financial need, leadership, scholarship and citizenship. The National Americanism Commission has delegated these duties to the National Committee on Education, which implements the scholarship program.

Q. If an active-duty servicemember is home and is killed outside of war, is his or her child still eligible for the scholarship?
A. The same rules always apply. The deceased parent must have been on active duty with the U.S. military or National Guard, or as a federalized reservist. The place of death is irrelevant, provided that the death happened on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

Q. Will we get a report on how scholarships are being used?
A. During May meetings, the National Committee on Education reports to the National Americanism Commission about the scholarship recipients and status of the program. The report is included in the National Americanism Commission’s report to the National Executive Committee. A separate copy of the report is sent to each department and posted on the American Legion Riders Web site.

Q. Say a soldier dies when his daughter is 2 years old. She won’t go to college for 15 years. Is that money being put away for her?
A. The money is in the trust, but she has to apply for her scholarship when she is a senior in high school. The number of eligible applicants and money available will determine the scholarship amount.

Q. How much do we need to raise?
A. Obviously, the more money the fund has, the more interest it will accrue for scholarships. If there was enough money in the principal, full college scholarships could be awarded each year. Unfortunately, that day is far off. It is thought that eventually a minimum of $20 million will be needed to meet the expected need for scholarships.

Q. Will someone be contacting these children, or will they have to find the scholarship on their own?
A. Ideally, the names and addresses of children who lost a parent would be readily available. Unfortunately, that isn’t possible. The scholarship information is contained in the Legion’s “Need a Lift?” publication, which lists scholarships, grants and loans available for veterans and their children. The information is on the Legion’s Web site, and booklets are distributed annually to public and private high schools across the nation. A representative from a local Legion post should be able to provide the family with the scholarship information and other benefit information at the time of the servicemember’s death.

Q. How many times can a student apply?
A. Students can reapply for the scholarship up to six years maximum. A waive can be obtained if the student is the National Guard or reserves and is activated. A waiver may also be obtained if the student embarks on a church mission. The student must be full-time and continue making adequate progress toward a degree.

In years past, you could wrap up a care package and mail it to “Any Service Member” for the holidays, but with increased mail restrictions, the Pentagon is asking people to help through financial contributions, letter-writing and e-mail, purchasing authorized pre-made care packages, or volunteering time through non-profits.

Below are links to programs that offer aid to our military — everything from care packages to emergency services to military family support. Show your pride in our armed forces today, either by purchasing a gift or card for a servicemember, or donating to programs that support our military.

Cards, Letters, Gifts, and Care Packages

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service is no longer accepting “Any Service Member” or “Any Wounded Service Member” letters or packages. Mail to “Any Service Member” that is deposited into a collection box will not be delivered. The following charitable organizations help send gifts, cards, and care packages to our troops:

The Billy Blanks Foundation – The Billy Blanks Foundation was founded by the creator of Tae Bo. One of the foundations many projects is sending care packages to U.S. Servicemembers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Adopt a Platoon – Support the troops through gifts and sponsored mail.
Any Soldier – Sponsor care packages to servicemembers in Iraq.
Army and Air Force Exchange Services – Purchase gift certificates for active and hospitalized servicemembers.
Blue Star Mothers – Organizes postcards to troops and care packages, and is currently petitioning Congress for reduced air fares for servicemembers.
Books for Soldiers – Donate books, movies, and more.
Cell Phones for Soldiers – Donate your old cell phones, which pay for calling cards for our troops.
Commissary Gift Certificates – Give the gift of groceries — buy or donate gift certificates.
DefendAmerica – Send a virtual thank-you card.
A Million Thanks – Collects emails and letters of appreciation for our armed forces.
Operation Air Conditioner – Help pay for air conditioners and heaters for the troops.
Operaton Dear Abbey – Send greetings and messages of support.
Operation Give – Donate toys to be given to the children of Iraq.
Operation Gratitude – Contribute to care packages sent to our servicemembers.
Operation Homefront Hugs – Contribute to care packages, or adopt a servicemember.
Operation Troop Aid – Provide care packages for our deployed U.S. Servicemembers.
Operation Uplink – Donate a calling card to help keep servicemembers in touch with their families.
Operation USO Care Package – Sponsor a care package for $25.
Treats for Troops – Purchase care packages for Soldiers.

Help with Mailing Packages
Instructions on Sending Mail to Servicemembers – Straight from the U.S. Postal Service, instructions and recommendations on sending individual mail to servicemembers.

Click here for some ideas of things to send in your care packages

Did you know that one-third of the adult homeless population is veterans?  Is this how we support the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and dedication? I believe this is a disgrace.  We have an obligation to ensure they have the support necessary to live a productive life after their military service.  About 1.5 million other veterans, meanwhile, are considered at risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.

Why are veterans homeless?  In addition to the factors influencing all homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care – a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks.  A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.

What seems to work best?  The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans states that “The most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, ‘veterans helping veterans’ groups.  The programs that seem to work best feature: transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves.”  This is exactly what Housing for Homeless Veterans provides for the men and women who participate in our program.

What can I do?  Support programs like The Pennsylvania American Legion Housing for Homeless Veteransprogram.  We are a nonprofit ‘veterans helping veterans’ organization that partners with the VA’s program for homeless veterans.  Our program is designed to enhance the quality of life for the veteran and their families by providing clean transitional housing; help them become productive taxpaying citizens again by securing a good, decent job.  Our homes are located in Moon Township, a suburb of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Ephrata, Pennsylvania.  Our vision is to give homeless veterans a second chance at the American dream.

In order for the American Legion to finance this program, we are asking for your support.  We will be sponsoring a dinner on January 14, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Pittsburgh Airport, Moon Township.  There will be a cash bar beginning at 5:30 pm with dinner following at 7:00 pm. Dinner tickets are $25.00 per person and include a program book.  Ads can be placed in the program book at the following prices:

Full Page – $70 (of which $50 can be used for a tax write off)

1/2 Page – $50 (of which $30 can be used for a tax write off)

1/4 Page – $40 (of which $21 can be used for a tax write off)

Please make checks for dinner tickets and ads payable to:  PA American Legion Housing for Homeless.  Mail to:

The remodeling and upkeep of these homes is the responsibility of the American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans, Inc.  We need your support!  Thank you in advance for your consideration and support.

Sincerely,

Ronald F. Conley, President

PA American Legion Housing for Homeless Veterans, Inc.

Just an idea – Take this letter to the company you work for and ask for a donation.  Or, you could take the letter to companies that you patron asking them to support this cause.

Click Here for a printer friendly version of the Holiday Tour schedule

This fundraiser for Housing for Homeless Veterans Corp was a blast for all those involved.  It was held on October 29th; during the Legion College East weekend. There was a DJ, Karaoke, silent auction, costume contest, door prizes and light snacks.

Please check out our photos!