Legion Act signed into law

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. servicemembers 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 benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.

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.

Membership: Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.legion.org/membership/faq

Note that with your membership you must provide a copy of your DD214 or the NGB Form 22 (from National Guard) showing at least one day of active duty service during the time-frame. This is a requirement from American Legion Headquarters and is and auditable item that we must have on hand to prove that all our members meet the eligibility requirements for the American Legion. If you can’t find your DD214, you can visit the link below and fill out the form online to get a free copy of your records.

Request Military Service Records
https://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records