| The American Legion is a nation wide
organization of veterans of the armed forces of the US who served during
designated war-time periods. The organization received it's corporate
charter from the US Congress in 1919. The national headquarters is in
Indianapolis, Indiana with local posts existing in cities, towns and
hamlets across the nation and the world.
The organization is comprised of 55 Departments, one each in the 50
states with additional departments in the District of Columbia, France,
Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. Individual Departments can have
additional levels between themselves and the posts.
The Department of Wyoming is subdivided into 6
Districts with a District Commander and District Vice Commander who has the responsibility
for the districts under their charge.
Contributions of the Department of Wyoming:
- E. A. Blackmore Scholarship Foundation awards a $1000.00 scholarship annually to a son, grandson, daughter, or granddaughter of a member of The American Legion in good standing in the State of Wyoming; a son, grandson, daughter, or granddaughter of a deceased member of The American Legion who was in good standing, to the school of his/her choice.
- We sponsor the Wyoming High School Rodeo Finals in June. Our annual donation varies from $500.00 to $2000.00, which is used for scholarships. About 250 teenagers from around the state participate.
- We sponsor the Wonderful Wyoming Boys State program. Annually volunteers from around the state come together to train our young men in the ideals and objectives of American Government. Over 100 high school juniors participated in last year’s program. These young men are eligible to apply for 7 scholarships including the Samsung Scholarship.
- The Wyoming Legion Baseball program is made up of 40 teams from across the state. They participate in “AA”, “A” or “B” divisions based on their age group. The season runs from April to August. The program instills good sportsmanship and team play to about 500 WY boys.
- The Department Oratorical Contest is for students from grade 9 to 12 vie for $2000.00 plus in scholarships. The first phase is a 8-10 minute prepared oration on the US Constitution. The next phase is a 3-5 minute assigned oration. Department’s contest is held in December in Casper.
- The Jr. Shooting program is new to Wyoming with 8 teams participating. These young people learn the skill of sharp shooting and the respect for handle a rifle.
- Our Children and Youth Chairman has assists families in obtaining Temporary Financial Assistance from the national organization.
- The Department of Wyoming has approved resolutions to support legislation for a National Veterans Cemetery and State Veterans Nursing Home in WY.
- The Department Service Officer is handling 1000 veteran’s claims and advocates veteran’s benefits at the state level.
- The Department donates about $500.00 annually to the personal services and entertainment of our veterans at the VA hospitals in Cheyenne and Sheridan and the Veterans Home in Buffalo.
Now think about the involvement your Post has in your community. Your membership in The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and/or Sons of the American Legion has a direct effect on each and every program I have mention. For without your membership The American Legion Family could not make a difference. Thank you for being a member.
**Membership is Our Strength**
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