2014 could be a challenging year for veterans. HELP US DEFEND VETERANS RIGHTS!

Transcription

1 P.O. Box 7017 Indianapolis, IN NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #1315 DAYTON, OH 2014 could be a challenging year for veterans. HELP US DEFEND VETERANS RIGHTS!

2 From the desk of P.O. Box 7017 Indianapolis, IN Director of Membership, American Legion Member since 1994 John Q. Sample Dear John Q. Sample: On behalf of, I want to thank you for your military service and to ask that you help us face a pressing challenge this year that could affect millions of veterans. As you may know, the United States government has passed a new budget that calls for future federal spending cuts. In light of this, is taking action to safeguard the benefits that all veterans have earned and to prevent any compromise in the quality of services they receive. But to be successful on this front, we re going to need your help. Make your voice heard in Washington through. Please consider joining today to help us protect the interests and preserve the essential benefits of all military veterans, including active duty military. On top of potential budget and services cuts, our brothers and sisters serving in the military are continuing to deal with the effects of sequestration. Active duty military personnel have been cut, military bases closed and acquisition of some new equipment terminated. While the new budget may ease some cuts in military spending, further personnel cuts may be on the horizon. Even Stars & Stripes, the Armed Forces Network, and military-operated commissaries and exchanges may become casualties of government belt-tightening. has been a consistently powerful voice in Washington. We maintain an active presence on Capitol Hill and have worked with Congress to pass multiple G.I. Bills and support legislation that lends assistance to wounded, unemployed and homeless veterans and their families. We are working diligently with the Veterans Administration to speed processing of benefits claims. A recent legislative victory includes a 1.5% cost-of-living increase for veterans (and their families/survivors) who receive disability compensation and pension benefits from the VA. We welcome wartime veterans from all walks of life, including current military. was chartered by Congress almost 100 years ago, and membership is open to all those who have served the US honorably during any wartime period, including those currently on active duty. Today s American Legion includes women and men, veterans and servicemembers from all age groups, from all branches of the military, and from all walks of life. What brings us together is our desire to serve our Continued on back of letter... 3 EASY WAYS TO JOIN: Detach here REPLY CERTIFICATE Please complete both sides of this form and return it in 1 I certify that I have served or am still Eligibility Dates serving honorably on active duty during one of the war periods listed to the right: Please check appropriate boxes 2 Nominee: John Sample Knife welcome gift for the Branch of Service I have indicated below. Branch of Service Name State Zip U.S. ARMY U.S. NAVY U.S. AIR FORCE U.S. MARINES U.S. COAST GUARD U.S. MERCHANT MARINE (WWII Only) Enclosed is a $25 check for membership dues payable to. I would like to charge my $25 dues. My information is on the back of this reply. Temporary City JUNE 25, 1950-JAN 31, 1955 DEC 7, 1941-DEC 31, 1946 APRIL 6, 1917-NOV 11, 1918 YES! I want to join. Please send me the Lock-Back If address above is not correct, please cross out and make corrections below. Address AUG 2, 1990-OPEN DEC 20, 1989-JAN 31, 1990 AUG 24, 1982-JULY 31, 1984 FEB 28, 1961-MAY 7, Continued on reverse side IN THE LEGION: 22 We focus on servicing veterans and their families. That is the most important job in. IN THE LEGION: 5 PIERRE HARPER HORACIO JAMES BACA I love the Legion because it gives back to this country. It s an organization of veterans who signed on a dotted line, not knowing what they were facing, but cared so much that they come back and continue to give. There is more to give. And we all want to be a part of that. I love the Legion. I believe in the mission of the organization and what it does for veterans. Why not be a part of that? IN THE LEGION: 7 LOWRY A. FINLEY-JACKSON I AM THE AMERICAN LEGION Think isn t for you? THINK AGAIN

3 communities and our nation and to ensure our fellow veterans receive the services, benefits and respect they deserve. The more members we have, the stronger we will be in Washington. Now, more than ever, needs your support and membership. Please join us in this vitally important mission today. Sincerely, Billy R. Johnson Director of Membership, P.S. It costs only $25 to join, and that money and your support go a long way in helping us preserve the benefits of all veterans and active duty servicemembers. See the 3 easy ways to join below. Now, more than ever, we need you in. makes every attempt to reach qualified veterans with our offer for membership. Because privacy laws prevent us from being absolutely certain that you are a qualifying veteran, you may have received this offer in error. If this is the case, please accept our sincere apology. John, Your membership can help us accomplish these important goals for 2014! veterans benefits veterans employment End sequestration Protect veterans and active duty military from further budget cuts Speed up VA claims processing There s an app for that! Claims Coach provides step-by-step guidance to help you and your service officer through the process of filing for VA benefits. To download the app, go to: veterans services Work with Congress and the business community to create jobs for veterans, including veterans job fairs across the country Achieved 7,000 jobs for veterans last year families & children Improve health services for female and male veterans suffering from the effects of posttraumatic stress (PTS), military sexual trauma (MST) and other conditions Work with communities to improve housing for homeless veterans Help wounded veterans returning home Raised $1.1 million Operation Comfort Warriors Continue to help young people pursue their higher education with scholarships Awarded $4.7 million Support to children of fallen veterans Provided $3.51 million in scholarships in 2012 aid to children since EASY WAYS TO JOIN: Detach here REPLY CERTIFICATE Please complete both sides. THE AMERICAN LEGION P.O. BOX 7017, INDIANAPOLIS, IN Complete this section only if using a credit card. Card # Expires Charge $25 to my: VISA MasterCard Discover American Express Signature Date Credit Card Security Code: Phone Number: - - (Optional) 4 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Would you be willing to provide us with some additional information? It s optional but would help us with our membership records. Thank you! What is your gender? Female Male What is your date of birth? / / Month Day Year With which ethnic group(s) do you most identify yourself? African-American (non-hispanic) Native American or Aleut Asian/Pacific Islander Prefer not to answer Caucasian (non-hispanic) Other (please specify) Hispanic or Latino Would you be willing to provide us with your address? We will never rent or sell your address or any of your personal information to any third party. We may periodically send you additional information of interest to veterans. To view our anti-spam and privacy policy, please visit address: 1457

4 P.O. Box 7017 Indianapolis, IN From the desk of Director of Membership, American Legion Member since 1994 John Q. Sample Dear John Q. Sample: On behalf of, I want to thank you for your military service and to ask that you help us face a pressing challenge this year that could affect millions of veterans. As you may know, the United States government has passed a new budget that calls for future federal spending cuts. In light of this, is taking action to safeguard the benefits that all veterans have earned and to prevent any compromise in the quality of services they receive. But to be successful on this front, we re going to need your help. Make your voice heard in Washington through. Please consider joining today to help us protect the interests and preserve the essential benefits of all military veterans, including active duty military. On top of potential budget and services cuts, our brothers and sisters serving in the military are continuing to deal with the effects of sequestration. Active duty military personnel have been cut, military bases closed and acquisition of some new equipment terminated. While the new budget may ease some cuts in military spending, further personnel cuts may be on the horizon. Even Stars & Stripes, the Armed Forces Network, and military-operated commissaries and exchanges may become casualties of government belt-tightening. has been a consistently powerful voice in Washington. We maintain an active presence on Capitol Hill and have worked with Congress to pass multiple G.I. Bills and support legislation that lends assistance to wounded, unemployed and homeless veterans and their families. We are working diligently with the Veterans Administration to speed processing of benefits claims. A recent legislative victory includes a 1.5% cost-of-living increase for veterans (and their families/survivors) who receive disability compensation and pension benefits from the VA. We welcome wartime veterans from all walks of life, including current military. was chartered by Congress almost 100 years ago, and membership is open to all those who have served the US honorably during any wartime period, including those currently on active duty. Today s American Legion includes women and men, veterans and servicemembers from all age groups, from all branches of the military, and from all walks of life. What brings us together is our desire to serve our Continued on back of letter... 3 EASY WAYS TO JOIN: Detach here REPLY CERTIFICATE Please complete both sides of this form and return it in 1 I certify that I have served or am still serving honorably on active duty during one of the war periods listed to the right: Eligibility Dates Please check appropriate boxes 2 Nominee: AUG 2, 1990-OPEN DEC 20, 1989-JAN 31, 1990 AUG 24, 1982-JULY 31, 1984 FEB 28, 1961-MAY 7, 1975 JUNE 25, 1950-JAN 31, 1955 DEC 7, 1941-DEC 31, 1946 APRIL 6, 1917-NOV 11, 1918 YES! I want to join. Please send me the Lock-Back Knife welcome gift for the Branch of Service I have indicated below. John Sample Branch of Service If address above is not correct, please cross out and make corrections below. Name Address U.S. ARMY U.S. NAVY U.S. AIR FORCE U.S. MARINES U.S. COAST GUARD U.S. MERCHANT MARINE (WWII Only) Enclosed is a $25 check for membership dues payable to. I would like to charge my $25 dues. My information is on the back of this reply. Temporary City State Zip Continued on reverse side IN THE LEGION: 22 HORACIO JAMES BACA We focus on servicing veterans and their families. That is the most important job in. I love the Legion because it gives back to this country. It s an organization of veterans who signed on a dotted line, not knowing what they were facing, but cared so much that they come back and continue to give. There is more to give. And we all want to be a part of that. IN THE LEGION: 5 PIERRE HARPER I love the Legion. I believe in the mission of the organization and what it does for veterans. Why not be a part of that? IN THE LEGION: 7 LOWRY A. FINLEY-JACKSON THINK AGAIN I AM THE AMERICAN LEGION Think isn t for you?

5 John, When you join today, your membership will help us continue to serve the needs of all veterans, servicemembers and their families. Plus, you will receive these exclusive Benefits of Membership. Thank you! Benefits of Membership Welcome Gift Commemorative Lock-Back Knife Engraved with Your Branch of Service. This special custom-designed, extra heavy-duty knife is a full 8 1 / 2 when open, but folds to a compact 4 5 / 8 to fit in its Kelvlon belt pouch. Your Branch of Service will appear on the blade. 12 Issues of Magazine to stay up-to-date on veterans news and programs and activities. Official Membership Card entitling you to exclusive Member Discounts for hotels, auto rental, health screenings, prescriptions, vision and hearing care, and much more. 3 EASY WAYS TO JOIN:

6 PLACE FIRST- PLACE CLASS STAMP POSTAGE HERE HERE THE AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS PO BOX 7017 INDIANAPOLIS IN