Description: The American Legion is a U.S. congressionally chartered veterans service organization founded in 1919 that advocates for the interests of wartime veterans and their families, promotes patriotism and national security, and runs community and youth programs to support veterans' reintegration, benefits access, and civic engagement. Type: Nonprofit veterans service organization (congressionally chartered, 501(c)(19)) Policies: Advocacy for veterans' benefits and VA funding, disability compensation and pension policies, military and national security matters, veteran healthcare and mental health services, homelessness and employment for veterans, education benefits and GI Bill-related policy, youth civic programs and community service initiatives Funding: Membership dues, donations and bequests, fundraising events, grants and sponsorships, and income from local post activities Affiliates: American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion, American Legion Riders, state and local American Legion posts and programs such as Boys State/Girls State
