More servicemembers eligible to join American Legion

The Fairfield American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary would like to announce that the American Legion's eligibility criteria has changed.

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.

The American Legion's eligibility criteria has changed 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.

The law's journey began on Feb. 14 when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.

National Commander Bret Reistad expressed gratitude to the bipartisan members of Congress for passing the legislation.

'We are grateful that President Trump fully acknowledges the importance of The American Legion by signing the LEGION Act,” Reistad said.

Reistad pointed out that existing American Legion membership applications are in the process of being updated but can still be used.

'In the meantime, I recommend that prospective Legionnaires and recruiters write ‘LEGION Act' in the eligibility date section of American Legion membership applications if they fall outside the previous war eras,” Reistad said. 'The larger pool of veterans now eligible for The American Legion will also open their family members to eligibility in the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary as well.”

For information, contact the local American Legion organization.