In July 2019, Bill 504, became law after the United States Senate approved it. President Donald Trump signed it, also known as the Legion Act, forever changing the look of today’s American Legion (AL) membership.
The bill gave American Legion Posts across the nation more membership by including veterans and servicemembers who served during times that were not designated periods of war previously.
American Legion Alvin L. Nevils Post 244 Commander Eric Kuyper of Kinder said before the bill, membership to AL only extended to those who served during periods of conflict like World War I. Six million veterans were not eligible to join.
Incorporated in 1919 by U.S. Congress, AL is an organization devoted to mutual helpfulness among its members and communities. It’s mission states, “It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.”
Commander Kuyper said President Trump’s signature on the Legion Act also honors thousands of veterans who were killed or wounded on duty during periods not previously considered a time of war.
At the national level, American Legion National Judge Advocate Kevin Bartlett added, “Finally Congress has acknowledged the service and sacrifice of at least 1,600 veterans who died or were wounded in previously undeclared periods of war. This new law honors the memories of those veterans while allowing other veterans from those previously undeclared eras to receive all the American Legion benefits they have earned through their service.”
The LEGION Act – Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act — also redefines The American Legion’s membership eligibility dates. The eligibility now span from Dec. 7, 1941, until a time when the U.S. is no longer at war, as determined by Congress.
Commander Kuyper said there is potential for new membership, new ideas and expansion of old ideas. The change also brings older and younger veterans together to share their trials and tribulations, assist with veteran paperwork and continue AL’s idea of service to its community.
“It’s been in effect for about seven months,” Kuyper said. “People are beginning to hear about it. They can contact the Legion and become eligible for members’ benefits.”
Kuyper and his AL members recently installed a new sign at the AL Hall in Kinder. They are responsible for several projects around town, and they have held some interesting fundraisers. Their goal is revitalize the local AL organization, and they are hoping veterans who now qualify will consider joining them and learning more about AL.
You can find the Kinder American Legion on Facebook.
