Legion continues assisting vets affected by OK twisters

The American Legion has assisted nearly 200 families of military veterans as a result of the devastating EF5 tornado that struck Moore, Okla., May 20. In addition to assistance provided by local Legionnaires, the national organization has awarded about $200,000 of grants through its National Emergency Fund (NEF) and Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) programs.

“The American Legion has programs in place to help veterans in their time of need,” said National Commander James E. Koutz. “Whether it’s Oklahoma or the scene of another natural disaster, I want to encourage veterans to call our hotline for assistance. Our TFA program assists veterans who have custody of children, while our National Emergency Fund was created to assist wartime veterans who have incurred financial hardship due to the devastation caused by declared natural disasters. We are prepared to assist with the latest disasters but hurricane season has just begun and we have seen an abundance of wildfires over the last few years. Donations to our programs are greatly appreciated and all the money given goes directly to assisting those in need.”

The American Legion, the nation’s largest organization of wartime veterans, has previously assisted emergency efforts following Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and other natural disasters.
The American Legion assistance hotline is 1-800-504-4098. Individuals wishing to donate to the NEF can do so online at www.legion.org/emergency/help or mail a check to The American Legion NEF, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Donations to TFA can be made at www.legion.org/financialassistance or by sending a check to The American Legion Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN, 46206.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.