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When country music entertainer Michael Peterson and The American Legion partnered up earlier this year in a fund-raising effort for The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, Peterson’s initial vision was to produce a DVD that featured his vocal tribute to the world’s largest veterans organization, his new song, “It’s Who We Are.”

But in the six months since then, Peterson’s project has turned into something much bigger than a music video.
“It’s Who We Are” still contains a video of Peterson’s song, but the DVD – which will be available at the 89th National Convention in Reno – also includes enough special features to serve as a dynamic membership tool for any American Legion post. In addition, 50 percent of profits from DVD sales will go to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides college money for the children of U.S. servicemembers killed on or after Sept. 11, 2001.

“When it started off, it was just going to be a song, the ‘It’s Who We Are’ song, which was written for the national convention last year,” said Peterson, who will be in Reno to promote the DVD and to autograph copies. “But as we began to discuss possibilities, we realized, ‘Wow, we could essentially create a more impactful piece that has a bunch of different facets. The vision for the DVD has been fulfilled. The vision was to allow any Legionnaire to simply hit ‘play’ and show it to any audience. Give them a broader understanding, in a way that’s highly inviting, of what’s going on with The American Legion. To be entertaining, inspirational, and highly informational. That was the target, and I think we’ve accomplished that in a way that’s also connected to a higher purpose: raising awareness, helping recruiting and raising funds for the American Legacy Scholarship.”

In addition to the video that accompanies Peterson’s song – featuring patriotic images and Legionnaires in action over the years – the DVD also includes a special feature titled “What is The American Legion?” It explains the four pillars of The American Legion and includes interviews with such spokespersons as actor and Legionnaire R. Lee Ermey and retired Gen. Richard Myers, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Viewers will also gain a better understanding of how The American Legion’s many programs benefit a broad range of Americans.

“A number of people I interviewed said they hadn’t joined The American Legion until somebody asked them,” Peterson said. “It’s as simple as just asking somebody. In this package we’ve put together, there’s actually a beautiful invitation: ‘Come join The American Legion.’ I think there’s a lot of supporting visuals and stories to make it a compelling invitation.”
Another special feature explains The American Legion Legacy Scholarship and includes interviews with various celebrities and Legionnaires, along with another section that includes public-service announcements about how to donate to the scholarship fund.

The DVD also contains information about how to join The American Legion and contact information for ordering “It’s Who We Are.”

National Commander Paul A. Morin has stressed the four pillars of The American Legion during his tenure. “It’s Who We Are” touches on all four pillars and can serve as both a teaching and membership tool about and for The American Legion. It can be shown at post meetings, community events and at membership open houses, and can explain the Legion’s mission in just 20 minutes. Supporting this program builds The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund, and also can build the organization by educating the public and prospective Legionnaires.

The “It’s Who We Are” DVD costs $10 and is be available after Aug. 15.

For more information about the DVD and Michael Peterson himself, visit www.michaelpetersonmusic.com
on the Web.  Visitors will also be able to purchase the DVD at http://www.legion.org/ when it is available.