Commissions and Committees

• THE AMERICAN LEGION ENDOWMENT FUND CORPORATION
• AMERICAN LEGION CHILD WELFARE FOUNDATION, INC.

• To supervise and coordinate national committee activity;
• To promote an understanding and appreciation of American government, the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship, and activity in the American way of life through youth activities, community service, instruction of prospective citizens and legal immigrants, education and educational facilities, and protection of the U.S. flag from physical desecration.
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

• To oversee the implementation of The American Legion’s Request for Proposal (RFP) pertaining to the guidelines for selecting cities to be recommended to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for awarding a National Convention bid;
• To supervise and coordinate (with the host Convention Corporation, where applicable) all activities, venues and logistical requirements associated with the conduct of a National Convention;
• To administer and refer all National Convention related resolutions to the applicable national commission and the National Executive Committee;
• To assist the Chief Judge and Assistant Chief Judge of Contests with the implementation of procedures supporting the effective conduct of all uniformed groups’ contests at the National Convention;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

• To prepare the yearly budget and the handling of funds under that budget;
• Such other duties as shall be prescribed by the NEC, subject to the approval of the NEC.

Assigned to the Finance Commission for supervision and coordination is the Overseas Graves Decoration Trust. The American Legion Endowment Fund Corporation is not a part of any commission, but does submit its reports to the NEC through the Finance Commission, as does The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation.

Mission: Formulate and recommend policies for organizational purposes as far as membership services, awards, and other administrative support activities. To oversee the membership operations and development programs at the National level to ensure the departments, districts and posts are provided with the necessary support and recognition to motivate membership growth within their communities. Responsible for the contents of the Manual of Ceremonies which includes conduct of a meeting, wearing of uniforms, caps, regalia, and official badges. Act on the nominations for The American Legion Distinguished Service Medal and make recommendations to the National Executive Committee. Oversee the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Rider programs. Perform other essential administrative duties as assigned by the National Executive Committee not inherent in other Commissions or Committees

• To provide the National Executive Committee with a copy of the annual consolidated Legislative Council activities report;
• To collect, into a single report, a comprehensive compilation of all resolutions adopted by the National Convention and/or the National Executive Committee which seek action by the United States Congress or are a legislative policy statement of The American Legion;
• To update this compilation after each of the aforementioned sessions into a comprehensive summary of The American Legion’s legislative program;
• To assist other commissions and their staffs in representing The American Legion before the United States Congress, and each committee thereof, on all legislative matters in which The American Legion is officially interested;
• To assist, through its reports to the National Executive Committee and its liaison with other Commissions, in the formulation of appropriate legislative actions to be officially endorsed by resolution adopted by The American Legion;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

• To work in concert with all American Legion commissions and committees to build awareness and support for the mission and programs of The American Legion;
• To promote same to active-duty military, Guard and reserve components, military veterans and retirees, and the general public;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

Emblem Committee
 Robert Burke, Massachusetts, Chairman

Purpose

• Internal:  To educate, motivate and inform The American Legion Family of the mission and programs of The American Legion for the purpose of making them promoters of and participants in the activities and aims of The American Legion;
• External:  To build awareness of and support for the primary mission and purpose of The American Legion, specially among individual citizens, the United States Congress, national and local government agencies and corporate America;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

• To recommend policies that will ensure the national security of the United States of America;
• To have an understanding of the federal budget process and the budget of the United States departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security;
• To maintain a professional working relationship with the United States departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security;
• To maintain a professional working relationship with all congressional oversight committees and staff relating to the purposes of the Commission;
• To monitor the hearings of these oversight committees and provide congressional testimony in cooperation with the Legislative Commission and staff;
• To be knowledgeable about security threats to the United States of America as defined by the United States departments of Defense, State and Homeland Security;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

• ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO NATIONAL COMMANDER

• To formulate and recommend to the National Executive Committee of The American Legion policies, plans and programs on direct assistance, outreach and support for veterans and their families with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims and benefits, health care, memorial affairs and women veterans programs to ensure that they receive the highest quality of care from VA for their injuries and illnesses incurred from their military service;
• To coordinate the activities of the National Organization in veterans affairs;
• To oversee the effectiveness of The American Legion’s programs of service to these war veterans and their dependents in claims for benefits administered by federal and state programs;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

• To supervise and coordinate all activities of committees assigned to the Veterans Employment & Education Commission;
• When necessary, to initiate action concerning all matters affecting the economic well-being of veterans and/or the re-establishment of all war veterans returning to civilian life after a period of active service in the Armed Forces of the United States;
• To keep the National Commander and the National Executive Committee informed concerning all developments affecting the economic welfare of veterans in all areas under the jurisdiction of the Veterans Employment & Education Commission;
• Such other purposes as may be assigned to it by the National Executive Committee.

Executive Director James Baca oversees the Americanism, Internal Affairs & Membership and Veterans Employment & Education divisions and the Library, including the Emil A. Blackmore Museum.

Executive Director Dean Kessel oversees Marketing, Media & Communications, Convention & Meetings, fundraising and corporate partnerships.

Oversees the Legislative, National Security, and Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation divisions, and serves as the liaison for the White House, Cabinet and other DC-based organizations.