2013 Legacy Run preparations under way

2013 Legacy Run preparations under way

Preparations are under way for the 2013 American Legion Legacy Run. Registration is expected to begin in mid-February and continue until Aug. 1.

Some key dates to note:

• Aug. 17: Assembly for The American Legion Legacy Run at Post 64, Indianapolis.

• Aug. 18–22: The American Legion Legacy Run.

• Aug. 22–24: Events to be planned by The American Legion Riders of Texas.

• Aug. 25: The 95th Annual National Convention Parade.

• Aug. 22–29: The National Conventions of The Sons of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and The American Legion.

The Legacy Run will arrive in Houston, Texas, on the afternoon of Aug. 22 for a special reception to be held at an American Legion post (to be determined) near Houston.

This week, the National Advisory Committee for the Riders programs meets and will make recommendations and approvals for the event, including safety equipment, routes, the expo and more.

In other news:

Legion Baseball: Americanism Children and Youth Assistant Director Steve Cloud visited the Department of Texas in Waco from Jan. 10-12 at the exhibit booth they hosted for the 42nd Annual Texas High School Baseball Coaches Convention. Cloud sharedinformation about American Legion Baseball with the Texas High School Coaches Association.

The ALB registration webpage is open for the 2013 season. The 2013 baseball registration website was redesigned this past fall and is simpler and faster. During the first week of registration, more than 120 teams have registered to play American Legion Baseball in 2013.

Temporary Financial Assistance: The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance Program (TFA) continues to provide for the basic needs of minor children of eligible veterans through cash grants, made possible by the generosity of Legionnaires and the Endowment Fund Corporation. During 2012, TFA assisted 1,711 minor children throughout the United States maintain shelter, utilities, food and clothing with more than $847,158 in cash grants.

Operation Comfort Warriors: The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors delivered more than $20,000 worth of donations to injured warriors at the Fort Campbell and Fort Knox Warrior Transition Battalions last week. Included were televisions, Segways, video games, Wii consoles and fitness equipment. A delegation from National Headquarters and Legionnaires from the Department of Kentucky visited the WTBs for presentations.

PR award: ABC News correspondent Bob Woodruff is the recipient of The National Commander’s 2013 Public Relations Award. Woodruff has consistently publicized the challenges faced by our nation’s wounded warriors and those who suffer traumatic brain injury. Woodruff was seriously wounded by an IED blast while reporting in Iraq several years ago. A luncheon will be held in his honor at the Washington Conference on Feb. 27.

Sons of The American Legion: The Sons of The American Legion membership for 2013 currently stands at 193,055 members or 54.6 percent as of Jan. 11. At present, the Sons are running 5,733 members behind compared to last year. Membership for 2012 closed at 353,295 members or at 101.4 percent. Thirty-one detachments have achieved 100 percent membership for the 2012 membership year.