Veterans and children need our assistance

In his time of dire need, The American Legion’s Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program came through for Gerald Evans when others turned him away. Because of a TFA grant that helped pay for rent and electrical bills, Evans was able to keep his 16-year-old son, Jaylen, and himself in a safe home instead of finding themselves homeless once again. 

“I don’t know if I could’ve survived being homeless one more time after finally getting off the streets and into a place of our own,” said Evans, a Marine veteran from Melrose Park, Ill. “(The American Legion) had compassion for me during a time of need. If (the Legion) hadn’t come through, we would have been evicted.”

Aside from his eight years in the military, Evans has worked as an electrician. But ever since his wife passed way two years ago, he felt that his son and him could never catch a break. “Troubles rained and poured in our lives,” Evans said. “Thanks so much (to The American Legion) for keeping us with a roof over our heads that we waited so long for and almost lost!”

The Legion’s TFA program has provided more than $16 million in cash grants to Legion-eligible veterans with minor children since its inception in 1925. The grants – which on average benefit 650 families and 1,500 children yearly – help families in financial need meet the costs of shelter, utilities, food, clothing and medical expenses.
As your new national commander, I have made it my project to raise financial support for TFA, as well as the Legion’s service officers program.

We witnessed history during the 99th National Convention in Reno, Nev., as President Trump signed the Veterans Appeals Modernization Act of 2017 on stage. This will help claims and appeals get processed faster, but we need trained service officers to assist in getting claims properly submitted. The faster we can get veterans the benefits they earned, the faster they can go on to lead happy, productive lives. It doesn’t just help the veteran, it helps the entire family.

We, The American Legion Family, make a difference in people’s lives. You don’t have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care enough to be there.

Donations to TFA and service officers can be made to the Commander’s Charity Fund online at  www.legion.org/donate. Payments by check can be made payable to American Legion Charities and put “Commander’s Charity Fund” on the memo line. Address is P.O. Box 361623, Indianapolis, IN 46236-1626.