Legionnaires, Sons and Legion posts are reminded to apply for assistance from the National Emergency Fund.
Hurricane Milton caused at least four deaths and left millions without power as it crossed Florida Wednesday night into Thursday, the latest devastating storm to impact the Southeast.
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in Siesta Key, about 70 miles south of Tampa. That change in course prevented Tampa from being hit with a potentially catastrophic storm surge, but the area still saw flooding and some storm surge.
Tornadoes crossed the state ahead of Milton, adding to the damage.
During his address to the National Executive Committee on Wednesday during the Fall Meetings in Indianapolis, American Legion National Commander James LaCoursiere promised Legion Family and their communities that help is still coming.
“As our staff stands ready to assist with (National Emergency Fund) and (Temporary Financial Assistance) applications, posts and departments across the Legion universe will continue to do what they have always done during emergencies like these. They will put service before self. They will gather supplies, collect donations and give to the areas that are hurting.
“Yes, we will always offer ‘thoughts and prayers,’ but those sentiments are solidified through tangible acts of generosity. And we will do the same for communities that are in the path of Hurricane Milton,” LaCoursiere said.
National Emergency Fund
If you’ve been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for assistance.
The NEF provides up to $3,000 for qualified Legionnaires or Sons of The American Legion, and up to $10,000 for qualified American Legion posts which have been affected by declared natural disasters.
To be eligible for an individual grant, the Legionnaire or Son:
1. Must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
2. Must provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs, such as housing, food, water, clothing, etc., during the period immediately following the disaster.
3. Must be an active member at the time of the disaster and the time of application.
The American Legion has created a presentation which discusses details on the NEF grant, including what the NEF covers and does not cover and how to complete the NEF application. Click here to view that presentation. And click here for NEF brochures and a preparation guide.
Temporary Financial Assistance
Since its establishment in 1925, The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has awarded cash grants to minor children of current active duty or American Legion members. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment.
The minor child must be under the age of 18 and still in high school; however, TFA may be extended until the completion of high school provided the child has not reached the age of 21. The minor child must be the biological child, stepchild, or in the legal custody of, a qualifying veteran. A qualifying veteran is defined as a member of the United States Armed Forces serving on federal orders current under Title 10 of the United States Code, inclusive of all components, OR any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in The American Legion. Active-duty applicants can be considered without being a member of The American Legion. A single onetime non-repayable Temporary Financial Assistance grant of up to $1,500 will be permitted for the minor child(ren) of a qualifying veteran.
No child is considered eligible for Temporary Financial Assistance until a complete investigation is conducted at the post or department level, a legitimate family need is determined, and all other available assistance resources have been utilized or exhausted. Additionally, the TFA application must originate and be filled out by someone at the local level.
To apply for a TFA grant, contact your local American Legion post or department (state) headquarters.
- Emergency