Donations needed for OCW
Legionnaires pass out hoodies to soldiers as part of The American Legion Operation Comfort Warriors program at Fort Knox, Ky. in August. (Photo by Tom Strattman)

Donations needed for OCW

One of National Commander Clarence Hill’s first orders of business was to set a goal of raising $100,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors before the end of the year. As 2009 winds down, Legion family members are asked to continue contributing to the fund that shows our appreciation for the efforts of our wounded servicemembers.

With donations to Operation Comfort Warriors, we can purchase sweat suits, phone cards, DVDs, CDs, iPods, puzzles, books, video games and other items for men and women who are recovering at military hospitals and warrior transition units.

Recently, the Legion sent 38 $100 gift cards to soldiers wounded during the shooting at Fort Hood in early November. “These gifts won’t make the injuries go away, but they do show that we care,” Hill said.

Operation Comfort Warriors purchases and then donates items, which fill in the gaps left over after the government provides the necessities to recovering servicemembers. The American Legion has already raised more than $222,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception in December of 2008. Donors can make online contributions (Donate) or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, P.O. Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.