Be The One
Today, the No. 1 issue facing the veteran community is suicide. It is estimated that between 17 and 22 veterans or servicemembers take their lives each day. That’s more than 6,000 annually. The rate of suicide for veterans is more than 50% higher than that of non-veteran adults. As the Global War on Terrorism continues, there will be more veterans facing mental-health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Our veterans deserve our help, respect, and appreciation.
There are nearly 20 million veterans in the U.S. and every veteran is affected by their service. They may face health problems, employment issues and struggles around accessing their benefits—immediately after service but also in the years to come. These are some of the most common issues they encounter and we are here to help.
The ever-changing face of the military and of service itself means that our veterans require individualized support—for wounds both visible and invisible—over their lifetime, depending on when, where and how they served. Post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, illnesses caused by toxic exposure and other injuries can show up years later and affect any stage of life. Veterans may lose jobs or face crises. New veteran populations—women, minorities, LGBTQ+ and others—may face inequities. As needs change, as the veteran population changes, The American Legion offers a lifetime of help to all veterans.
Here to Help!
The American Legion provides life-changing assistance and guidance for veterans, military personnel, their families and communities in thousands of ways every day around the world. Help comes in the form of personal assistance, cash grants, donated goods, disaster relief, labor, networking, volunteerism and advocacy.