How to support the state's largest veteran service organization
THE GIFT OF GIVING: This holiday season, reporters across Michigan have written spotlights on causes particularly important to them. We share these stories with you, our readers, to provide information on how to get involved.
The American Legion Department of Michigan is the largest veteran service organization in the state — and one of the oldest.
With 380 chartered posts and 65,000 members, the tax exempt organization directly benefits veterans of the Armed Forces. It has 12 accredited veteran service officers based across the state, all aiming to help veterans post-military service.
“The American Legion is here for all veterans and their families,” said Department Commander Marilyn Britten. “We assist with VA claims, scholarships, school programs, baseball, teacher awards, firefighter and law officer of the year and many more programs.
"Our first effort is our fellow veterans, especially those with no support network. We must and do invest in lifting them up through our programs and those available in our communities. There is no higher calling.”
Individual posts — the frontline of The American Legion — are found in hundreds of Michigan communities and serve as rally points for like-minded veterans to come together for brotherhood and camaraderie and to continue their service to their communities after their term of service in the military.
Perhaps the most important thing posts do is provide Honor Guard or Color Guard services during veterans funerals, community programs and parades. The posts are regularly open for community dinners and fundraisers to benefit various programs and happenings in their communities and across the state.
“Our mission to help all veterans from all branches of the service includes contributions to Michigan veterans charities like the Homeless Veterans Task Force at nearly $20,000,” said Jim Showers, media director for The American Legion Department of Michigan. “We also allocate $10,000 to the VA&R Endowment and over $30,000 annually to the Michigan Wounded and Returning Warrior Program.”
The American Legion is also a significant contributor to the Fisher House, a Michigan nonprofit that provides veterans a place to stay while seeking treatment at VA hospitals in Detroit and Grand Rapids.
One of the best kept “secrets” of The American Legion is a private 1,200-acre refuge for veterans and their families.
Located 15 miles southeast of Ludington, Wilwin Lodge at Cygnet Cove offers a variety of amenities and luxuries to veterans, regardless of membership in The American Legion. It's a place of respite for those with post traumatic stress or traumatic brain injuries.
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The center — run by veteran and American Legion member Duane Miller and his wife — is free for any veteran and their immediate family to stay at up to five nights per year. It includes a 67-acre private lake, 20 miles of riding trails, numerous cabins, a recreational building, boats, golf carts and more.
To provide support, visit michiganlegion.org.
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net. Follow him on Twitter @cmurrayHDN.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: How to support the state's largest veteran service organization
