The 16th District has numerous standing Committees responsible for various aspects of the overall District program operations. You can learn more about each program using the menu or you can also use the links below.
Americanism – This committee seeks to inspire love of country and good citizenship through patriotic observances, flag etiquette, civic instruction in schools, the Americanization of immigrants, community service, and youth activities such as Boys State, Boy Scouts, Oratorical Contest, School Award Medals and American Legion Baseball.
Athletic – This committee is responsible to plan, recommend and implement policies and procedures relating to the promotion and conduct of organizational athletic programs and activities within the District; and to supervise and coordinate to all District tournament activities.
Boys State – This Committee is tasked with managing the District involvement in the American Legion Department of Virginia Boys State program. Under this program, American Legion Posts select outstanding high school students to attend Boys State every year.
Children and Youth – This committee is charged with ensuring that any child of a veteran in need of care and protection shall receive proper and timely service and aid, strengthening the family unit, extending support to sound organizations and facilities that provide services for children and youth, and maintaining a well-rounded program that meets the needs of the young people in the community.
Finance – This committee supervises the receiving, disbursement and accounting of all funds, prepares annual budget recommendations, and advises on all financial policies. The finance officer usually chairs the finance committee.
Legislative – This committee promotes the Legion’s official legislative mandates, disseminates monthly legislative updates, organizes and promotes proactive grassroots lobbying activities, and establishes and maintains liaisons with elected officials and their staffs. Voter education is a critical element of the electoral process, and posts are permitted to host town hall meetings, put on “meet the candidate” nights and allow candidates to address post meetings, district conferences or state conventions. Candidates may participate as long as invitations are extended to all candidates, affording them equal opportunity to participate. The American Legion cannot endorse or oppose any candidate, even if the candidate is a Legionnaire and post member.
Media & Communications – This committee elevates awareness in the veterans community and the community at large of the Legion’s advocacy of veterans issues, national security, Americanism, and youth. The American Legion is defined in the public eye by the values for which it stands.
Membership and Activities – This committee is responsible for obtaining, retaining and increasing post membership – specifically, renewals, enrollment of new members, transfers and reinstatement.
National Security – This committee urges post members to assist in community emergency preparedness, and to support local and national civilian defense projects.
Rehabilitation – This committee assists veterans in pursuing claims, understanding their rights and obtaining their benefits. Committee members also visit comrades who are sick or disabled, and provide comfort to members’ families in illness and bereavement. The head of the Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Committee may be the service officer. In addition, the Post Chaplain may serve as chair of a visiting committee. This committee also will give comfort and assistance to members and their families during illness or bereavement, and visit hospitalized veterans.