The American Legion’s Family Support Network is ready to provide immediate assistance to service personnel and families whose lives have been directly affected by America’s war on terror. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the nation’s active-duty military has been on high alert, and National Guard and reserve units are being mobilized in record numbers. As a result, the families of these men and women often find themselves unable to meet normal monthly expenses, and assistance is needed for a variety of everyday chores. These tasks include grocery shopping, child care, mowing the grass, fixing the family car and other routine household jobs.
To address these issues, The American Legion has a nationwide toll-free telephone number, (800) 504-4098, for servicemembers and their family members to call for assistance. Applicants can apply online and complete the request for assistance. Calls are referred to The American Legion department, or state in which the call originated. Departments relay the collected information to a local American Legion post. The local post then contacts the servicemember or family to see how assistance can be provided locally. Since the creation of the Family Support Network during the first Persian Gulf War, thousands of posts have responded to meet these families’ needs.
For additional information about the American Legion’s Family Support Network contact the Children & Youth Committee Chair, Victor Graulau Jr, Post 28, 703-864-0113.