LEONARD C. BARNES POST 450

We are a strong supporter of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs at Booker T. Washington High School and Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy. Each year we award two $300 stipends per school for Military Excellence and Scholastic Excellence.

 Flag Advocacy American patriotism is a fundamental value of the American Legion. Americanism programs teach respect for our country and our nation’s flag. We collect and properly retire old and worn flags. You may bring your unserviceable flags to __ so we may perform the Ceremony for Disposal of Unserviceable Flags. 

 Our community is full of people who want to help. We work to help the people providing services with the people who need them. We participate in Cooper Road USA, Veteran's Day Parade, Veteran's Celebration Committee, and several more organization to improve our neighborhoods. Come connect with people in new ways. 

The American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of The American Legion and American Legion Riders (a program of motorcycle enthusiasts) have worked within a local for decades, steadfastly, and side by side, promoting patriotism and national security while supporting youth and advocating for veterans and active-duty military.  

Provide oversight, guidance and support for an effective Department of Veterans Affairs. Assist veterans as they pursue their benefits. They  convert Legion resolutions into laws and policies that aim to live up to Abraham Lincoln's timeless call to action in the aftermath of the Civil War, "to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and orphan." 

The Veterans Employment & Education Commission focuses on Veteran employment and business opportunities, Education benefits, and Veteran homelessness. In addition, they  work closely with the Legislative Commission and staff in Washington, D.C., and throughout the nation, to keep veterans benefits and transition high on the legislative agenda. 

The National Emergency Fund provides direct, immediate cash grants for veterans in the aftermath of major catastrophes, such as tornadoes, floods, wildfires or hurricanes.  The American Legion works closely with government at all levels to improve disaster readiness in local communities and, at the national level, to ensure that a well-funded and efficient DHS is prepared for any contingency. 

Military personnel and veterans recovering from wounds and illnesses at medical facilities and transition units receive comfort items, rehabilitation equipment and recreational opportunities. At some military facilities, OCW  has been used to take patients and their families to theme parks and sporting events, as well. 

Baseball - Healthy competition, good citizenship, and sportsmanship since 1926.

Boys State/Nation - Students learned firsthand how government and democracy works. 

Family & Youth Support - Assistance and resources for military families.

Oratorical - A speaking challenge that teaches leadership and our nation history. 

Junior Shooting Sports - Teaches marksmanship, safety and competition that produces Olympians.

Youth Cadet Law Enforcement - Law enforcement education that instills respect for law officials. 

Scholarships - Manages and delivers millions for college. 

Scouting - Sponsors more than 3,500 scouting units.

Benefits Center -  American Legion Service Officers provide FREE assistance on benefits filing and more. 

Career Center - Employment and business guidance to ease the transition.

Education Center - The organization that brought the GI Bill into existence.

Health Center - Learn what the Legion is doing to improve health care for veterans and their families.

Financial Center - Get personal finance tips and advice from experts who understand veterans. 

Service Officers - Provide free accredited assistance with VA claims and appeals.

Benefits Calculator - Enable you to see if you  may be eligible for more veterans benefits than you realized. 

The American Legion has led the way in observing patriotic holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Independence Day and Flag Day. Posts nationwide organize or participate in ceremonies, parades, memorial dedications, concerts, picnics and other patriotic events.  The Legion also emphasizes voter registration and participation. Through the "Get Out the Vote" program, American Legion posts organize teams in their communities to make sure local voters are properly registered and cast ballots on Election Day. The Legion's federal charter prevents it from supporting, opposing or aiding any political party or candidate, but posts are encouraged to sponsor town-hall forums and debates on the issues. Legionnaires also get involved by serving as poll volunteers. 

The committee objectives:

• To strengthen the family unit in an increasingly more complex society
• To support organizations and agencies that provide services for children and youth
• To provide communities with well-rounded programs that meet the physical, educational, emotional and spiritual needs of young people

 Through The American Legion's Family Support Network, Legionnaires assist families of deployed military personnel in various ways: child care, yard work, car repairs, grocery shopping and routine household jobs.