Learn More, How We Help

Recent increases in the cost of food, housing, and other basic security necessities have created undue strains on younger soldiers, sailors and airmen of our Armed Services. The base pay and basic allowance for housing of lower ranking enlisted active duty members may not provide enough financial support, especially for those with families. Some enlisted members rely on part time jobs. 

The American Legion has been an advocate for increased pay, however, the funds

that are authorized and appropriated by Congress remain unsustainable under certain

circumstances. In fact, the current policies of the Executive Branch encourage the use of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for our Armed Services members. This is unacceptable. Congress should authorize and appropriate base pay and basic allowance for housing at a rate that will provide sustainment for active duty members and their families.

Food Warriors Program - Recognizing the need to provide direct food assistance, The American Legion Department of New Jersey has implemented the Food Warrior Program. In partnership with Joint Base MacGuire, Fort Dix and Lakehurst Naval Air Station, The American Legion Department of New Jersey conducts food drives and raises funds to purchase food and basic necessities for active duty service members and their families. Additional funding from New Jersey corporate and private donors is necessary due to shortfalls through other means and activities.

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for transplant-related expenses of children and young adults. For more than 30 years, The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, The Sons of The American Legion, and The American Legion Riders have raised more than $1.5 million to help COTA kids. 

The American Legion Department of New Jersey consistently leads other Departments of The American Legion in fundraising. Most of the funds raised by The Department of New Jersey are given back to families who reside in the state.

Corporate and private donations will increase the number of children who can benefit from

COTA’s mission and helps U.S. transplant families avoid financial ruin. Be a part of the team!

The Be the One campaign is an awareness initiative of The American Legion, at the national level, to bring attention to veteran suicides.

 The VA recently released its National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report1. In 2021, the report shows that 6,392 Veterans died by

suicide, an increase over 2020, at a rate that continues to exceed suicides among other civilians.

The Be the One campaign encourages individuals to actively engage with veterans who might be struggling or having difficulty struggling in life. 

To ask veterans in their lives how they are doing.

To listen when a veteran needs to talk. 

To reach out when a veteran is struggling. 

For more information visit www.betheone.org.

1. VA releases National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report - VA News

The purpose of the Child Welfare Foundation is to contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual welfare of children and youth by aiding progress in the field of child welfare through research, studies, surveys, projects, or by supporting programs and activities benefiting the welfare of children and youth.