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GOOD NEWS FOR POTENTIAL LEGION MEMBERS
The LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act) also opens the door for approximately 6 million veterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they previously had not been eligible.
“Recognizing the service of these wartime veterans is the right thing do and it is long overdue,” National Commander Brett Reistad said. “The families of those who were killed or wounded during these wartime acts should take pride in knowing that we recognize their sacrifice and service. Moreover, we are proud to welcome any of the six million living veterans from the previously unrecognized periods into our organization and call them ‘Legionnaires.’”
Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.
The law’s journey began on Feb. 14 when Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., introduced S. 504, along with Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. A companion measure, H.R. 1641, was introduced in the House by Reps. Lou Correa, D-Calif., and Ben Cline, R-Va.
Reistad expressed gratitude to the bipartisan members of Congress for passing the legislation.
To see the entire article on this bill please go to the link below
https://www.legion.org/membership/246557/legion-act-signed-law
Membership Requirements:
Must have served in the military and have been honorably discharged.
Branch of Service
Army
Navy
Air Force
Marines
Coast Guard
Click here to download our application to become a member
Please be advised that due to changes at the National level our annual dues have been raised to $45.00.
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Military Discharges Explained
What Is Military Discharge?
A military discharge is when a service member is released from their military service obligations. More than 200,000 U.S. service members leave the military each year.
Is Military Discharge the Same as Separation?
“Separation” from the military is a broad term that includes “discharge, release from active duty, release from custody and control of the military services, transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve, and similar changes in active or reserve status,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service.
Separation can be voluntary or involuntary, and it can include disciplinary or punitive reasons.
Types of Military Discharge
For most people, anything other than an honorable or general discharge is considered a “bad paper discharge,” because that one piece of paper (the DD-214) can spell bad news for their future. For most people, anything other than an honorable or general discharge is considered a “bad paper discharge,” because that one piece of paper (the DD-214) can spell bad news for their future.
Honorable Discharge
If you complete your military service or you’re discharged early through no fault of your own, your characterization probably will be honorable. This is the type of discharge a person receives if they complete their contracted obligation with proper military behavior and proficient performance of duty. This includes not running afoul of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This type of characterization usually doesn’t affect future civilian employment negatively and entitles you to veteran benefit, if you otherwise qualify.
General Discharge
A general discharge means most of your service was OK, but some problems occurred. This is issued when a person shows a pattern of minor misconduct or fails to complete the original service contract. The exception to this would be a ‘General Under Honorable Conditions,’ which is considered ideal.
Other Than Honorable (OTH) Discharge
Also known as a “bad paper discharge,” an OTH discharge means you got “fired” from the military for doing something very bad and were probably lucky to escape a court-martial. An OTH is given when there is misconduct that could be considered a misdemeanor in the civilian world.
Bad Conduct Discharge (BCD)
This is a punitive discharge that can be imposed as a punishment by a military court-martial for serious offenses, following a finding of guilty for a military offense. It may also be given if someone exhibits a pattern of convictions for misconduct that indicates they are unfit to serve in the military. Individuals with a bad conduct discharge are not eligible for most veteran benefits, and many employers aren’t likely to consider these applicants.
Dishonorable Discharge
Given as a punishment for a serious offense. Usually when someone commits a felony-level offense, either in the military or civilian jurisdiction.
Officer Discharge
A commissioned officer cannot receive a bad conduct discharge or a dishonorable discharge. For them, the equivalent of a dishonorable discharge is an officer’s discharge.
Medical Discharge
A medical discharge is not considered punitive and, in terms of veterans benefits, is typically seen in the same category as an honorable discharge.
Entry-Level Separation (ELS)
If a service member leaves within the first 180 days of service for reasons including medical issues, they are given an entry-level separation. Though not considered a stain on their record, an ELS discharge typically prevents them from being considered veterans and therefore prevents them from receiving veterans benefits.
Source: https://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal/types-of-military-discharge.html
