The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans’ organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. We are the Nation’s oldest, largest and most active Veterans organization. We pride ourselves in taking care of our Active Duty Service Members as well as Veterans who defended the American way of life in the past. We are committed to mentoring our youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities such as Youth Baseball, Boy Scouts and Boys State to name a few. You may not be aware of all that the American Legion does, not only in communities like yours across the state of South Dakota, but across the country and around world. The voice of the American Legion is heard in our State Capitol in Pierre and in Washington D.C., with over 2 million members around the world. We have the numbers behind us to fight on Capitol Hill every day to ensure that our troops not only get the equipment and training they need to fulfill their duties, but also to ensure they are treated properly and receive the benefits they deserve upon returning home. Fighting to keep the VA hospital in Hot Springs to ensure that top rated PTSD program is kept where Veterans get the most help. If you are a veteran who has served during any of the conflicts of our Nation, you are likely qualified to be a member of the American Legion. We invite you to come to our Post meetings in your local communities, get to know us and I am sure you will find there is something here for you.