The American Legion
Headquarters Overview
The American Legion is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization. While the organization maintains a significant legislative presence in Washington, D.C., its official National Headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dual-Office Structure:
- National Headquarters (Indianapolis, IN): The administrative hub of the organization. It houses the National Commander’s office, internal affairs, membership processing, and the American Legion Library and Museum.
- Washington Office (Washington, D.C.): Located at 1608 K Street NW, this office focuses on legislative advocacy, veterans’ benefits, and national security policy. It serves as the base for the Legion’s interactions with the White House and Congress.
Mission & The “Four Pillars”
Chartered by Congress in 1919, the American Legion focuses its service and advocacy on four founding pillars:
- Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation: Advocating for proper healthcare, processing VA claims, and ensuring veterans receive earned benefits.
- National Security: Supporting a strong national defense and quality of life for active-duty troops.
- Americanism: Promoting patriotism and good citizenship through flag education and community service.
- Children & Youth: Sponsoring programs that ensure the well-being of America’s youth.
Key Programs
The American Legion sponsors thousands of local posts and several nationally recognized programs, including:
- American Legion Baseball: One of the country’s most prominent amateur baseball leagues.
- Boys State & Boys Nation: A premier participatory government instruction program for high school students.
- Operation Comfort Warriors: Providing non-medical comfort items to recovering wounded warriors.
Membership Eligibility
Following the passage of the LEGION Act in 2019, membership is open to any person who has served in the federal military branches of the United States since December 7, 1941, and has been honorably discharged or is currently serving on active duty.
Alabama 
Alaska 
Arizona 
Arkansas 
California 
Colorado 
Connecticut 
Delaware 
District of Columbia 
Florida 
Georgia 
Hawaii 
Idaho 
Illinois 
Indiana 
Iowa 
Kansas 
Kentucky 
Louisiana 
Maine 
Maryland 
Massachusetts 
Michigan 
Minnesota 
Mississippi 
Missouri 
Montana 
Nebraska 
Nevada 
New Hampshire 
New Jersey 
New Mexico 
New York 
North Carolina 
North Dakota 
Ohio 
Oklahoma 
Oregon 
Pennsylvania 
Rhode Island 
South Carolina 
South Dakota 
Tennessee 
Texas 
Utah 
Vermont 
Virginia 
Washington 
West Virginia 
Wisconsin 
Wyoming