Veterans Serving Veterans
Department of Alabama AMVETS
Veterans Serving Veterans
About AMVETS
History
As one of America's foremost veterans service organizations, the American Veterans (AMVETS) has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. The helping hand that AMVETS extends to veterans and their families takes many forms.
One of the most visible is our network of trained National Service Officers (NSOs) accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, these dedicated men and women can be found in close to 40 states, providing sound advice and prompt action on compensation claims at no charge to the veteran.
In one recent year alone, AMVETS NSOs processed more than 24,000 claims that resulted in veterans receiving some $400 million in compensation. This commitment to service traces its roots back to 1948, when our NSOs first began helping veterans of World War II to obtain the benefits promised them by the federal government.
Coincidentally, it was these returning veterans who provided the impetus for forming AMVETS in the first place. At the time, many of them belonged to veterans clubs on college campuses. As the number of returnees swelled into the millions, it was evident that some sort of nationally organized assistance for them would be needed. The older established national groups wouldn't do; the leaders of this new generation of veterans wanted their own organization.
With that in mind, eighteen of them, representing nine veterans clubs, met in Kansas City, Mo., and founded The American Veterans of World War II on Dec. 10, 1944. Less than three years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress.
Since then, the original charter has been amended several times to admit as members those who served in different eras. Today, membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, to include the National Guard and Reserves.
As a volunteer-led organization, we annually elect and/or appoint officers at the national, district, department and post levels. Each August, representatives from these levels attend the AMVETS national convention to make decisions on issues affecting veterans and the organization.
Over the years, AMVETS has been in the forefront of public-policy related to national defense, services for homeless veterans, adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability compensation by disabled military retirees, veterans employment and training, POW/MIA accountability and flag protection.
In addition to the work of our national service officers, other AMVETS members, as well as those in the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, will devote as many as 250,000 hours of free time a year to brighten the lives of hospitalized veterans. Here, something as simple as playing cards with the lonely or watching television with the disabled can make a world of difference.
So can the assistance we give those who want to finish their education. Each year AMVETS awards scholarships totaling $40,000 to deserving high school seniors, ROTC students and veterans pursuing higher education.
But helping others is not limited to our fellow veterans. AMVETS members in more than 1,400 posts nationwide also promote and support "quality of life" community-service programs ranging from Special Olympics and ROTC to scouting and organ-donor projects.
Apart from these initiatives, the organization has thrown its monetary support behind work on such national monuments as the USS. Arizona, the Statue of Liberty and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It also sponsors its own carillon program to honor America's deceased servicemen and women. Since 1949, when President Truman dedicated the first carillon at Arlington National Cemetery, this program has grown to encompass more than 60 sites in the United States and overseas.
Another tribute unique to AMVETS is the Silver Helmet Award, often referred to as the Veterans Oscar. A replica of the World War II GI helmet, this prestigious award is presented annually to recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields.
As the organization moves further into the 21st century, it does so with the conviction that its focus on preserving freedom, supporting America's defenders and serving her communities remains a clear blueprint for continued service to God and country.
Programs
Our motto is "Veterans Serving Veterans" which is accomplished through our programs. Being involved in AMVETS is not just attending monthly meetings but getting involved and helping your fellow veteran. They be older or younger than you but they served our nation with honorable and faithful service. Perhaps they are just down on their luck or going through a tough readjustment to "normal" life. AMVETS stands in the gap to ensure no one is "left behind" and they receive the care and help they need. Won’t you help us help our brothers and sisters in arms?
- AMVETS Task Force DVD - Collecting new or used DVDs to sent to our Troops overseas. Posts promote the AMVETS Taskforce DVD program and contribute cash for the purpose of mailing DVDs to our Troops.
- AMVETS Against Drugs and Alcohol Abuse (AADAA) - Supporting a local community group working with a "recovery" program.
- Americanism - Poster and Essay Contest, Parades, Public Ceremonies, etc.
- Blood Drives - Sponsoring/hosting a community blood drive on behalf of the American Red Cross or providing members to donate for other community sponsored drives.
- Clothing and Food - Proving or helping veterans with clothing and/or food items.
- Fund Raising - Used to finance post programs.
- Homeless Veterans - Conducting or supporting Stand Downs, counseling, donations to agencies working on behalf of Homeless Veterans, participating in a community Continuum of Care.
- Honor Flight Network - Transport America's veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit those memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.
- Military Funeral Honors - For Posts with volunteers and/or formal Honor Guards that participate in conducting MFH for our veterans at any cemetery. Special programs on military & veterans holidays. Maintenance on markers/graves.
- Prisoner Of War/Missing In Action (POW/MIA) - Provide support to families, conduct POW/MIA ceremonies at community military and veterans gatherings.
- Reserve Officer Training Corps - Donating, presenting the AMVETS ROTC awards and/or conducting JROTC drill competitions.
- Operation S.A.V.E. - A VA program that prepares the lay person to be able to act with care and compassion if they encounter a person who is suicidal. Posts participate in the "awareness program" and secure materials from the VA to disseminate in their local communities.
- Scholarships - Awards by Posts and/or Department, and disseminate information and applications for AMVETS National Scholarships.
- Support for National Guard Troops - Support and assistance provided to local National Guard units, troops and family members from mobilization - deployment - return to station.
- Support Our Troops - Conducting deployment farewells and returning celebrations, providing assistance to families by helping with children, doing repairs, etc. Providing financial assistance for phone cards, voices from home, and time/money directly to base family support units. Mailing care packages, etc.
- Veterans History Project - Facilitating the gathering of Veterans stories in an organized manner and within the parameters established by the Library of Congress.
- Vietnam War 50th Commemoration - Posts conduct a minimum of two events each year.
- White Clover - The sale of the AMVETS White Clovers for the specific purpose of raising funds to assist our hospitalized veterans.
- Women Veterans and Service Members - Programs and activities supported or conducted specifically to assisting women veterans or women service members.
- Community Service - Posts get involved in their local communities and help with fund drives, local events and parades.
- Legislative Activity - Post involved with state legislative work on behalf of veterans and/or work in support of specific veteran legislative issues in the state or on Capitol Hill.
- Membership Activity/Drives - Post are only as strong as their membership is. It is important to focus on quality members and not just getting members. Ask them what they can do for AMVETS opposed to What does AMVETS do for me.
- Veteran Service/Claim Activity - Helping veterans get appointments for a specific facility and/or contacts made for referrals. Veterans transported to VA Medical Centers, etc
Benefits
AMVETS membership entitles you to an ever-growing number of benefits through our partners and sponsors. Any member in good standing can take advantage of the offers listed on the next page (click the link for current listing).
Membership
If you are a currently serving or Honorably Discharged United States Armed Forces service member (including reserve or guard), you are eligible for membership with the American Veterans (AMVETS).
Contact your local post or the Department of Alabama to join.