American Legion 100 Years of Dedication

One of nation's largest veterans organizations, American Legion celebrates 100 years
The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) (Tribune News Service)
By Tom Roeder
Published: September 18, 2016

Additionally, it provides educational programs for students and its post are loaded with community volunteers - its 2.4 million members provide nearly 4 million hours of community service annually - which Schmidt thinks could be key for growing the Legion.

The American Legion is hoping its upcoming 100th birthday will bring renewal to one of the nation's largest and quickly graying veterans organizations.

The Legion's national commander, Charles Schmidt, said during a weeklong Colorado visit that he wants the organization to focus on its accomplishments and press forward with programs for children in a bid to draw younger veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan to its ranks.

"That's where the rubber meets the road," said Schmidt, an Air Force retiree from eastern Oregon.

Schmidt, who served nearly 27 years in the Air Force, said he was a reluctant Legionnaire at the start.
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