As an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi Freedom and America's war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families. In most cases, this also means their chances to attend college have greatly diminished. Children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college education. But it's not enough.

We are raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families. Providing for the children our military personnel left behind is our civic duty. An education is a powerful way to show our thanks. That is why we have established the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. But we need your help.

A Critical Gap

The American Legion fights to see that our active-duty military personnel and their families are looked after. But despite our efforts, recent years have seen a significant shortfall in dollars allotted by our government. The educational benefit provided to surviving children is one of these critical gaps.

The total survivor benefit for these children is slightly more than $37,000 to be used for a college education. In today's dollars, this benefit will pay little more than half of what a college education costs in the most affordable situation. This gap widens when considering the cost of a college education in the future. The most conservative estimate is that costs will increase by 5 percent per year, meaning that in 16 years, the most affordable college education will be $105,800. Military compensation will not keep up with these dramatic increases.

Join Our Effort

Money provided by law simply has not kept up with what a higher education costs today, let alone what college will cost in years to come. Remember, these children are the direct descendants of people who died protecting our country. Their parents made the ultimate sacrifice. The least we can do is make sure they are provided for.

We need your help to make The American Legion American Legacy Scholarship a reality. Too many men and women in uniform have died in the fight to preserve our nation's freedoms. Together, we can make sure their children have the opportunity these parents were unable to provide. We encourage you to give generously to The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. Help us to bridge the gap and restore the faith of these special children.

Send your Tax-Deductible Contributions To:

The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund
P.O. Box 1055
Indianapolis, IN 46206

Eligibility:

Child/Children, or legally adopted child/children, of active duty United States military and Guard, and Reserve personnel who were federalized and died on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Must be a high school senior or high school graduate to apply for the scholarship. Scholarship is for undergraduate study at a U.S. school of higher education.

Aid Offered:

The amount and number of awards depends upon the income derived from the trust. Scholarship recipients may reapply for the award.

Click here to obtain an application click here.

Deadline: Application must be post marked not later than April 15th. For information about additional American Legion scholarships and college financial aid click here. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund   Bob Caudell, Program Coordinator (317) 630-1212, Contact Bob Caudell Donate to the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund and get a limited edition Ruptured Duck" Lapel Button for a donation of $10.00 or more. The American Legacy Scholarship Fund Corporate Sponsors KA-BAR Knives, Inc. The Wonder of Creation Little Treasure Publications 9/11 National Remembrance Flag Lincoln Mercury Michael Peterson Spirit of Liberty Foundation Samsung American Legion Scholarship Samsung, a worldwide leader in electronics, endowed a scholarship fund of five million dollars to be administered by The American Legion. The endowment was made to show appreciation to U.S. veterans who came to the aid of Korea during its struggle against communist forces during the Korean War. "The Samsung American Legion Scholarship Program" established a series of scholarships derived from interest and other income from the $5,000,000 principal amount. In 2007, ten $20,000 scholarships and 88 $1,000 scholarships were awarded. For additional information and contests available from Samsung, Click here. Eligibility: High school juniors who participate in and complete either an American Legion Boys State or American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program and be a direct descendant, i.e. child, grandchild, great grandchild, etc. or a legally adopted child, of a U.S. wartime veteran who served on active duty during one or more of the periods of war officially designated as eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion by the United States government: WW I -- April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918; WW II -- December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946; Korean War -- June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955; Vietnam War -- February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975; Lebanon and Grenada -- August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984; Panama -- December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990 and Persian Gulf War -- August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities as determined by the United States government. Deadline: Normally the application is submitted to program staff upon arrival at your respective Boys/Girls State program. Scholarship: The scholarship is for undergraduate study only and may be used for: tuition, books, fees, and room and board. The selection of the scholarship winners will be based, in part, upon the following criteria: academic record; involvement in school activities; involvement in community activities; community service; financial need and additional bonus points in the selection process will be awarded to descendants of U.S. veterans of the Korean War. Application The application is available as a PDF file CLICK HERE. The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest Scholarship awards are presented to the three finalists in the Final Round of the National Contest as follows: 1st place -- $18,000 2nd place --$16,000 3rd place -- $14,000 Each Department (State) winner who is certified into and participates in the first round of the National Contest will receive a $1,500 scholarship. Each first round winner who advances to and participates in the second round, but does not advance to the Final Round, will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship to pursue education beyond high school. The scholarships awarded by the National Organization of The American Legion to the three finalists, to the Department winners, and to the first round winners who are eliminated during the second round of competition may be used to attend any college or university in the United States. Funds for the scholarships awarded by the National Organization are provided by The American Legion Life Insurance Fund. In addition to the scholarships award by the National Organization, there are several hundred scholarships awarded at the discretion of the intermediate organizations, to participants at Post, District or County, and Department levels of competition. Eagle Scout of the Year The American Legion annually honors The American Legion Eagle Scout of the Year at its National Convention. The winner of the competition receives an $10,000 scholarship and the three runners-up each are awarded $2,500 scholarships. Further information is available from Department Adjutants, or the Americanism and Children & Youth Division: The American Legion P.O. Box 1055. Indianapolis, IN 46206 2008 Application Need a Lift? The cornerstone of The American Legion's Education Assistance Program is its scholarship and financial aid guide This 122-page booklet, updated annually, is a complete financial aid reference guide for veterans, veterans' dependents and members of The American Legion family. Need a Lift? contains: Federal and state veterans' benefits Possible scholarships for veterans and their dependents Possible scholarships for Legionnaires and their families "Tips" on how to apply for admission to college and assistance with the financial aid process A comprehensive listing of colleges and universities, to include: basic information on tuition, room and board cost, and admission and financial aid deadlines Information on careers and a bibliography of resource materials To search and print entries found in Need A Lift? for free, go to: www.needalift.org or To receive a copy of "Need a Lift?" Send a $4.95 check or money order to: Need a Lift? National Emblem Sales P.O. Box 1050 Indianapolis, IN 46206 For Credit Card Orders Only Call 1-888-453-4466 The Eight and Forty Lung and Respiratory Nursing Scholarship Fund Established to assist registered nurses (RN) with advanced preparation for positions in supervision, administration or teaching. Students are to have prospects of being employed in specific positions in hospitals, clinics or health departments on completion of their education and the position must have a full-time and direct relationship to lung and respiratory control. Scholarship awards are $2,500 each. Full details may be secured from the local Eight and Forty Scholarship Chairman or The American Legion Education Program, Attn: Eight and Forty Scholarships, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Deadline: May 15 and awards announced on July 1. Shooting Sports The Shooting Sports program awards a $500 scholarship to the State Winners in the Sporter and Precision Categories and also in the Team Category. An additional $500 is awarded to those who compete in the National Finals. Awards are also made at the National Finals. Click here for information. Deadline January 1, 2008   JROTC Cadet of the Year  The American Legion Department of Florida now offers a JROTC Cadet of the Year Scholarship for high school JROTC cadets who are in their senior year.    The winner receives $2,500, 2nd $1,500, 3rd $1,000 and 4th - 5th receive $500.00.  Click here for more information. Deadline: March 1, 2008