American Legion, Post #6 Atchison

Goal: $8,030.00

Specific Need

The American Legion Post #6 is in need of a new facility. The past three years we have seen a significate increase in young veteran members, the Women's Auxiliary and the Sons of American Legion members. With this growth our existing facility has become inadequate and does not meet our current needs or requirements.  Those needs include a conference room for meetings and official ceremonies; an office for our Commander and Adjutant to tend to overall operations of the post and membership; a larger clubroom for social gatherings increasing our occupancy capacity; additional storage room for the Legion Programs (i.e. Memorial Day Wreaths, Historical Items, Youth Award Programs, Auxiliary and Sons of American Legion Storage (Baseball Program; Items for Fund Raisers, and Clubroom Storage, just to mention a few requirements). 

Mission

The American Legion's Mission Statement:  To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion's vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” The American Legion's value principles are as follows:

A VETERAN IS A VETERAN - which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.

SELFLESS SERVICE - which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America.

AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM - which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities.

ADVANCING THE VISION - which means The American Legion educates, mentors and leads new generations of Americans.

HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US - which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.

The American Legion's motto:  "Veterans Strengthening America."

Profile

The American Legion is a nationwide organization of U.S. war veterans founded after World War I. Although the main headquarters is in Indianapolis, Indiana, and serves as the largest wartime veterans service organization in the country advocating for the needs of veterans, service members, and their families. The American Legion is a non-profit Veterans Organization that promotes patriotism through various programs and member benefits, and it comprises state, U.S. territory and overseas departments. The American Legion in Atchison is an integral part of this nationwide organization and works diligently to assist local veterans, families and our local community.

American Legion Community Programs in Atchison County

1. Adopt-a-Foster Child Christmas Program - Provided 15 foster children with suitcases and over 100 gift cards to brighten their holidays.
2. American Legion Golf Tournament - Organized a golf event to raise funds for families facing financial hardship.
3. ATV Rides for a Cause - Hosted two ATV rides that raised funds for children battling cancer and other serious diseases.
4. Cadet Law Enforcement - The program is available to male and female high school students who have completed their junior year of high school and are in good academic standing.
5. Citizenship Day – One day set aside for Junior and Senior High School Students to tour the County Court house and learn about County Laws, Rules and Procedures.
6. Donation to Boy Scouts of America - Contributed $100 to support local Boy Scout.
7. Donated to Project Concern - Contributed $100 to support Project Concern projects.
8. Donation to Salvation Army - Contributed $100 to support the annual Duck Race fundraiser.
9. Easter Egg Hunt - Organized a county-wide Easter event for children ages 0–13, creating a fun and safe celebration for local families.
10. Emergency Support for Cancer Victim (Mother of 3 small children) - Provided over $6,000 to the family of their mother that passed away from cancer.
11. Emergency Support for Fire Victims - Provided household supplies and support to local families impacted by fires.
12. Emergency Support for Veteran Injured on the Job – Raised $3000 for Veteran and father of five and his wife.
13. Fish Fry & Testicle Festival - Held a community event to raise funds for a new American Legion building.
14. Funeral Assistance - Offered financial support to local families facing unexpected funeral expenses.
15. Legion Baseball Games - Sponsored six games, providing teens opportunities for athletic development and community involvement.
16. Meals with a Veteran - Hosted a summer meal series where veterans were provided free meals and others paid $10 per plate to raise funds for emergency support within the community.
17. Memorial Day Ceremonies - Honored veterans by placing flags and wreaths on graves in every Atchison County cemetery.
18. No Veteran Left Behind Program - Fund raised to assist veteran families in need, including a $3,000 contribution to a disabled veteran with five children.
19. Oratorical Contest - For students enrolled in a high school or junior high school (public, parochial, military, private or home school).
20. Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser for Legion Baseball - Supported youth by funding competitive summer baseball opportunities. This event helps promote leadership, teamwork, and healthy activity for teens.
21. Paul Komarek Community Scholarship - Awarded a $250 scholarship to a graduating Atchison High School student pursuing trade school education in honor of a beloved shop teacher.
22. Quilt Raffle Fundraiser - Generated proceeds benefiting the fire department’s kids' classes, Boys & Girls Club, Legion Baseball, and local youth housing.
23. Santa Claus Workshop - Created a magical holiday experience for children, distributing over 600 gifts in the community.
24. School Awards and Honorable Mention Program - Awarded Certificates and Medallions to Junior or Senior for meeting characteristics outlined by the American Legion.
25. St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Participated in the community-wide celebration to support local tradition and civic pride.
26. Trunk or Treat - Hosted a safe and fun Halloween event for local children, involving the entire community. 
27. Veteran Banner Program - Displayed banners in downtown Atchison honoring past and present veterans.
28. Veterans Assistance for the Veterans Administration (VA) - Assist Veterans in applying for VA Medical Benefits

$20,500.00 received
in 5 gifts 255.29%  of  $8,030.00 Goal