New bill opens membership eligibility for American Legion

President Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill at the end of July expanding eligibility for membership in the largest and most politically influential veterans service organization in the U.S., prompting celebration in Wyoming, whose veterans comprise almost 9% of the population, according to an Aug. 4 release from the Department of Wyoming American Legion.
Prior to the “LEGION Act,” if veterans wanted to join The American Legion, they had to have served during one of the six federally designated eras dating back to America’s declaration of war on Germany during World War I. Because The American Legion is a congressionally chartered veterans service organization, Congress determines its membership eligibility. 
More than 20% of the veterans in Wyoming served between these war eras, and, according to the release, the new law will open up eligibility in The American Legion to more than 10 thousand veterans in Wyoming alone. 
Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming co-sponsored the bill that was introduced by Arizona Sen. Krysten Sinema, who brought forth the original bill in February. Congress passed S.504 on July 23. 
“Wyoming’s veterans deserve to be recognized for their service to our country,” said Barrasso. “The LEGION Act will ensure that this long overdue honor is given to thousands of Wyoming’s veterans who were previously excluded from joining the American Legion. I’m proud to have co-sponsored this bipartisan bill in the Senate and am pleased it has officially been signed into law by President Trump.” 
Mike Cooke, commander of The American Legion Department of Wyoming, talked about why the new law was a welcome change. 
“The inherent problem we faced for too long was the stigma of inequality of service. Many of our members come from a rich family tradition of military service, following in their parents’ and grandparents’ footsteps in defense of this great nation. Knowing firsthand that some did not qualify for membership into The American Legion because their service was during non-recognized periods of conflict, ‘The Cold War,’ was disheartening to myself and a majority of The American Legion Family,” Cooke said on Monday. “With President Trump signing the Legion Act into law, these newly eligible members are finally getting the recognition they rightfully deserve, and I for one am eager to welcome them to The American Legion Family!” 
Now that the legislation has been signed, The American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from six war eras to two — April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 — to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed. Many of the gaps between those recognized eligibility periods were during the Cold War, when an estimated 1,600 U.S. service members were killed or wounded in hostile operations. 
Doug Hensala, adjutant of the Department of Wyoming, had high praise for the
new law. 
“The LEGION Act is great for veterans in so many ways but most importantly it recognizes the sacrifices of veterans who served this great nation during times of continued conflict though not recognized as such,” Hensala said. “It honors all who have served and now will have the opportunity to continue that service as members of The American Legion.” 
Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion works to serve the community, state and nation through its four pillars of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Americanism, Children & Youth, and National Security. Chartered the same year, the Department of Wyoming works to serve the almost 51,000 veterans currently living in the state. 
Anyone who wishes to join The American Legion can contact their local American Legion Post or Dept. of Wyoming American Legion, 1320 Hugur Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001, or call 307-634-3035.