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 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.
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’s American Legacy Scholarship a reality.

            The Pony Express was resurrected to provide a means by which thousands of people could participate in the support of the American Legion and its programs for veterans and their families. The Pony Express is simply a network, established and maintained to support The American Legion charities by transferring donations from one Pony Express Station to another through large areas, states, or nationally.

            As such, ONLY The American Legion National Commander, Department Commanders, or both can activate the Pony Express. The name Pony Express was chosen because in the hearts of Americans it continues to represent the spirit of America and the romance of the Old West. The Pony Express is still an icon that strikes the imagination of patriotic Americans. By resurrecting the Pony Express we are setting in motion a historic project that will impact the lives of our troops, veterans, and their families for years to come.

            The American Legion Riders, California Chapter 149 will be riding to Reno beginning August 22, 2007 to deliver funds collected from District 22.  Please make your checks out to “The American Legion Riders” and send them to:

American Legion Riders

230 Park Avenue

Escondido, CA 92025

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