VA&R means the complete restoration of the veteran and his family to normal function and adjustment, physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally for the fullest possible life, compatible with his abilities and disabilities.
The VA&R work of the American Legion Auxiliary includes bringing physical comfort and mental cheer to veterans in hospitals, aiding the disabled to earn money for the support of themselves and their families, and helping them to reestablish themselves in life. The American Legion Auxiliary cooperates with The American Legion in ALL its endeavors on behalf of veterans.
To carry out the VA&R work effectively, a complete organization extending from the Unit to the National organization is necessary. Years of experience in rehabilitation have brought about systematizing of the activities which has proven to be the most efficient way to aid the different classes of disabled veterans. Unit VA&R workers should become familiar with the Department and National VA&R organizations and be able to use the services of theses groups when necessary. Units should work closely with the VA&R Committees of their American Legion Posts and with other agencies in the community from which aid for the disabled is available
Homeless Veterans (P.I.E.R. Center)
Once a week, the ladies of Unit 716, provide a hot meal and volunteer to help with the homeless Veterans at the Long Beach Veterans Affairs PIER (Partnership In Effective Recovery). The PIER sees about 20-25 Veterans a day. About two-thirds of the Veterans are homeless. It’s a peer-managed and peer-run mental health recovery drop-in center. It is the only one of its kind on the west coast. In addition to the weekly casseroles donated by our ladies auxiliary, the Veterans are able to do laundry, take showers, receive snacks and counseling. We are continuously asking for donations of clothing, toiletries items, snack foods, and any other in-kind donation for these Veterans. For more information on volunteering or to make a donation to the PIER Center, please contact Tammi Bell at (909) 331-5033 or email: ontariobell@gmail.com.
Women Veterans
Click here to see number of female Veterans by state.
Click here to see the 25 most frequently asked questions regarding VA Health Benefits for women.
HEROES TO HOMETOWN
"Heroes to Hometowns" is a transition program for severely injured service members returning home from OEF/OIF. "Heroes to Hometowns" establishes a support network and coordinates resources for those servicemembers. Last year The American Legion's Heroes to Hometowns Program assisted over 1,100 veterans.
If you are a servicemember, veteran, or family member of a servicemember or veteran who has been severely injured, please fill out the Heroes to Hometowns assistance request form.
Heroes to Hometowns can provide:
A Welcome-home celebration
Temporary Financial Assistance
Pro-bono financial planning
Housing assistance
Home and vehicle adaptation
Government claims assistance
Entertainment options
Family support
(If you are not severely injured and are in need of general transition assistance or support, you may also fill out the request form or contact your American Legion department service officer (DSO) or your local American Legion post ).
More than 100 cyclists ride down the Santa Monica Pier concluding the Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge was a seven-day, 450-mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the California coast. The event raised funds for cycling programs that aid the rehabilitation and recovery efforts of injured veterans, including R2R indoor Spinning¨ Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and Veterans Affairs locations nationwide. More than 2,000 veterans have benefited from these rehabilitation programs. Golden State Challenge cyclists, including veterans using hand cycles, recumbents and traditional road bikes, will start their journey from the Holiday Inn at the San Francisco International Airport and ride along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway with overnight stops in Santa Cruz, Carmel, San Simeon, Pismo Beach, Solvang and Ventura. The wounded warriors and others riding in support arrived at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, Oct. 8, to a large a cheerful croud, heavily supported by the American Legion Auxiliary and supporters.
