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.

The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest

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.