Letter from Commander Jere Romano

My fellow Legionnaires,

While I recognize that the majority of the Posts across the state are still recovering from the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am tasked to ask you to find it within yourselves to reach down and continue to further support our programs as your generosity creates a lifelong impact in the lives of so many veterans and their families.

In 2018 and 2019 TAL National Executive Committee (NEC) passed a resolution to raise $25 million for the National Veterans and Children’s Fund (VCF). Below is some information respective usage of funds from VCF.

The VCF supports:

• One-time Temporary Financial Assistance grants for military families with young children in the home who are experiencing financial hardship. These grants are used to cover housing, utilities, food, and other basic needs.
• Covers the cost to train 3,000 accreddited service officers who work continuously to cover more than 750,000 benefits claims for disabled veterans and their families, free of charge.

The Department of California’s obligation in contribution to this worthy endeavor is calculated at $149,973.26. In order to assist California in reaching this goal, fundraisers have taken place since 2020, such as 100 Miles of Hope, and other activities helping raise $85,023.74. However, the remaining balance of $64,949.52 still needs to be contributed towards this commitment.

To this end, it is the recommendation of California’s VCF Steering Committee members that each Post donate $1 per member, as determined by June 1, 2023 report. Please assist in funding the VCF by writing a check with National VCF in the memo, and mail to Department Headquarters or present your Post contribution at our State Convention in Visalia in June.

Thank you in advance for considering this request and I look forward to continuing to serve you.

~ Semper Fidelis
Jere L. Romano
The American Legion Department of California