Why join the American Legion - the oldest and, with nearly 3 million members worldwide, largest veterans group?  Old veterans may dominate Legion meetings, but with increasing numbers of new recruits, appeal reaches a second generation.

Robert Donaldson, Rainier Post commander and recruiter for the fourth district, which covers much of Western Washington, explains the healthy growth with several factors. One of those is the Legion Riders, formed fairly recently as compared with its parent American Legion, which was chartered by Congress in 1919.

"That is where we're getting most of the new vets," Donaldson claimed, "through our Riders program."  The Web site for the University Place Post agrees stating, " ... our membership grew, not from current legion members, but many joined the American Legion to become members of the American Legion Riders.  A very conservative estimate would say that over half of our current membership joined the American Legion to enable them to join the Riders."

The site also mentions the family-friendly goal of the Legion that perhaps attracts greater numbers. "The American Legion Riders is not a M/C (motorcycle club) ... .  Riders is family-oriented, just as its parent organization: the American Legion."  Donaldson attests to concerns of would-be recruits over the Legion atmosphere, and he proudly professes that none of the fourth district posts offer a bar.

Another veteran, Sgt. Chris Dewey, who serves with the National Guard and deployed to Iraq with the 81st brigade twice, says he joined the Legion to support the legislation it brings before Congress.  Recently, the Legion helped push a bill that President Obama signed to raise military pay.

"Anything that benefits the soldiers the American Legion is behind - whether it be pay raises, housing, medical.  The American Legion is the voice in Washington, D.C., for the soldiers," Dewey said. "Being part of the American Legion, you actually have a voice in Congress."

The American Legion also actively serves locally as the fourth district's stated purpose avows: "to aid and support families of deployed service members throughout the District area both with financial assistance and assistance in kind."  The American Legion is considered by many as a patriotic, mutual-help, wartime veterans' organization.

"They help the families of soldiers and Legion members," Dewey praised. "... We all served so we know what it is like to be serving instead of someone ... that doesn't realize the sacrifices that have been made."

Some of the programs the American Legion heads or supports include: Operation: Military Kids, which garners community resources for children of deployed parents; temporary financial assistance; American Legacy Scholarship Fund for children of those who give their lives while serving our country; local post adoption of military units or families, hosting picnics or giving awards to outstanding troops, etc.; assistance for injured veterans; and the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, which is dedicated to children needing special care.

The American Legion has a 24-hour, nationwide toll-free number for military and family to call for any assistance from child care to fixing the family car. The number is (800) 504-4098 or (866) 908-6999 locally.