MISSION
To enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion’s vision statement is “The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.
VETERANS
Which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.
VALUES
This means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.
HONOR
This means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.
Our Top Priorities
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state, and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation’s veteran’s community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership.
GERALD W. PITTS P.F.C. 126 Inf. 32nd Div. World War II
Born Aug. 6, 1919 – Died Dec. 11,1942
Gerald N. Pitts was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Hiram Pitts of Fork Twp., Mecosta County, Michigan.
Gerald had three brothers and one sister. Two of these brothers, also, served our country during WWII. Carl Pitts was with the Army in Europe and Wayne Pitts served in the Navy with the Pacific Fleet.
Gerald, after attending school in Barryton, joined the National Guard in Big Rapids. In October of 1940, the National Guard unit was called to active duty.
This National Guard unit, after field training in the Louisiana swamps, was ordered to New Guinea. Gerald was the first WWII casualty from the Barryton, Mi. area.
Veteran Crisis Line
Signed into law in 2020, the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act authorized 988 as the new three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
All telephone service providers in the U.S. must activate the number no later than July 2022; however, many providers will choose to implement the service sooner.
Once a Veteran’s telephone service provider makes 988 available, Veterans can use this new option by dialing 988 and pressing 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line.
Veterans may still reach the Veterans Crisis Line with the current phone number — 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 — by text (838255), and through chat.
