In thinking about what would be interesting to write about in this column, I often go to ChatGPT and ask “what happened in history during this week that would be interesting to veterans.” What came up this week was the start of what became the American Legion. Apparently, the American Expeditionary Forces stationed in France began discussing the idea of forming a permanent organization for veterans of WW I in 1918. The next year, 1919, a caucus of veterans in St. Louis formally established the Legion. From the beginning, the organization focused on national security, veterans’ benefits, patriotism, youth programs, and community service. Today it remains one of the nation’s largest veterans’ organizations.

That just led me to look into the history of other veteran service organizations. Five of the most well-known national veterans service organizations, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, AMVETS, and the Military Officers Association of America, each grew out of the needs of those who served.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) traces its roots to veterans of the Spanish–American War and the Philippine–American War. Several small veterans’ groups formed in 1899 to support soldiers who had served overseas. These groups eventually merged in 1914 to create the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The organization has long advocated for veterans’ medical care, compensation, and benefits, helping shape many of the programs’ veterans rely on today.

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) was founded in 1920 by veterans who had been wounded or disabled during World War I. The organization’s mission was to ensure that disabled veterans received medical care, rehabilitation, and fair treatment from the government. Over the past century, DAV has played a major role in advocating for improved veterans’ health care and disability compensation.

The AMVETS, originally known as American Veterans of World War II, was founded in 1944 while the war was still underway. Its founders wanted an organization open to all veterans who had served honorably, regardless of where they had served. AMVETS has since become an important voice in Washington on issues such as National Security, veterans’ benefits and support for military and veteran families.

Finally, the Military Officers Association of America traces its beginnings to 1929 when it was established as the Retired Officers Association. Created to represent the interests of career military officers and their families, the organization later expanded its membership and mission. Today MOAA advocates issues of national security, and all earned benefits for active-duty military, veterans (officers and enlisted), their families and survivors.

The American Legion, DAV, and VFW have very important, specific roles in Maine.  Each have a “Service Officer” trained in helping veterans get the benefits they deserve, and each is located at Togus. The Paralyzed Veterans of American and the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services also have trained staff at Togus to help with benefits.

At the national level, each have lobbyists who work tirelessly for legislation important to veterans and National Security. I have and will address those efforts going forward.