American Legion Mobilizes Nationwide Military Support Network

WASHINGTON, D.C. — An intense nationwide effort is underway by the American Legion to assist families of American service persons whose deployment in response to the heinous acts of terrorism in New York and Washington, D.C., seems inevitable.

The American Legion toll-free telephone number, 800-504-4098, is available to family members and military personnel around the clock.

“Our members know what family separation is like and the unexpected problems it can bring. The Family Support Network is a volunteer effort that works to ease those problems,” said AL National Commander Richard J. Santos.

Calls are processed and referred to members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of The American Legion in the communities where military families reside. These hometown volunteers will attempt to assist the family members. Callers are expected to provide their name, the city and state they are calling from, and telephone numbers where they can be reached. In most cases, they will receive a return call within two working days.

The Family Support Network coordinates with family service personnel at military bases and state headquarters for National Guard and Reserve units to monitor specific needs and to avoid duplication of effort.

During the Persian Gulf War, The American Legion Family Support Network handled more than 34,000 telephone calls and provided a variety of services for family members. Support included such everyday needs as cutting grass, child care and minor home repairs to the extraordinary efforts of teaching a family member how to drive, rescuing a car from a police impound lot, and even delivering a car from Texas to Maryland, at no charge to the military family.