Michigan Legion Media Room

Gary Tanner Chairman, Department Reconnect Committee What is Reconnect?  Believe it or not, I still get asked this question while traveling around our state.  The Department of Michigan Reconnect Committee has been developing and implementing comprehensive, innovative Troop and Family Support Services as well as temporary financial assistance for unforeseen hardships.  Even with the force drawdowns and decreases in Michigan National Guard deployments, our requests for assistance have continued to increase each year.  Last year our committee received more than $100,000 in privately funded donations and provided more than $90,000 in assistance.  That’s right!  You read those figures correctly.  In addition, an astounding 100 percent of every dollar received by the Reconnect Committee’s programs goes right back out to the families we assist!  Thanks to the Michigan American Legion Foundation, every donation is 100 percent tax deductible too....

ACO Hardware collects over $50,000 for the Wounded and Returning Warriors of Michigan! (LANSING –AUG 13, 2013)  -  This year ACO Hardware and their generous customers outdid themselves. For the fourth straight year, from Memorial Day through July 4th, ACO stores accepted donations on behalf of the American Legion and the Wounded and Returning Warrior Program that assist returning military members and their families. Pictured with the check are from left, Gary Tanner and State Commander Raymond Moore, American Legion Department of Michigan, and Cody Brigham, Store Manager, and Wayne Burns, Director of Operations from ACO . Cody and his staff at the Chelsea ACO were the top store in the chain for donations. The store received a Certificate of Appreciation Plaque from the American Legion for their outstanding effort to this cause. Congratulations to Cody and his staff!              “The money raised help...

“ Tight Lines   for Troops” A day of great fishing Do you know a WWII or disabled veteran who could use a day on the lake?  A veteran who might need a day of fun, who maybe suffering from the “Invisible Wounds”? NOTE:  If the veteran does not think they can afford to go, contact them they have scholarships. The 3rd Annual Veterans Charity Trout Fishing Tournament – Manistee Army National Guard Armory , Manistee, Michigan; Mandatory Captains Meeting is May 18th, Tournament, BBQ, Classic Car Show, River Walk, and Awards Banquet is Saturday, May 19th. The car show and weigh-in show are “Open to the Public” from 12 noon to 3:00 pm. Please visit   www.tightlinesfortroops.com   for Registration and Sponsorship Forms and more information. In honor of Team Army’s victory in the Governor’s Cup competition with the other branches, the third version of the Tight Lines coin will be done in the old fashion olive drab colors. Read more about “Tight Lines” and the other u...

Reconnect Committee?  What’s that?             It’s not just what we do, it’s who we are!  The Reconnect Committee is constantly working to provide timely assistance to our Veterans, our Military Service Members and their Families.  A brief listing of the services we provide might include: Providing Emergency Temporary Financial Assistance to our veterans and active military to  prevent eviction or losing their home or car Attending National Guard Yellow Ribbon Pre-Deployment and Reintegration Workshops to educate our National Guard families about the many ways the American Legion can assist them. Our committee members and volunteers drive thousands of miles each year transporting the Elmobility Room to Michigan’s Guard and Reserve units throughout the state.  The Elmobility Room provides their children with a safe, educational and fun environment to play during various Special Events Family Readi...