About Us
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AMVETS (American Veterans)
AMVETS is the nation’s most inclusive Congressionally-chartered veterans service organization, representing the interests of 20 million veterans.
AMVETS is open to, and fighting for, all who honorably served in the United States military, including the Reserve and Guard. With more than 250,00 members nationwide, we are veterans serving veterans.
AMVETS Mission Statement
“To enhance and safeguard the entitlements for all American Veterans who have served honorably and to improve the quality of life for them, their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services.”
The helping hand that AMVETS extends takes many forms
As one of America’s leading veterans service organizations for more than 75 years, AMVETS has a proud history of assisting veterans and sponsoring numerous programs that serve our country and its citizens. Membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who honorably served, or currently serving, in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves.
Veteran Services
One of the most visible is our network of trained national service officers (NSOs) accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, these dedicated men and women can be found in close to 50 states, providing sound advice and prompt action on compensation claims at no charge to the veteran. In one recent year alone, AMVETS national service officers processed more than 74,000 claims.
AMVETS in Action
Our programs, from the local to national levels, deliver our promise of preserving freedoms secured by America’s armed forces. This culminates in exciting and effective programs serving veterans and our Nation’s citizens, enhancing their quality of life.
At the national level, AMVETS annually awards Scholarships to deserving high school seniors, J/ROTC students, veterans, and service members pursuing a higher education. Scholarships are also offered at many of the AMVETS’ Posts and Departments.
We honor our veterans while they are with us through the Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS), the largest volunteer organization in the federal government, and after they have passed on, through Military Funeral Honors.
When it comes to helping our veterans, our AMVETS’ members really step up to the plate. Each Post has their own personality and it shows in their veterans’ outreach efforts.
Through the White Clover Program, our members can connect with their local communities, collecting donations to support and assist local veterans in need.
At all levels, AMVETS has dedicated itself to shining a light on those veterans and service members who are at risk of ending their own lives. Together, our members form a passionate group to fight against and prevent veteran suicide through the Veterans’ Suicide Awareness Program.
✩ To talk to someone NOW: Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988, then press 1.
Your Voice in DC
Over the years, AMVETS has been at the forefront of public policy related to national defense, services for homeless veterans, adequate funding for the Department of Veterans Affairs, concurrent receipt of retirement pay and disability compensation by disabled military retirees, veterans employment and training, POW/MIA accountability and flag protection.
Apart from these initiatives, the organization has monetarily supported national monuments such as the USS Arizona, the Statue of Liberty and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. It also sponsors its own carillon program to honor America’s deceased servicemen and women. Since 1949, when President Truman dedicated the first carillon at Arlington National Cemetery, this program has grown to encompass more than 60 sites in the United States and overseas.
Another tribute unique to AMVETS is the Silver Helmet Award, often referred to as the Veterans Oscar. A replica of the World War II GI helmet, this prestigious award is presented annually to recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields.
✩ Your Voice in D.C. – AMVETS Advocacy Page
AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary is a subordinate national organization of AMVETS whose members (female veterans or relatives of AMVETS) provide a range of services and support to veterans, communities and other nonprofit organizations such as Paws With a Cause, the John Tracy Clinic and Freedoms Foundation.
✩ National AMVETS Auxiliary
✩ Department of Michigan Auxiliary
Sons of AMVETS
The Sons of AMVETS, as its name implies, is a nationwide organization comprised of the sons of American veterans who are members of AMVETS. The Sons play an active role in promoting AMVETS’ legislative agenda, providing services to hospitalized veterans and supporting charitable initiatives.
✩ National Sons of AMVETS
AMVETS Riders
The AMVETS RIDERS are a dedicated and patriotic group of motorcycle riders who hold true to an unwavering respect for our Nation, our Flag, and our Military… past, present and future. The Riders are committed to the freedom of this Nation, to provide community service and fellowship, and to preserve and support the aims and goals of the AMVETS National Organization.
✩ National AMVETS Riders
✩ Michigan AMVETS Riders
Junior AMVETS
Junior AMVETS are the sons and daughters (under age 18) of AMVETS members. As a nationwide organization, “the Juniors” (as they are sometimes called) undertake projects, such as visiting a homeless shelter that benefit veterans and communities alike. The sponsoring AMVETS Post and Ladies Auxiliary appoints a coordinator to guide, advise and cooperate with Junior AMVETS on that corresponding level.
Sad Sacks & Sackettes
A fun-making and honor organization comprised of AMVETS members, the Sad Sacks (who derive their name from the famous cartoon character of World War II) provide, as their chief community service project, scholarships for nurses. The Ladies Auxiliary counterpart to the Sad Sacks, “the Sackettes” also raises funds for nurses’ scholarships.
AMVETS History
Commitment to Service
The AMVETS commitment to service traces its roots back to 1944 when veteran volunteers first began helping veterans of World War II obtain the benefits promised them by the federal government.
As the number of returning veterans swelled into the millions, it was evident that some sort of nationally organized assistance for them would be needed. The older established national groups wouldn’t do; the leaders of this new generation of veterans wanted their own organization.
With that in mind, eighteen of them, representing nine veterans clubs, met in Kansas City, Missouri and founded The American Veterans of World War II on Dec. 10, 1944. Less than three years later, on July 23, 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed Public Law 216, making AMVETS the first World War II organization to be chartered by Congress.
Since then, the original charter has been amended several times to admit as members those who served in different eras. Today, membership in AMVETS is open to anyone who is currently serving, or who has honorably served, in the U.S. Armed Forces from World War II to the present, to include the National Guard and Reserves.
As a volunteer-led organization, we annually elect and/or appoint officers at the national, district, department and post levels. Each August, representatives from these levels attend the AMVETS national convention to make decisions on issues affecting veterans and the organization.
The AMVETS organization has grown and evolved over the years to best serve each new generation of veterans and their families. Explore this website to appreciate the services, programs and public policy impact we drive every day across the United States.
As the organization moves further into the 21st century, it does so with the conviction that its focus on preserving freedom, supporting America’s defenders and serving her communities remains a clear blueprint for continued service to God and country.
AMVETS Programs
National Programs Mission Statement
“To provide department and post level support that will culminate in vibrant and effective programs serving veterans and this nation’s citizens.”
AMVETS local and national programs are how we deliver on our promise of preserving freedoms secured by America’s armed forces and enhancing the quality of life for veterans and all citizens. Browse our programs below and learn how you can support or participate.
For more information regarding AMVETS National Programs, please contact a staff member:
National Programs Department
Phone: (301) 683-4031
Email: programs@amvets.org
AMVETS Program Reporting
Submit Your Post Programs Report
It is preferred that you submit your reports online directly at the AMVETS National website at amvets.org/submit-reports. Once there, Click on the ‘Online Reporting Portal’ tab and follow the direction. Click here for directions as to how to use the online reporting program.
AMVETS Reporting Guide
Programs Reporting Guide
AMVETS Online Reporting Guide