The 1^st Division has been allocated 5 $1000/non-renewal scholarships for current Illinois High School seniors who will be continuing their education at an accredited college or trade school in the fall of 2019.

Applications are available on line at -  www.illegion.org/scholarship.  Applicants are urged to file early as finalists with the same rating score will be determined by date postmarked.

The information requested is basically the same information required for the student’s college application so there should not be a reason to procrastinate. March 15th, 2019 is the deadline that applications must be received in the Bloomington Office late applications will not be accepted.

The National Executive Committee takes the first step to expand our membership dates - On October 17^th The National Executive Committee took the first step in expanding the eligibility dates for membership in the American Legion.  NEC Resolution #1 is the first step, but much work will need to be done.  The resolution asks Congress to establish a state of war from December 7, 1941 to such a date as the United States government may determine that there has been and end to armed hostilities.  READ MORE

VA Patients, Get your free Flue Shot at Walgreens -   During flu season, protecting your health with a flu shot is easier than ever — and as close as your local VA or neighborhood Walgreens! VA and Walgreens care about your health and are partnering to offer enrolled Veteran patients easy access to flu shots.

VA and Walgreens are national partners, providing no-cost flu shots to enrolled Veterans of the VA health care system. During the program, which runs from today through March 31, 2019, enrolled Veteran patients nationwide have the option of getting their flu shot at any of Walgreens’ 8,200 locations in addition to their local VA health care facilities. No appointment is required; simply go to any Walgreens, tell the pharmacist you receive care at a VA facility and show your Veterans Identification Card and another form of photo ID.

Looking for a Service Officer – The American Legion is looking for a Service officer in the Chicago area.   Description:  Assist Veterans/dependents in applying for available federal benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office by initiating or reopening claims.   Previous Experience is helpful, but not necessary     [More Info]

It's easy to join our mailing list.   Just send your Email address by text messaege:  Text FIRSTDIVISION to 22828 to get started.  First Division Contact Information T;(224) 800-1177 - E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [Flyer]

American Legion's Dispatch - Agent Orande VA benefits expanded -  The Department of Veterans Affairs recently published a new regulation that expands eligibility for some VA benefits for Air Force veterans and Air Force reserve veterans who were exposed to the herbicide Agent Orange through regular and repeated contact with contaminated C-123 aircraft that had been used in Vietnam as part of Operation Ranch Hand (ORH). 

Cook County Military & Veterans Discount Program is announced.  We are writing to inform you about an exciting program by the Cook County Recorder of Deeds and the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs. Back in 2014 we will began issuing the Cook County Military and Veterans Discount Card. Our goal is create a network of businesses throughout Cook County that offer discounts and incentives to active duty military and veterans, and encourage businesses to offer these discounts year-round.