Programs

Here is a sample listing of Post 54 programs and activities:

Veteran Support:  Post 54 provides a variety of programs and services that improve the lives of those who served and their families:

  • The Post provides accredited American Legion service officers to give expert assistance, free of charge, to veterans and their families. Service officers assist in applying for VA disability benefits, assists in case disputes, as well as offer referrals and resources.
  • In partnership with the Bedford Community Health Foundation, the Post hosts periodic health fairs for veterans and their families to provide wellness screenings and information.
  • The American Legion’s Be the One campaign offers peer-to-peer support and resources to reduce veteran suicides. The program seeks to de-stigmatize the seeking of mental health support by veterans and Post 54 members are encouraged to take action when they believe a fellow veteran is at risk.
  • Post 54 provides a uniformed honor guard for military tributes and veteran funerals.
  • The Post supports Rolling Thunder, a veterans advocacy group that seeks to bring full accountability for prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA) service members of all U.S. wars.

Active Military Support:  Post 54 supports active duty military units and members through a variety of programs, including:

  • Operation Comfort Warrior, supported by Post 54, is a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government.
  • The Post adopts the Bedford-based Company A, National Guard Infantry Division when it is called up to active duty deployment and provides emergency financial support for Company families through the Legion Family Support Network. The post also serves as a tier-two provider to the family support group.

The Legion contacts hospital officials to obtains lists of items needed by wounded, injured or ill service members. Once a need is identified, the items are ordered by the Legion and delivered in an expeditious manner

Local Youth Activities:  Since its founding in 1919, The American Legion has established a proud tradition of supporting our nation’s youth. Post 54 supports local youth in a variety of ways:

  • Boys State and Girls State are among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. Participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens through training centered on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State/Girls State week-long activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Post 54 sponsors an average of 12 rising seniors from three Bedford County and one private high school for Virginia Boys State and Girls State every year.
  • The Post provides financial assistance for the Bedford County Junior ROTC color guard and recognizes cadet achievements in the JROTC Raider Challenge, an athletic competition consisting of individual strength test, distance team running events, first aid events, and some form of rope bridge construction/crossing. The Post also recognizes cadet accomplishments and provides financial assistance for the cadet air rifle competition squad.
  • The post annually awards medals to JROTC cadets for military and scholastic excellence.
  • In keeping with the American Legion’s advocacy for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, Post 54 sponsors an annual oratory contest for high school students that must be on some aspect of the Constitution, with emphasis on a citizen’s duties and obligations to our government.

“I know for a fact that the experience we have had here will alter our lives and make us the highest achieving leaders the world has ever seen.” – A 2022 Boys State participant

Community Activities:  A key value of the American Legion is our commitment to the local community. This commitment is illustrated by a variety of activities:

  • Post 54 sponsors an annual July 4th breakfast for veterans and first responders, free of charge.
  • Whenever disaster strikes, members of Post 54 are quick to raise funds to provide relief to victims of hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Relief funds are relayed through the American Legion Financial Emergency Programs requiting no administrative fee disbursement.
  • The Post provides leadership in planning, organizing, and executing the annual Bedford Christmas parade.
  • Post 54 participates in the annual Wreaths Across America wreath-laying ceremonies to express the nation’s appreciation to deceased veterans and their families during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
  • The Post provides honor guard support to the local Elks Lodge sponsored annual Flag Day Ceremony. The Post also conducts a Flag Day ceremony at the Bedford Hospice House.
  • Post 54 provided project initiatives to Boy Scouts.
  • The Post receives unserviceable American flags for ceremonial retirement and honorable disposal.