Greetings Comrades:
As we enter a new year, the numerous devastating storms of last year, which caused billions of dollars in damage and the destruction of thousands of homes.and businesses, are still fresh in our memory. And a new disaster is occurring in California with the Los Angeles area fires.
To help the many Legion family members displaced by events such as these, the NEF program had been set up in 1989 and continues to operate.presently. This program is supported by Legion Family members , Posts and Departments throughout the country.
In 2023, the Fund donated over $366,000 to Legion and Sons members affected by natural disasters.
More information on the NEF-
What is the NEF and what does it provide assistance with? NEF is the National Emergency Fund. Per the description found on the American Legion National website, NEF helps those affected by well-known disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy and more recently Helene and and Milton.
The fund provides up to $3,000 for qualified American Legion AND Sons of the American Legion members and up to $10,000 for posts such as the one shown in South Tampa, Florida below.
. The eligibility requirements are:
- Applicant must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
- Applicant must provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs (such as temporary housing, food, water, clothing, diapers, etc.) during the period immediately following the disaster.
- Membership must be active at time of disaster and the time of application.
What does the NEF Committee plan to do?
Primarily, will request and pursue donations for the NEF from Posts, Squadrons and individuals ; Promote and inform about the program by attending Detachment/Squadron meetings, and events, again in order to get donations ; hold fundraisers such as raffles and other. and further written requests for donations with fliers as approved by the Detachment.The Committee hopes to raise equal or more funds than last year .
Also to keep track of all donations collected in order for the Detachment to be credited fully with all donations received, and coordinate with the Department NEF Commitee as necessary.
What can you do to help?
• The Committee is looking for Sons members to assist in the program. Please contact me as below if you are interested in helping.
• DONATE. At the Detachment meeting a jar will be present for donations.
By check or cash- You can send in by emailing a request for the mailing address. Donations should be made out to the Detachment of New Jersey with an NEF notation in the memo.
Please make the checks out to the Detachment of New Jersey and not to the NEF.
Online donations are an option on the National website, at (highlight/right click) https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/national-emergency-fund ,'donate' button,
but it is requested you please inform this committee with a record of such donation in order for proper credit to be added to the Detachment's donation total.
• In the event of a declared natural disaster emergency which displaces you, family, or friends who are members in good standing, or damages Posts you are familiar with, you are eligible to apply for the
funding. You may also be able to help others who are unable to access a computer due to the emergency. The application and eligibility requirements for funds can be found on the updated National website:
https://www.legion.org/get-involved/community-programs/national-emergency-fund/request-assistance (highlight/right-click). Please note, in addition to the application, statements from American Legion Post/District/
Department officers or community leadership are encouraged to reinforce the grant application
Additionally, there is a YouTube presentation that has been put out by National which walks you through the application process for NEF funds at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYTPVnmrsh0
Should you or family/friends need to submit the application, please also note (important):
Send application and documentation to the American Legion Department Headquarters in Trenton- do not send to the National American Legion headquarters directly.
Mail to: The American Legion, Dept. of NJ, 171 Jersey Street, Building 5, second floor, Trenton, NJ 08611 - Attn: Department Adjutant John Baker
Additional NEF information on the Department of New Jersey website is found at : https://www.njamericanlegion.org/national-emergency-fund
If you have anything further you want to discuss with this program, I can be reached at the email below.
At this time, I would like to thank all of the Squadrons and individuals who have stepped up and donated to the NEF so far this year. Your support will help keep this program running.
For God and Country
Dean Staknys
NEF Chairman
Cstk14@verizon.net