Our Post

The McCook, Nebraska American Legion Post 203 was chartered on February 8, 1920. Named in honor of Chris Hansen, Red Willow County's first World War I fatality, Post 203 has been serving veterans and the McCook, Nebraska community for over 100 years.

Our Mission

To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion's vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.”

Our History

The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.

The Four Pillars of the American Legion

You will find the Four Pillars listed below with a summary of the components that make up each Pillar. To gain a deeper understanding of the Pillars, consider reading the pamphlet Our Pillars, Your Platform .

Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

Access to VA Care; Improved Claims Processing; Better Funding Formula; Support for Veterans with Special Needs; Civilian Opportunities; Education Benefits; Employment and Business; Eradication of Veteran; Homelessness; Proper Veteran Cemeteries

National Security

The Global War on Terrorism; Strong National Defense; Protection of Defense Budget; Military Quality of Life; Homeland Security; Foreign Affairs; Full Accounting of POW/MIAs; Illegal Immigration; Enforcement; Heroes to Hometowns

Americanism

Flag Protection; Citizenship; Boy Scouts; The Pledge of Allegiance; Patriotic Holidays and Observances

Children and Youth

Child Pornography; Catastrophic Illness; Family Integrity; Media Violence; Drug Abuse; Child Advocacy in Legal Issues