Community volunteers often wonder if their efforts make a difference. For members of The American Legion throughout the State of Texas, an analysis of reports covering the past 12-months provides evidence that it does -- to the tune of $1,459,072.00 million and counting. Volunteers gave over 176,500 hours of community service in their local communities across Texas.

A review of reports covering July 2006 through June 2007 finds that post service officers gave more than 5,472 veterans assistance in seeking to obtain earned benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

More than 127 volunteer members of Legion Color Guards and Honor Guards gave 3,085 veterans final graveside military honors.

More than 91 veterans found jobs through Legion job placement action and another 25 were placed in critical job training positions.

When it comes to volunteer time, you cannot put a price on the more than 218,435 hours members of The American Legion put in.

Legionnaires also rallied more than 50 communities for September 11th Remembrance ceremonies. The local blood supplies were filled with 1,205 pints of blood from these wartime veterans.

The American Legion sponsored more than 32 teams across Texas last year spending $23,218.00 on equipment, uniforms, insurance, etc. Sixty four percent of Major League players got their start in American Legion Baseball.

Since 1919, members of The American Legion have remained committed to their community, state and nation through volunteer service to veterans, their families and the children of America.

The American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans organization.