NON PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDThe American Legion

I need to hear from you IMMEDIATELY... Enclosed is a 45¢ stamp to help our Wounded Heroes!

OE1057

Dear Patriot,

Chris describes the moments that changed his life forever…

“There were four to six of them. They hit us with small arms, around 5:30 or 6 p.m.It took about 50 seconds for the first round to hit, about 50 meters in front of us.We jumped out, throwing people under cover for protection. I just stayed out there too long,making sure my guys were protected.”

A mortar landed three feet in front of Chris’s face, ripping through his arm and hand – nearly severing his finger. A sniper’s bullet shattered his elbow.

“I can tell you second by second. It comes back to me every day. All I saw was allthe blood. I was under a truck and just gushing. I lost three to three-and-a-half pints.I’m lucky I didn’t bleed out. With all the adrenalin and all, I didn’t feel my arm."

His buddies saved his life, throwing Bain on the hood of a humvee and rushing him to a combat hospital. “Everything was like slow motion. I saw a medic. He was going, ‘What hurts?’ I couldn’t hear him but I read his lips, saying ‘what hurts?’ I said, ‘My finger, it’s killing me.’ He said, ‘Your finger? Have you seen your arm?’ I said, ‘What’s wrong with my arm?’”

Five days after the attack, Staff Sgt. Chris Bain was lying in Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. Chris refused to allow them to amputate his arm, enduring eight surgeries to save it.

America’s wounded warriors need your help!

Since the onset of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have seen thousands of young men and women, like Chris, return home with serious, life-changing injuries. Most of our soldiers who are critically wounded receive care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) before they are moved to another facility.

Many of our wounded warriors are just kids ... young men and women who are just starting out in the world. Yet their determination –– not only to heal, but to return to combat or to an active life in their communities –– comes from an iron will that goes far beyond their years.

For most, their days are filled with rigorous physical, psychological, and occupational therapy. They live at Walter Reed and their main mission is to return to their highest possible level of activity. But those days are long, especially for a 22-year-old whose parents or spouse cannot stay on base with them. Some of them require a year of rehabilitation – OR MORE.

YOU can help bring some much-needed relief to these wounded soldiers.

The American Legion has an office in WRAMC, which is dedicated to helping our wounded soldiers and their families who need assistance. Many struggle to navigate the often overwhelming medical care system … others need help coordinating visits from their families … others need items – simple comforts of home that would help make their long stay in the hospital more tolerable.

In a recent update, a Legion WRAMC staff member wrote, “Many of our recuperating soldiers rarely get off the base. Some remain here for years before they are ready to leave. They are looking to The American Legion to help them with more than just healthcare related issues.”

One example of this was a young man our team met on a visit to Walter Reed. He knew they were with The American Legion and asked if they could help his friend organize a motorcycle ride in his hometown of Knoxville, TN. The ride was to raise funds for his family to travel to WRAMC for a visit during his recovery.

GL1057 The American LegionFor God and Country

N a t i o n a l H e a d q u a r t e r s • P O B o x 3 6 1 6 5 6 • I n d i a n a p o l i s , I N 4 6 2 3 6

Staff Sgt. Chris Bain

over, please

Here sat a young man who had lost both legs in service to his country, and he was apologizing for requesting our help. He made it quite clear that he wasn’t asking for our assistance because HE will benefit… but that he wanted to support his friend and wanted to help his family.

These young service men and women are turning to The American Legion for help, and we need your help to ensure they get it. Many of our wounded combat veterans have a greater percentage of disability than has been determined by a panel – which directly affects the amount of benefits and retirement they receive from the military. In those cases, The American Legion steps in and helps the soldier appeal or argue for additional medical evaluations.

At this time, the greatest need for our service is at Walter Reed, but there are many other medical centers around the country that are also evaluating soldiers’ injuries, and there are many other soldiers in need of our aid.

YOU CAN HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR WOUNDED WARRIORS.

The American Legion is dedicated to assisting our hospitalized soldiers at WRAMC and military hospitals across the country. Through generous donations from caring Americans like you, we have initiated various programs to help make the road to recovery more bearable for our wounded heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors is one such program.

When you send a gift today using the enclosed First-Class stamp, you will help provide comfort items to wounded warriors. Items like loose-fitting sweat suits that cover a soldier’s healing body without adding pressure to the burns he suffered during an RPG attack in Ramadi … an iPod to help drown out the tinnitus that has plagued the medic ever since she drove too close to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan … a gripping novel that provides a welcome distraction from PTSD.

Operation Comfort Warriors is just one example of the many ways we are helping our troops and veterans. By following three easy steps, YOU can help us make a difference in the lives of our veterans.

STEP #1: Fill out the “Salute Our Heroes” reply form and send it back to me with your BEST GIFT. The amount of your gift isn’t nearly as important as your resolve to stand with The American Legion and support the vital services we provide our U.S. troops and our veterans, including programs like Operation Comfort Warriors.

STEP #2: Affix the enclosed 45¢ stamp to the enclosed envelope.

STEP #3: Return the “Salute Our Heroes” reply form in the enclosed envelope – with your best gift!

I have enclosed a very special card with a beautiful prayer for our veterans. It is my gift to you - as thanks for your support of our American Heroes. I hope you will join me in reciting this prayer each day, in remembrance of the great sacrifices our veterans have made for our nation.

Please send your gift today, which will help send the message to our active duty military, our wounded warriors and our veterans that Americans – proud Americans LIKE YOU – are grateful for the sacrifices they made and that we have not forgotten them. With heartfelt gratitude, I look forward to your response.

William A. Pease National Development Director The American Legion For God and Country

P.S. Please take a few minutes to complete the enclosed “Salute Our Heroes” reply form use the enclosed stamp and reply envelope to return it to me as soon as possible. Please keep the special prayer card I have enclosed as a reminder of difference you are making in the lives of our veterans.

T h e A m e r i c a n L e g i o n • P O B o x 2 1 0 1 6 • T u l s a , O K 7 4 1 2 1 - 1 0 1 6

Salute Our Heroes ReplyThe American LegionPO Box 21016Tulsa, OK 74121-1016

YES, I want to help our wounded heroes like Chris! Enclosed is my gift to help.

if at all possible

PR1057

For God and Country

I have included a check.Please make check payable to: The American Legion

See reverse side for donations made by credit card.

q

q

$XX $XX $XX Other $

XXXXXXXXX-XXXXX-XX

Mr. John D. Sample6201 E. 43rd St.Tulsa, OK 74135

q I have included a check. Please make check payable to: The American Legion.

q Please charge my credit card.

Card Number: _______________________________________________ Amount: $ ________________

Signature: __________________________________________________ Expiration Date: ___________

q Please send me information on supporting our veterans with a bequest to The American Legion in my will.

q I have already included The American Legion in my will.

q q q q

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE?

If you wish to modify your communications with us, please mail us or call us at 1-800-433-3318.

A Prayer for our VeteransOh God, Our Heavenly Father,

You have blessed us with brave men and women

who are willing to defend our freedom. May Your protection and grace

surround them each day. Let Your healing hand be upon those

who suffer wounds and injuries. May those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice

rest forever in Your Holy Presence. Comfort the families who mourn

and are left to remember the precious lives of their loved ones.

Help us to honor and support them. Let us ever be mindful of each sacrifice made on behalf of the American people by our sons, daughters, husbands, wives,

mothers, fathers and friends. Amen.

3 x 4 Creative Draft #1 PROOFED 4cp/286

VeteranPrayerCard.indd 1 5/1/12 11:32 AM

THE AMERICAN LEGIONP.O. Box 361656 Indianapolis, IN 46236-1656

VeteranPrayerCard.indd 2 5/1/12 11:32 AM

STAMPHERE

Thank you! Please place the enclosed stamp here.

THE AMERICAN LEGION PO BOX 21016 TULSA OK 74121-1016

Artwork for Envelope, Business, #9, 3 7/8 x 8 7/8 in (3.875" x 8.875")Layout: sample CRM with IMB.lytJune 3, 2010

Produced by DAZzle Designer, Version 9.0.05(c) 1993-2009, Endicia, www.Endicia.comU.S. Postal Service, Serial #

IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and POSTNET barcodes. They are only valid as printed! Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and POSTNET barcode are actual size AND placed properly on the mail piece to meet both USPS regulations and automation compatibility standards.

AMERICAN LEGION 6-3-10 SLP.pdf 1 6/3/10 1:16 PM

RE1057

THE AMERICAN LEGIONPO BOX 21016TULSA OK 74121-1016THE AMERICAN LEGION

PO BOX 21016 TULSA OK 74121-1016

Artwork for Envelope, Business, #9, 3 7/8 x 8 7/8 in (3.875" x 8.875")Layout: sample CRM with IMB.lytJune 3, 2010

Produced by DAZzle Designer, Version 9.0.05(c) 1993-2009, Endicia, www.Endicia.comU.S. Postal Service, Serial #

IMPORTANT: DO NOT ENLARGE, REDUCE OR MOVE the FIM and POSTNET barcodes. They are only valid as printed! Special care must be taken to ensure FIM and POSTNET barcode are actual size AND placed properly on the mail piece to meet both USPS regulations and automation compatibility standards.

AMERICAN LEGION 6-3-10 SLP.pdf 1 6/3/10 1:16 PM

Your gift is very much appreciated and may be deductible as a charitable contribution. Please consult with your tax advisor for additional information. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to The American Legion, PO Box 361656, Indianapolis, IN 46236, 317-630-1200. If you are a resident of one of these states, you may obtain financial information directly from the state agency: FLORIDA – A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Florida Registration CH2010. GEORGIA - A full and fair description of the programs of The American Legion and our financial statement summary is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above. MARYLAND – For the cost of copies and postage, Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. MISSISSIPPI – The organization’s official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. NEW JERSEY – INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. NEW YORK – Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. NORTH CAROLINA – FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND A COPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888-830-4989. THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE. PENNSYLVANIA – The official registration and financial information of The American Legion may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. VIRGINIA – Virginia State Office of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. WASHINGTON – Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422, 1-800-332-4483. WEST VIRGINIA – Residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration with any of these state agencies does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by any state.