FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

“What is your WHY?

Lately, some of us are hearing this question being asked more and more often. It is a question we should ask ourselves from time to time as our answers may change. Our answer is a clue to our motivation for being a Legionnaire and why we devote our time and energy to serving our veterans, their families, and the San Luis Obispo community. Our answer to the question “What is your why?” helps explain, why we do what we do as Legionnaires.

“How great leaders inspire action” (18:34 min.) is a TED talk that gives a much fuller explanation of why your answer to the question “What is your why?” is important.

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How can I find out what the post officer’s jobs are?

The Post 66 Constitution & By-Laws contain the official description of our post officers’ jobs. The Post 66 Member Handbook is also a good source of job descriptions for officers, other leaders, and post committees.

The Post Officer Guide and Manual of Ceremonies published by The American Legion is also a good source of information about the duties of post leaders.

Acronyms

Some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ) are those asked about acronyms. The American Legion is no exception as we have our fair share of the “alphabet soup” common to many organizations – acronyms! When people do not know the meaning of an acronym, they can block effective communication.

Common Courtesy

Defining an acronym the first time it is used in your writing, is common courtesy. As an example of how not defining an acronym can hinder communication, DEC could mean Department Executive Committee or District Executive Committee, defining the acronym DEC when first used will tell your readers which DEC you are talking about.

The American Legion and the veteran community have a wealth of acronyms, here are few

ALEI – American Legion Education Institute
ALR – American Legion Riders
BOR– Book of Reports is an annual compilation of year-end reports for the department.
BRS – Uniformed Services Blended Retirement System, or BRS.
C & Y – Children & Youth
CALVET – California Department of Veterans Affairs
CASA – Court-Appointed Special Advocate
CBOC – A VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic
CDVA – California Department of Veterans Affairs
COTA – Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)
D&O – Directors & Officers Insurance for Nonprofits
DEC – Department Executive Committee
DEC – District Executive Committee (reference your district by-laws for information specific to your district)
DMS – Direct Member Solicitation
DoC – Department of California
DSO – Department Service Officer
DVBE – Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise
DVOP – Disabled Veterans Outreach Program
EIN – “Employer ID Number”
EOM – End Of Message
FDC – Fully Developed Claims
FG&C – For God & Country
FODPAL – Foreign and Outlying Departments and Posts of The American Legion
ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement
JROTC – Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps
KSU – Kick Stands Up
LVER – Local Veterans Employment Representative
MOS – Military Occupational Specialty
MST – Military Sexual Trauma
NADHAL – National Association of Department Historians
NALPA – National American Legion Press Association
NEC – National Executive Committee or National Executive Committeeman
OCW – Operation Comfort Warrior
OEF – Operation Enduring Freedom
OIF – Operation Iraqi Freedom
OIR – Operation Inherent Resolve
OND – Operation New Dawn
OPC – VA Outpatient Center
PGR – Patriot Guard Riders
PNC – Past National Commander
PSO – Post Service Officer
PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
PUFL – Paid Up For Life
RAO – Retiree Assistance Office
ROTC – Reserve Officer Training Corps
ROMP – Riding On Military Pride
SAL – Sons of the American Legion
SEO – Search Engine Optimization
SEP – Stakeholders Enterprise Portal
TALARC – The American Legion Amateur Radio Club
TALMA – The American Legion Media Alliance
TBI – Traumatic Brain Injury
TFA – Temporary Financial Assistance
TLA – Three-Letter Acronym
VA & R – Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation
VAMC – Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center
VE&E – Veterans Employment & Education Commission
VASH – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing
VAVS – Veterans Affairs Volunteer Service
VMB – Veteran Memorial Building
VBMS – Veterans Benefits Management Systems
VSO – Veteran Service Organization or Veteran Service Officer
YELC – Youth Environment Leadership Conference
YPAA – Youth Programs Alumni Association

Legion FAQ Web Pages

The links to The American Legion FAQ web pages on the national website, answer many frequently asked questions on a variety of Legion programs:

We would like to help you find the answers you need. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page will grow over time.

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