AMVETS
Encyclopedia
AMVETS or American Veterans is a volunteer-led organization formed by World War II
veterans which accepts honorably discharged veterans as members.
AMVETS is one of the most respected volunteer-led organizations in the country that provides, not only support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, but also community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation's citizens.
The group holds a congressional charter
under Title 36 of the United States Code
.
for the interests of veterans, including support for veteran's benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Affairs
hospital system
; in addition, it has promoted other causes such as support for a Flag Burning Amendment.
The AMVETS Silver Helmet Award is an annual award to "recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields," according to Sometimes called the "Veterans Oscar," the award is shaped like a small, silver replica of a World War II
helmet. Recipients have included Edmund Muskie
, Lyndon B. Johnson
and Lee Greenwood
.
The organization also gives out an award that used to be called the Peace Award, which in later years was called the Silver Helmet Peace Award, to honor people who promoted peace.
AMVETS is frequently involved with ROTC and JROTC programs. A local chapter in the schools area may present awards, scholarships, and savings bonds to qualifying cadets in a unit.
AMVETS has a number of subordinate organizations, which help to advance the aims and purposes of the AMVETS organization. These subordinate organizations are:
AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary-composed of the wives, daughters, granddaughters, adopted daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers of members of AMVETS.
Sons of AMVETS-composed of the sons, grandsons, adopted sons, stepsons, brothers, fathers, grandfathers and husbands of members of AMVETS.
Junior AMVETS-composed of the under-18 children and grandchildren of members of AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS
AMVETS Riders
Sad Sacks-The Fun & Honor group of the AMVETS
Sackettes-The Fun & Honor group of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary
The AMVETS Riders- composed of any member including subordinate with a motorcycle and the desire to promote the good and welfare of the AMVETS mission.
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
veterans which accepts honorably discharged veterans as members.
AMVETS is one of the most respected volunteer-led organizations in the country that provides, not only support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, but also community services that enhance the quality of life for this nation's citizens.
The group holds a congressional charter
Congressional charter
A congressional charter is a law passed by the United States Congress that states the mission, authority and activities of a group. Congress issued federal charters from 1791 until 1992 under Title 36 of the United States Code....
under Title 36 of the United States Code
Title 36 of the United States Code
Title 36 of the United States Code outlines the role of Patriotic Societies and Observances in the United States Code.*Subtitle I—Patriotic and National Observances and Ceremonies*Subtitle II—Patriotic and National Organizations...
.
Background
AMVETS is active in U.S. politics. Its primary political activity is lobbyingLobbying
Lobbying is the act of attempting to influence decisions made by officials in the government, most often legislators or members of regulatory agencies. Lobbying is done by various people or groups, from private-sector individuals or corporations, fellow legislators or government officials, or...
for the interests of veterans, including support for veteran's benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is a government-run military veteran benefit system with Cabinet-level status. It is the United States government’s second largest department, after the United States Department of Defense...
hospital system
Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the component of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs led by the Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health that implements the medical assistance program of the VA through the administration and operation of numerous VA outpatient clinics,...
; in addition, it has promoted other causes such as support for a Flag Burning Amendment.
The AMVETS Silver Helmet Award is an annual award to "recognize excellence and achievement in Americanism, defense, rehabilitation, congressional service and other fields," according to Sometimes called the "Veterans Oscar," the award is shaped like a small, silver replica of a World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
helmet. Recipients have included Edmund Muskie
Edmund Muskie
Edmund Sixtus "Ed" Muskie was an American politician from Rumford, Maine. He served as Governor of Maine from 1955 to 1959, as a member of the United States Senate from 1959 to 1980, and as Secretary of State under Jimmy Carter from 1980 to 1981...
, Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon Baines Johnson , often referred to as LBJ, was the 36th President of the United States after his service as the 37th Vice President of the United States...
and Lee Greenwood
Lee Greenwood
Melvin Lee Greenwood is an American country music artist. Active since the early 1980s, he has released more than twenty major-label albums and has charted more than 35 singles on the Billboard country music charts....
.
The organization also gives out an award that used to be called the Peace Award, which in later years was called the Silver Helmet Peace Award, to honor people who promoted peace.
AMVETS is frequently involved with ROTC and JROTC programs. A local chapter in the schools area may present awards, scholarships, and savings bonds to qualifying cadets in a unit.
AMVETS has a number of subordinate organizations, which help to advance the aims and purposes of the AMVETS organization. These subordinate organizations are:
AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary-composed of the wives, daughters, granddaughters, adopted daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers of members of AMVETS.
Sons of AMVETS-composed of the sons, grandsons, adopted sons, stepsons, brothers, fathers, grandfathers and husbands of members of AMVETS.
Junior AMVETS-composed of the under-18 children and grandchildren of members of AMVETS, Ladies Auxiliary and Sons of AMVETS
AMVETS Riders
Sad Sacks-The Fun & Honor group of the AMVETS
Sackettes-The Fun & Honor group of the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary
The AMVETS Riders- composed of any member including subordinate with a motorcycle and the desire to promote the good and welfare of the AMVETS mission.