HUDSON — The American Legion reached out to local wartime military veterans during a three-day veterans awareness event held last week.

National and state representatives from The American Legion were at Hudson American Legion Post 48 on Central Street May 21 through May 23 to discuss veterans benefits and the Legion’s community service efforts.

The first order of business was to explain the benefits available to veterans and put them in touch with the proper resources. Advice was also available for veterans trying to settle a claim.

“Probably one of the most important things we do as an organization is helping veterans get their claims,” said Michele Steinmetz, assistant director of internal affairs and membership for The American Legion. Steinmetz was in attendance at the Hudson event.

Additionally, programs are available for veterans’ families. Military families sometimes find themselves needing assistance, especially during deployment. Help may be as simple as introducing them to a family support network. In some cases, temporary financial assistance may be available, Steinmetz said.

After discussing a specific situation, American Legion representatives can recommend a program that may be helpful.

“A lot of veterans don’t know exactly what claims they have the right to put in for,” said Mark Grimshaw, District 3 commander. Explaining what’s available and the steps involved is a key component of his work, Grimshaw said.

In addition to matching veterans with the proper resources, American Legion representatives try to keep Congress alerted to veterans’ issues, Steinmetz explained.

Veterans were invited to join the Legion when they stopped by to visit.

“We’d like to have them as members, but we’re here to provide a service first,” Steinmetz said.

The American Legion has 2.4 million members nationwide, 1.8 million in the American Legion Auxiliary and about 800,000 to 900,000 in the Sons of the American Legion. Large membership numbers are important to getting the message out, Steinmetz said.

“The larger we are as an organization, the louder our voice is in Congress,” she said.

Robert Blais, commander of The American Legion for New Hampshire, said Hudson and its neighboring communities were an ideal place to strengthen partnerships between wartime veterans and the community. The residents are involved in their community, and the veterans have an opportunity to make a difference, he said.

“Service, that’s what The American Legion is all about,” Blais said. “We exist to help each and every veteran, their families and the communities they live in.”

For more information, visit post32nh.org or legion.org