WATERVILLE – The American Legion has partnered with the Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes in an effort to distribute $500 grants to service members who have a 30 percent or higher disability rating as a result of injuries sustained while serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. The American Legion will distribute a total of $500,000 to veterans meeting the criteria.

The American Legion, Department of Maine, representing 173 posts and 26,000 Legionnaires, is asking for assistance in identifying the veterans who will benefit from the grants.

Veterans of the two conflicts with 30 percent or more disability are encouraged to send their name, contact information, branch of service, proof of conflict and disability to the American Legion, Department of Maine, P.O. Box 900, Waterville, ME 04903-0900.

Once approved, the checks will be mailed directly to the Department of Maine for distribution. The success of the program depends on the ability to identify those veterans who are eligible.

For more information, contact the American Legion Department of Maine, [email protected] or call 873-3229.