The American Legion was founded and organized in 1919. Since that time, The American Legion has touched virtually every facet of American life, fulfilling its main objective of service to the community, state and nation. The American Legion is the largest veteran's organization in the world, with a membership of more than 2.8 million wartime veterans in the United States, District of Columbia and seven foreign countries.

Last year, The American Legion joined with the Children's Miracle Network to raise nearly $4 million dollars. Other needy children and families received more than $7 million in cash and gifts from The American Legion Posts. American Legion Posts awarded $3.7 million in college scholarships to deserving high school students. The American Legion has for many years, conducted programs designed to benefit the youth of our nation. These programs include among others, Special Olympics, Teen Suicide Prevention, Substance Abuse Prevention and Eagle Scout Scholarships

American Legion Hammond Victory Post 168 is dedicated to God and Country and actively promotes traditional American values, strong national security, adequate and compassionate care for veterans, their widows and orphans, community service and wholesome development of our nation's youth.  Some programs they sponsor include: Boys State, Flag Education, American Legion Baseball, High School Oratorical, Hammond Police and Fire Departments, Council Calumet Boy Scouts of America, Hines Hospital, Veterans' Rehabilitation, Adam Benjamin Clinic in Crown Point, Lake County Sheriff's Department as well as many other programs and community oriented organizations.

Legionnaires across the country donate more than a million hours each year in the Veteran's Administration "Voluntary Service Program", helping patients in VA medical facilities.