Contact: Joe March, 317-630-1253, 317-748-1926 cell; John Raughter, 317-630-1253, 317-441-8847 cell; both with The American Legion 

INDIANAPOLIS, Feb. 18 /Standard Newswire/ -- The nation's largest veterans organization is calling on fellow Americans to spend a few moments every day between now and February 28 to help our wounded service men and women.

The American Legion's Operation Comfort Warriors is competing for a $250,000 grant to be awarded by Pepsi Cola, Inc, as part of its Refresh Everything project. 729 charities are competing for grants, which are determined by the number of votes received at Pepsi's Refresh Everything Web site. Operation Comfort Warriors is currently in second place. The top two vote getters will receive quarter-million dollar grants.

Visitors can cast their votes every day between now and Feb. 28 by visiting www.legion.org and clicking on the Pepsi Refresh icon on the right side of the page or by visiting www.refresheverything.com/operationcomfortwarriors.

Since December 2008, the American Legion family has raised funds for Operation Comfort Warriors, a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded military personnel, providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more.

"The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq continue. Military service will always include inherent dangers from training and other hazardous duties," American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. "As long as our men and women are in harm's way, there will continue to be wounded warriors. The American Legion needs to be there for our heroes. Operation Comfort Warriors is an excellent way to show our appreciation for their sacrifices. I urge all Americans to show their appreciation by voting for it on the Pepsi Refresh Everything Web site."

All administrative and marketing costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid for by The American Legion, meaning 100 percent of all donations and grants received go to the troops.

With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

A high resolution photo of National Commander Hill is available at www.legion.org.