LANSING – For the past seven years, the American Legion received a consistent flow of money from the state but faces an increase in expenses.

But the lack of money won’t keep it from continuing its outreach services, said Pat Lafferty, state adjutant for the American Legion in Michigan.

“ We are very grateful that the state hasn’t cut our budget and grants, but we could use a little boost to help ease the financial burden of traveling costs,” he said

Lafferty said the American Legion and 10 other veteran groups received a combined $3.9 million from the state this year.

Members of the American Legion, with 467 posts throughout the state, travel to events like job fairs, parades and reunions to help veterans sign up for benefits and file claims.

John Nelson, director of the American Legion in Michigan, said a top priority is getting in touch with veterans as they come home from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s imperative that we reach these returning soldiers so they can immediately begin to receive their benefits,” he said.

Lafferty agreed and said, “You wouldn’t believe the number of veterans who don’t know about the benefits they can receive.”

Lafferty said the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) office in Detroit is bogged down in claims and strapped for both money and staff.

According to a recent department workload report, the Detroit office has more than 19,000 claims pending.

“It’s our job to help out and get veterans the care they are entitled to,” he said.

Lafferty said the VA was undergoing major restructuring before the start of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

“They didn’t plan on a war beginning, and now they aren’t equipped to handle the influx of veterans and claims,” he added.

The Michigan American Legion is working with Sen. Jason Allen, R-Traverse City, to draft a resolution to be sent to Congress to ask for more funding to maximize the effectiveness of the VA claims process.