Foundation Friday: Reaching New Audiences at Indy Ignite

FISHERS, Ind. — The Indy Ignite took the court Friday night at Fishers Event Center, but just beyond the arena floor, Department of Indiana representatives were at work sharing the mission of the Indiana American Legion Foundation and connecting with veterans, families and young people across the community.

Representatives from The American Legion, Department of Indiana staffed an outreach table during the match, answering questions about membership, scholarships and free assistance for veterans navigating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

“We’re out here trying to raise awareness of the American Legion and possibly pick up some members,” said Department Membership Chairman J.D. Burnette. “As people walk by, we talk about the Foundation and all the scholarship money that we provide for children and youth in the state of Indiana, around a quarter of a million dollars every year.”

Burnette said visibility is critical to the organization’s impact.

“If they don’t see what we’re doing, they don’t know what we do,” he said. “We’re out here trying to support veterans and veteran families and improve our communities.”

Throughout the evening, conversations ranged from youth scholarships to benefits advocacy. Burnette emphasized that students in attendance may qualify for scholarship opportunities that can significantly offset the cost of higher education.

“There’s an opportunity for them to gain a scholarship to go to college,” he said.

The outreach effort also highlighted one of the Legion’s most vital services, accredited service officers who provide free assistance with VA disability claims, compensation, and pension benefits.

“We do VA claims or help veterans do VA claims for free,” Burnette said.

That message resonated in real time. During the event, a veteran approached the table frustrated with delays and challenges related to medical care through the VA. Department representatives connected him directly with a state service officer and discussed options, including engagement with patient advocacy resources.

Rehabilitation Director Bryce Hullett said events like the Indy Ignite game create meaningful opportunities for public education.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we actually help veterans and their families with VA claims, compensation, or pension, for free,” Hullett said. “They don’t realize the impact that can have.”

Hullett added that the organization’s reach extends beyond veterans alone. Programs support community partners, including first responders, and provide scholarships to students and youth.

“We’re trying to help them get scholarship money to go to school, to help pay for books, and support the community,” he said. “Plus, we help with homelessness and try to take care of veterans in shelters as we can with grant funding we receive through the Foundation.”

The evening also produced unexpected connections. Hullett spoke with a local law enforcement officer who is a veteran and expressed interest in membership. Another attendee shared concerns about VA medical access and was encouraged to document service-related injuries to protect future eligibility for benefits.

“We do care,” Hullett said. “We will try to see what we can do, not just fix one problem, but bring awareness so other veterans across the nation can receive the care they need.”

As the final set played out on the court, department representatives continued conversations in the concourse, engaging young fans, speaking with families, and reinforcing a simple but powerful message: help is available, and it is free.

Foundation Friday highlights the programs, partnerships, and those who push the mission of the Indiana American Legion Foundation forward, ensuring veterans, military families, and future generations of Hoosiers are never left behind.