Why Join the American Legion Auxiliary?
What are the Benefits of Joining the ALA and Serving Our Nation’s Veterans?
Since 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary has Upheld Service, Not Self.
While a separate entity from the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary was formed alongside the Legion in 1919, and has spent its history helping to support those in the military community on the homefront. Their purpose is as follows:
- Supporting veterans, active military, and their families, advocating for them
- Providing support to the American Legion in their initiatives and programs
- Promoting responsible citizenship and patriotism
- Delivering scholarships to help promote literacy and quality education
- Encouraging patriotism and good citizenship by providing educational and leadership opportunities
- Providing meaningful volunteer opportunities that allow them more chances to act upon their mission
- To give members the chance to uphold the tenets of Service, Not Self…a tenet of the American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary is Devoted to Easing the Impact of Sacrifice for the Entire Family
The hard truth is that military service takes a toll on the entire family. The ALA is committed to helping take some of the weight off, using their network to get the necessary resources to those who need them. The American Legion Auxiliary will also work amongst the community, sending off service members or welcoming them home, or be of service to those veterans who just need a bit of assistance.
The ALA has also been active in politics since the early days, assisting to draft the GI Bill back in 1944 to today, as they take the fight to Capitol Hill to campaign for legislation in support of veteran and servicemember quality of life.
On top of all this, the American Legion Auxiliary runs a variety of other programs, including:
- The Poppy Program
- Troop Care Packages
- Blue Star Banners
- Christmas Gift Shops
- POW/MIA Remembrance
- The Americanism Essay Contest
- ALA Girls State and Nation
- The National Poppy Poster Contest
Are You Eligible to Be an American Legion Auxiliary Member?
To be eligible for membership of the Auxiliary, you must be
- (1) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion; and
- (2) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who served in either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918 and any time after December 7, 1941 who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge;
- (3) grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941 who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and
- (4) to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.*
- * A woman who is eligible for American Legion membership is eligible to join the American Legion Auxiliary regardless of whether or not she is a member of The American Legion. However, eligibility of her female relatives (sister, mother, direct descendants) and/or spouse depends upon her membership in The American Legion.
