Getting to know the American Legion Auxiliary

Getting to know the American Legion Auxiliary: Part 1

Who is the American Legion Auxiliary?

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is comprised of women veterans or women relatives (grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters, daughters and granddaughters) of wartime veterans who are eligible for membership in The American Legion. In the spirit of Service Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.

The American Legion, which the ALA supports and works alongside, is the largest veterans service organization comprised of veterans who served during a period of war or declared conflict, as established by the U.S. Congress, from World War I to date.

The American Legion Family – made up of The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and Legion Riders (a program of The American Legion) – honors our veterans, military, and their families. Belonging to the ALA honors the person(s) who made your membership possible. For example, if a woman’s father served during World War II, and she has a son who is an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, she is eligible for membership in the ALA on two counts because of her family relationships. She honors both her father and her son by being an ALA member.

Watch a video of the American Legion Auxiliary’s history, which dates back to 1919.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact local ALA members to learn about ALA service projects going on in your neighborhood or click here to learn more. Volunteering as one person for a project is rewarding. But volunteering with a group for a community project heightens the fun and enhances the meaning of being involved in something that makes a significant difference in your community.

This is the first of a six-part blog series, Getting to know the American Legion Auxiliary. Read the other posts here: Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4.