The American Legion Auxiliary
FAQ's
Q. What is the primary purpose of the Auxiliary Organization?
A. The first words of the Auxiliary preamble are "For God and
Country." Members believe in the ideals and principles of America's
founding fathers and pledge to foster patriotism, preserve and defend
the Constitution, promote allegiance to God and Country, and uphold the
basic principles of freedom of religion, freedom of expression and
freedom of choice. Auxiliary programs were created to provide
assistance, education and financial support for veterans and their
families, and in the community, the organization focuses on helping to
create a better society, particularly for the nation's citizens of the
future, our children and young people.
Q. What is the relationship between the American Legion and the
American Legion Auxiliary?
A. The Auxiliary is a part of the Legion family of service affiliates
which also includes the Sons of the American Legion and the 8 & 40.
Local Auxiliary Units are usually but not always affiliated with an
American Legion Post and support Legion-sponsored activities through
volunteer service and fundraising activities. The Auxiliary has expanded
some of its programs and initiated others to meet the special needs of
women and their families, but most programs augment or complement Legion
programs.
Q. What is the difference between the Auxiliary and other veterans
organizations?
A. The American Legion Auxiliary, although not the first such
organization, is the largest patriotic women's service organization in
the world. Affiliated with The American Legion and chartered by Congress
in 1920, the Auxiliary is a veterans' service organization with
volunteer representation in all 173 VA Medical Centers. Nearly one
million Auxiliary members in nearly 11,000 American communities provide
a rich and varied resource pool of ability, talent and leadership
experience.
Q. Who can join?
Eligibility is quite simple.
A. Membership is open to female veterans and to the mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, granddaughters or great-granddaughters of American Legion members or deceased veterans who served in the Armed Forces during World Wars I and II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Grenada, Panama, and/or Lebanon conflicts, and the Persian Gulf War. Descendants of veterans (great-granddaughters, etc.) often are presented with Junior memberships at birth or during childhood through the generosity of an older relative and Auxiliary member.
Q. What do Auxiliary members have in common?
A. There is really no "typical" member. Auxiliary members are women of all ages and from all walks of life. They are service-oriented. They have a variety of outside interests, activities and lifestyles. They are active in their communities and in other religious or fraternal organizations. They share a deep and abiding concern for their fellowman, great compassion for those in need and a sense of personal responsibility and commitment to God, country and community.
Q. What are the advantages of Auxiliary membership?
A. The Auxiliary is a highly visible, remarkable organization, with 75 proud years of service to veterans and the nation's communities. In addition to the personal gratification and rewards gained in voluntary service, there are many tangible benefits for members of the Auxiliary.
Members receive a complimentary subscription to the Auxiliary's bimonthly publication, National News, special MasterCard and money-market investment plans, free travel and accident insurance, low-cost life and health insurance coverage, and discounts on interstate moves, eye-glasses, hearing aids, prescriptions and rental cars. Auxiliary members who find themselves without other resources can obtain temporary, emergency financial assistance or money for schooling to re-enter the job market.
