What is the primary purpose of the Auxiliary Organization?

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.

What are some of the Auxiliary's major programs and activities?

To learn about Auxiliary programs, please click on "Programs" at the right.

What is the relationship between The American Legion and the American

Legion Auxiliary?

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.

What is the difference between the Auxiliary and other veterans organizations?

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 veteran's 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.

Who can join?

Eligibility is quite simple. Membership is open to female veterans and to the

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 members. Many of these young women continue

their membership as Senior members after they reach age 18.

What do Auxiliary members have in common?

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. Auxiliary members are patriots in

every sense of the word. Their patriotism comes from the heart. It is not mandated

through legislation or instilled by force. Their primary goals are to serve our veterans,

to safeguard and nurture our nation's children and to educate all citizens, young and

old, about the benefits, privileges and responsibilities of American citizenship.

What are the advantages of Auxiliary membership?

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.

What types of membership are available?

Membership applications can be obtained from local Units, Department offices

or National Headquarters in Indianapolis. Members can renew their membership

each year or purchase a lifetime membership called "VIM" (Very Important Member).

Some Units confer Honorary "Life Memberships" to outstanding members. Members

wear special Honor Guard pins denoting continuous membership for a period of

5 to 75 years. Many women veterans are members of both The American Legion and

the Auxiliary.

Where will new members come from?

One day a lasting peace may eliminate the need for veterans organizations like the

Auxiliary. Until then, the Auxiliary continues the battle against poverty, ignorance and

numerous social problems in our communities and the nation. There will always be the

need for new Auxiliary volunteers who are willing to help with the important volunteer

work still to be done. We have barely scratched the surface and the Auxiliary seeks

every opportunity to attract new members and tell the nation about the valuable

community service work of the organization.

How did the Auxiliary support American servicemen and women during the

Persian Gulf War?

When thousands of men and women on active duty and in the reserves were called to the

Middle East, many service families needed help to cope with the emotional and financial

burdens caused by the sudden separation and disruption to their lives. The American

Legion and Auxiliary pledged their "mutual helpfulness" to support the families of

American servicemen and women while they served overseas through the Family

Support Network, a national emergency assistance program in which military families

call a toll-free number manned by Auxiliary and Legion members with requests for help.

What kinds of services does the Auxiliary provide for homeless veterans?

Auxiliary volunteers across the nation will offer their support to homeless veterans in

a variety of ways, depending on the preferences of individual Units and the needs of

particular communities. Many local Units will work closely with other organizations

in their community dedicated to helping the homeless. Individuals and entire Units may

volunteer time and/or financial support to local shelters and coordinate or participate

in food or clothing drives. Units may serve as a referral service to the homeless veteran

as well, offering individuals in need the names and telephone numbers of local,

available resources in their communities.

What is the Citizens Flag Alliance?

The Citizens Flag Alliance is an apolitical, non-partisan confederation of

organizations and individuals who wish to protect the United States flag from

public physical desecration. Stressing education along with rallying public support,

the Citizens Flag Alliance's goal is to pass a narrowly drawn Constitutional amendment

making it illegal to publicly desecrate the flag. The American Legion Auxiliary joined this

effort in 1994 because it believes the flag is unique among our national symbols and it

deserves respect, care and protection.