Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I join The American Legion?

2. How do I know if I am eligible for membership in The American Legion?

3. Why is membership in The American Legion limited to certain periods of time? I served in military, but not during The American Legion eligibility periods.

4. What benefits do I receive as a member of The American Legion?

5. I am related to someone who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates. Can I join the Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion (SAL) even if he/she is not a member of The American Legion?

6. How can I request a copy of my military discharge records for proof of eligibility?

How do I join The American Legion?

Select the Becoming A Member section for an application. Or contact someone at an American Legion Post of which there are approximately 15,000 (address should be in your local telephone book). Check to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you are not eligible but would like to subscribe to our newspaper, e-mail us. Cost for a 12-month subscription is $10.00.

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How do I know if I am eligible for membership in The American Legion?

Our organization was founded on the premise that all those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during times of national crisis, regardless of place of service, are eligible to belong to The American Legion. Our membership is based on period of service, not place of service. Therefore, if you have served at least one day of active duty during the eligibility dates and are still serving in the military after any of the said periods or have been honorably discharged, you may become a member.

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Why is membership in The American Legion limited to certain periods of time? I served in military, but not during The American Legion eligibility periods.

The American Legion was founded in 1919 as a war-time veterans organization. It was chartered by Congress on this basis. Our membership eligibility dates parallel dates set by Congress of war-time service.

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What benefits do I receive as a member of The American Legion?

As a member of The American Legion, you may participate in the low cost life insurance program, as well as many other discounts on moving, car rentals, hotels and motels, eyewear and prescription drugs.

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I am related to someone who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates. Can I join the Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion (SAL) even if he/she is not a member of The American Legion?

No. If your relative who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates is not a member of The American Legion, you may not join either the American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of The American Legion. However, if the qualifying veteran is deceased you may join the appropriate organization, even if the qualifying veteran was not a member of The American Legion when living.

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How can I request a copy of my military discharge records for proof of eligibility?

To obtain a certificate in lieu of a lost or destroyed discharge, a veteran separated under honorable conditions should use Standard Form 180. Persons still in military service should write their branch of service. To obtain a Standard Form 180 to request the records, you may write or call the National Personnel Records Center at:   National Personnel Records Center Military Personnel Records 9700 Page Avenue St. Louis, MO 63132-5100 Email: MPR.center@nara.gov       Internet:http://www.archives.gov/st-louis/   Phone Numbers:     Army - (314) 538-4261      Air Force - (314) 538-4243  Coast Guard, Marines  and Navy - (314) 538-4141 Fax: (314) 538-4175

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Page Maintained by Glen Creighton.
Copyright © 2005  [American Legion Post 81. All rights reserved.]
Revised: 02/05/12.

Page Maintained By:

UPDATED: February 05, 2012