Walk into an American Legion Post, and you may meet Legionnaires, American Legion Auxiliary members, members of Sons of The American Legion, and American Legion Riders.
Together, they are commonly known as the American Legion Family. The Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons are membership organizations, while the Riders is a program for members of those three organizations. Each has its own eligibility requirements and local leadership, but all support Veterans, military families, young people, and their communities.
The American Legion
The American Legion is the central organization within the Legion Family. Membership is open to Veterans and current Service Members who served at least one day on federal active duty since Dec. 7, 1941, and were honorably discharged or continue to serve honorably.
Local organizations are called Posts. Their activities vary, but many provide Veteran outreach, community events, scholarships, youth activities and connections to accredited service officers. Legionnaires also support programs such as American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Boys Nation, and the National Oratorical Contest.
How to Join The American Legion
Eligible Veterans and Service Members can join online or complete an application through a local Post. Applicants may be asked to provide a DD-214 or other proof of eligible military service. Dues are set by the Post or Department.
Those who join online without selecting a local Post are generally assigned to their state’s headquarters Post and may later request a transfer.
The American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary supports The American Legion while serving Veterans, Service Members, and military families. Local Auxiliary organizations are called Units and are usually connected to a Post.
Eligibility generally includes spouses, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and direct or adopted female descendants of qualifying Veterans or Legionnaires. Women who are eligible for American Legion membership through their own military service may also join the Auxiliary. Exact eligibility depends on the Veteran’s service, membership status, and relationship to the applicant.
Auxiliary Units support hospitalized Veterans, military families, scholarships, education, and community service. The Auxiliary also operates ALA Girls State and ALA Girls Nation, which teach high school students about government, leadership, and citizenship.
Eligible children and teenagers may join as Junior members and participate in service projects and Auxiliary activities.
How to Join the American Legion Auxiliary
Prospective members can visit the Auxiliary’s official joining page to review eligibility, apply online when available, or download an application to submit to a local Unit.
Applicants joining through a living Legionnaire generally provide that person’s membership number and Post information. Those joining through a deceased Veteran may need a DD-214, military orders, or other service records.
Sons of The American Legion
Sons of The American Legion, commonly called the SAL, was established in 1932. Local SAL organizations are called Squadrons.
Membership is open to eligible male descendants, adopted sons, and stepsons of American Legion members. Male descendants of deceased Veterans who met American Legion service requirements may also qualify. There is no minimum age, so Squadrons may include children, adults, and older members.
SAL members assist with Post events, patriotic ceremonies, Veteran outreach, scholarships, memorials, and programs for children and military families.
How to Join Sons of The American Legion
Applicants can review the requirements and download the SAL membership application. The completed application should be taken to a nearby Post or SAL Squadron with information about the Veteran or Legionnaire who provides the applicant’s eligibility.
Not every Post has a Squadron. A local Post, state Detachment, or SAL National Headquarters can help applicants find one nearby.
American Legion Riders
The American Legion Riders is a national program for Legion Family members who share an interest in motorcycles and community service. Local Riders groups are called Chapters.
Riders participate in funeral escorts, welcome-home events, parades, fundraising rides and projects supporting Veterans, military families and children. The annual American Legion Legacy Run raises money for the Veterans & Children Foundation.
The Riders is not a separate motorcycle club or membership organization. Its Chapters operate as part of the Legion Family and follow Post and Department rules.
How to Join the American Legion Riders
Applicants must first be members in good standing of The American Legion, the Auxiliary, or Sons of The American Legion. They must also own a legally registered motorcycle or be the spouse of its registered owner. Operators must be properly licensed and insured under state law.
Eligible members can use the Riders’ official page to find a nearby Chapter. Individual Chapters and Departments may have additional dues or application requirements.
Members May Belong to More Than One Group
A Veteran may qualify for both The American Legion and the SAL. An eligible woman Veteran may belong to both The American Legion and the Auxiliary. Members of any of the three organizations may also join the Riders after meeting its requirements.
This allows the groups to work together. Legionnaires might organize an event while Auxiliary members prepare meals, SAL members help with setup, and Riders lead a motorcycle escort.
American Legion Programs
The Legion Family also supports activities that are not separate membership groups. These include American Legion Baseball, Boys State and Boys Nation, ALA Girls State, ALA Girls Nation, the National Oratorical Contest, Junior Shooting Sports and the Legion’s long-standing support of Scouting.
Not every Post has an Auxiliary Unit, SAL Squadron, or Riders Chapter. Veterans and family members can contact a nearby Post to learn what is available. Resources are also available to help Posts organize an Auxiliary Unit, charter an SAL Squadron, or establish an American Legion Riders Chapter.
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