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WELCOME HOME VETERANS
AND ACTIVE HEROES.

The American Legion is the nation’s most influential, effective, and dependable advocate of veteran affairs fighting for better active-duty pay, improved housing for active-duty families and helping to ensure that the VA’s medical system can properly care for veterans.

The American Legion stands as a beacon of inclusivity and camaraderie, offering a welcoming embrace to veterans and their families from all walks of life. Serving as more than just a gathering place, it fosters a sense of belonging and understanding within the veteran community, transcending differences, and uniting individuals under a shared bond of service.

Discover the perfect volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests. The American Legion passionately backs its community through a myriad of avenues, whether by directly engaging in the Department of Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service program, forging connections with nearby National Guard and reserve units, or extending a helping hand to local charities like Habitat for Humanity and the Red Cross. Additionally, the Legion dedicates itself to nurturing youth through various programs and activities, including but not limited to American Legion Baseball, Jr. Shooting Sports, Oratorical competitions, and Boys and Girls State.

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    FAQS

    Membership Eligibility Questions

    Are you eligible for membership in The American Legion? Below are frequently asked questions regarding American Legion eligibility. For any other eligibility questions, feel free to contact us by email at membership@legion.org or call 317-630-1321.

    What are the eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion?

    Thanks to the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act) signed into law on July 30, 2019, the current eligibility period is Dec. 7, 1941, to the present, and includes the current war campaigns. Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two: the current war period dating back to World War II and another covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership have changed.

    I'm currently on active duty. Am I eligible?

    Yes, you are a veteran. All current active duty military are eligible for membership.

    Can I be an honorary or social member of The American Legion?

    No, you cannot. Per The American Legion National Constitution and By-laws, no form or class of membership is authorized except regular active or paid up for life.

    I served with allied military forces during one of the qualifying periods. Am I eligible?

    Yes, you are a veteran, only if you were a U.S. citizen at the time of entry.

    I served with the Civil Air Patrol/Civilian Technical Corps/USPHS as a civilian during two qualifying periods. Am I eligible?

    No, you are not eligible for membership. Eligible members must have federal military service during a qualifying period and received an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable conditions.

    I enlisted and went to basic training but received an uncharacterized discharge due to a medical condition. Am I eligible?

    Yes, you are a veteran. Uncharacterized discharges for medical reasons are assumed to be under honorable conditions unless specifically stated otherwise. There are other categories of uncharacterized discharges, and before they are determined eligible for membership, the discharge should be sent to American Legion National Headquarters for determination. A record will be maintained at National on final determination.

    How much are American Legion annual membership dues?

    Every American Legion post determines its own dues rate. However, new members who join through National Headquarters are offered a special introductory dues rate and are automatically placed in the Department (State) Headquarters Post in their state of residence. This is considered a “holding” post with no meetings or activities. The amount a member pays to renew membership each year depends on the Legion post where their membership is held. Each post determines its Legion programs, social functions, and annual dues, so it varies; however, $40 annually is the approximate national dues average. Visit legion.org/posts to find the annual dues rate for posts in your area.

    Where can I find my member ID number?

    Once you join The American Legion, you’re assigned a permanent 9-digit Member ID number that remains yours as long as you’re a member. If you transfer to another post, always provide your original Member ID number. You can find the ID number on your membership card, and it’s the first 9 digits above your name on American Legion Magazine labels (it always starts with a 1, 2, or 3). If you can’t locate your membership card, please call Customer Service at (800) 433-3318 to obtain your member ID and a replacement card.