History of the American Legion Auxiliary
For nearly every man in WWI who endured the dangers and hardships of camp, shore and the battlefront, there were women serving at home to help make possible America’s victory – his wife, mother, daughter, sister or granddaughter. When the War ended, men and women of the Armed Forces banded together in The American Legion to carry forward their services to the country in peacetime. It was only natural that the women of their families should desire to continue to serve with them. The result is the American Legion Auxiliary, the largest and most influential women’s organization of its kind in the world today.
The Auxiliary Organization is composed of local Units, Department (State) and National (Headquarters located in Indianapolis, IN). A member of the American Legion Auxiliary is a member of a local Unit. This is where all the work of programs are put into action by our auxiliary members in their communities.
American Legion Auxiliary Eligibility
Eligibility for membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is limited to women who have direct personal connection with service in WWI, WWII, Korean, Vietnam War, or conflicts in Lebanon, Grenada, Panama or Operation Desert Storm/Gulf War/War on Terrorism. The mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, great granddaughters and grandmothers of members of The American Legion (if Legionnaire is living) / The mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, great-granddaughters and grandmothers of those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during any of the eligibility periods listed above –died in the line of duty or received an honorable discharge and died after such service. Women who are eligible for membership in the American Legion in their own right are also eligible for The American Legion Auxiliary (they can hold duel-membership in both organizations). Junior members of The American Legion Auxiliary are members from birth up to age 18. At age 18 she is then Senior Status membership.