Frequently asked membership questions are answered below.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

How do I join The American Legion? A: stop by the Post or e-mail us for an enrollment form.

How do I know if I am eligible for membership in The American Legion? A: 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 the discharged, you may become a member. Current eligibility dates are: *April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918 *December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946 *June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955 *February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975 *August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984 *December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990 *August 2, 1990 - Present * all dates inclusive Such service shall have been terminated by honorable discharge or honorable separation, or continued honorably after any of said periods.

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. A: 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. What benefits do I receive as a member of The American Legion? See our Service Officers Page for benefit information

What is a Paid-Up-For-Life Membership? A: It's a membership you purchase with a lump sum that makes you a Paid-Up-For-Life Member of The American Legion. Joining the over 175,000 who've already become Paid-Up-For-Life Members assures you of all the benefits of American Legion membership for life, with no additional future payment -- no matter how much the cost of your benefits may go up.

What can I do to get help with a VA claim? A: American Legion Service Officers offer free advice and guidance for veterans who need to deal with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). See our Service Officers Page for more information

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? A: 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.

Can I ask The American Legion to search its membership list and give me a current address and telephone number of an old Army buddy I want to locate?A: The American Legion protects the privacy of its members and will not release such information. However, there are certain situations for mail to be forwarded to our members. Legion membership of the requester is required in most cases. A background sheet is available upon request. Please send an e-mail to the Library of The American Legion.