Q:            How do I join The American Legion?
A:            We will soon have a sign me up link, in the meantime, call the American Legion Post 283 at 310 454 0527.

Q:        How do I know if I am eligible for membership in the American Legion?
A:        The American Legion was founded on the premise that all those serving in the United States 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.

 

                        World War I          April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918

                        World War II         December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946

                        Korean War           June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955

                        Vietnam             February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975

                        Lebanon & Grenada    August 24, 1961 to July 31, 1984

                        Panama             December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990

                        Persian Gulf          August 2, 1990 to cessation of hostilities
                                            as determined by the
                                            United States Government

Q:        Why is membership in the American Legion limited to certain periods of time? I served in the military, but not during The American Legion eligibility periods.
A:        The American Legion was founded in 1919 as a wartime veteran s organization; Congress chartered it on this basis. Our membership eligibility dates parallel dates set by Congress of wartime service.

Q:        How does a Post report the death of a member of The American Legion?
A:        The Post Adjutant when notified submits form numbered 30-001/2002 (member data form) to the Department.

          You may also use a regular transmittal form and write deceased next to the name and member number and mail with the card (with the deceased box checked).

Q:        What benefits do I receive as a member of the American Legion?
A:        As a member of The American Legion, you may participate in the low cost life insurance program, as well as many other discounts such as moving, Car rental, hotels and motels, eyewear and prescription drugs benefits are added periodically.

Q:        What type of financial aid for college or scholarship information can The American Legion provide?
A:        The American Legion publishes a college financial aid guide called

NEED A LIFT? This 128 page guide lists scholarships, grants and loans.

NEED A LIFT? Also contains a scholarship research service application called CASHE. Using the information provided on the application a database of over 150,000 entries will be searched to match awards to the individual. To order a copy of NEED A LIFT? Send a $3.00 check or money order to:

NEED A LIFT?, Emblem Sales, P.O. Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN. 46206.

Q:       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)

   Check the Service Officer Directory for contact information of the officers in your area.

Q:        I am related to someone who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates. Can I join the Auxiliary of 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 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.

Q:        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.

Q;        How can I obtain a copy of the American Legion s annual report?
A:        Address your request to our Library via e-mail. In the future this report will be available on-line via these internet pages.

Q:        Is there a history of The American Legion available?
A:        Copies The American Legion: An Official History is available from Emblem Sales, The American Legion, P.O. Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206, Telephone: (317) 630-1251, or FAX (317) 630-1381. FAX orders are accepted with VISA

Q:       Where do I direct questions or concerns about local posts?
A:        Post matters and/or concerns should be directed to the California Department Headquarters. 401 Van Ness Ave. Room 117, San Francisco, CA. or telephone (415) 431-2400, FAX (415) 255-1571

         The Department has the first line responsibility in reviewing any actions by a post. In addition, if you are interested in joining or even just visiting local posts within an area, please direct all questions to the Department Headquarters. The Department professional staff should provide the information you are seeking.

Q:        How can I request a copy of my military discharge records for proof of eligibility?
A:        If you are a veteran or next-to-kin of a deceased veteran, you may now use vetecs.archives.gov to order copies of military records. All other must use SF 180 or request in a letter.

              NATIONAL RECORDS CENTER (ST. LOUIS, MO.)

                      Military Record Requests (SF-180)

                           Quick Reference Links

1.     Ways to request Military Records

2.     How to Submit Your Request

3.     Order Processing Time

Write to The National Personnel Records Center; 9700 Page Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63132