A.  Our post is always seeking new members, and we welcome those who wish to continue serving others in the name of the American Legion.  However, prospective members need to know that some restrictions have been put in place as a result of the national charter by Congress. A key requirement is that honorably discharged veterans wishing to join the American Legion must have had military service during a period of time set by Congress as a time of hostilities (war).  Therefore, one who has been honorably discharged, or is serving, with one of the U.S. branches of service must have that service during a period designated as meeting the periods so established by Congress.  Check with one of the officers of the post to see about your eligibility for membership.  You may be asked to present a copy of your DD214 service record to document your period of service to see that you are in compliance with the periods established for membership eligibility.   Contact www.Legion354.org for with your questions about your eligibility.

1. Please complete the following application: Join Now or snail-mail it to:  Ted Minich, Adjutant, 4174 Main Street, Hawthorn, PA 16230

A. Currently, the annual dues to keep in good standing for members is a fee of $30, and there is no additional cost for initial membership. Of that $30 annual payment, only $3 goes to the local post’s expenses, with the remainder going to the state and national Legion operational expenses.

A.  Yes, you are a veteran.  Location of active duty service is not a consideration for membership.

A.  Yes, you are a veteran.  Title 10 orders are issued by the Secretary of Defense and therefore federal orders.

A. You would automatically receive the monthly issue of Legion Magazine. By becoming a Legion member, you would be eligible for discounts with auto rental, financial and insurance support, medical discounts, moving discounts, many retail discounts and travel and lodging discounts.   In addition to economic benefits, you would be part of an organization dedicated to serving veterans and their families, the community and national programs.

Most importantly, at the Walter W. Craig Post, you would become part of a proud group of men and women, much like yourself, with similar experiences who are friendly, understanding, disciplined and who conduct themselves at a high level of integrity.  You will feel a real sense of belonging and comradery and you will be given opportunities to use your talents if you so choose.

A.  The members of Post 354 are very active in the communities which we represent.   A few of the many activities and programs include, the current development of a Veterans Memorial Park, a Memorial Day Program, The Honor Guard, placement of over 1100 flags on Veterans Graves prior to Memorial Day, Flag Retirement Ceremonies, an Annual Dinner for members, and the Hometown Hero Banner Program.

A. No. Per National Constitution and By-laws, no form or class of membership is authorized except regular active or paid up for life.

1. A. The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as an organization for war time veterans. Membership is open only to men and women who served active duty in the US Armed Forces during specific periods designated as “war time” by the US Congress, and who have received an honorable discharge, or are still serving honorably. Eligible veterans would be able to provide a Form DD214 (or similar) to verify their eligibility. If you don’t meet these requirements, then we’re sorry, but you’re not eligible for membership.

It’s possible that you may be able to join one of the other organizations in the “Legion Family.” The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) is comprised of male descendants, adopted sons and step-sons of American Legion members. (There are no age limitations.) Many posts have an active SAL program and you can contact one near you to learn more. (Visit www.legion.org/sons for more information.)

Our sister organization is the American Legion Auxiliary. Eligibility is open to mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, grand-daughters, great-grand-daughters, or grandmothers of members of The American Legion, or of deceased veterans who served in the United States Armed Forces during the listed war eras. (Women who are eligible for membership in The American Legion are also eligible to join the Auxiliary.) Visit their website at www.alaforveterans.org or you can reach their National Headquarters office by calling 317-569-4500.