A Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families
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Sunday marked the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The American Legion Auxiliary remembers those lost, and we honor those who defend our freedom. | |
September is suicide prevention month | |
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It is important to check in on your friends, family, and community members. We know that everyone has a role to play in suicide prevention and that sometimes simply asking someone, “How are you, really?” and listening for their response can make all the difference.
Remember: Help is always available at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can reach the hotline in three ways: dialing 988 then press 1, text 838255, or visit this webpage.
Let's change the narrative. Instead of talking about the staggering number of daily suicides, BE THE ONE to save ONE veteran. Learn more: www.Legion.org/betheone
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Celebrating ALA successes | |
The 101st ALA National Convention celebrated the 2021-2022 admnistrative year and ushered in 2022-2023 with open arms! You can read about the convention highlights on our blog, look at photos on our social media, read the annual report, learn more about our national officers, and re-live or view general sessions and installation of officers here. Plus, our November issue of Auxiliary magazine will include a feature story on National Convention. Our ALA successes happen because of you, and we are most grateful! | |
Meet the new American Legion Family leadership | |
The 2022-2023 administrative year is in full swing! New national leaders were elected during National Convention in Milwaukee. Vickie Koutz of Indiana was installed as ALA national president, Jim Troiola, New York, was elected national commander of The American Legion, and Chris Carlton, Indiana, was elected Sons of The American Legion national commander. You can read more about each of the leaders in our November issue of Auxiliary. | |
Congratulations to our young leaders! | |
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ALA Juniors elected five Honorary National Junior Division Vice Presidents.
Congratulations to:
- Central - Hayden Freeman, Illinois
- Eastern - Mackenzie McDaniels, New York
- Northwestern - Samantha Stai, Minnesota
- Southern - Jasmine Harris, Florida
- Western - Audrina Rosales, Arizona
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2022-2023 Mission Training dates announced | |
Five ALA Mission Trainings and national Junior meetings are planned for 2022-2023.
- Northwestern Division: Nov. 5
Minneapolis, MN
Baltimore, MD
- Southern Division: Jan. 28
Nashville, TN
- Western Division: Date TBD
Las Vegas, NV
- Central Division: Date and location TBD
Watch our social media and your email for more information coming soon!
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R.Riveter auctioned a one-of-a-kind handbag created by military spouses in August. The auction raised $750, and 100% of the proceeds were donated to the ALA!
For this bag, R.Riveter transformed a U.S. Navy dress blue service uniform to honor those who served.
❗️SPECIAL DEAL for ALA members: Shop R.Riveter products at a discount by going to: https://bit.ly/3tYTsWm.
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Prepare for Halloween with this ALA treat | Order or download your ALA Halloween coloring books! These easy-to-use publications are a great way to spread awareness of the ALA and our important mission to families in your community while also giving Halloween treats to kids! | |
Give to the Mission Endowment Fund today | |
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The future of the ALA Foundation is reliant upon your gifts to the Mission Endowment Fund. As the endowment grows, so does the opportunity to fund additional initiatives that will enable us to fulfill our mission of positively impacting the lives of veterans, military, and their families.
Join us and be a part of the ALA Foundation legacy. Learn more about the Foundation's impact and make your tax-deductible gift: www.ALAFoundation.org or call (317) 569-4500 to discuss a special gift to the Mission Endowment Fund.
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New, easier-to-print American Legion Family membership applications are available. These simpler versions can be printed from your home office — and without stealing all of your ink! We removed the color block headers from the original brochure (which you can still order from your department/state ALA office if you prefer) to make things easier for your membership recruiting activities. Click here to download this black-and-white version.
Do you shop Amazon Prime? If you do, be sure to use AmazonSmile! Through Amazon’s charitable program, AmazonSmile, you can support the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation. Simply sign in through this special link and select the American Legion Auxiliary. Amazon will donate 0.5% of every purchase you make to the ALA Foundation. It may seem small, but a little can add up to a lot.
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Find ALA program committee groups on Facebook | |
Discover what your fellow ALA members are saying in the committee Facebook groups! These easy-to-access forums provide an arena for organic discussion about your local programs or services and present the opportunity to cultivate brand awareness. Find the list of groups here.
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Matt Roth is an award-winning photojournalist with experience in both newspapers and magazines. He lives in the Baltimore area and specializes in portraits, conceptual photography, reportage, documentary, advertising, and creativity.
He's done work for The American Legion Family, including the cover of the February 2022 Auxiliary magazine. Check out the blog for his photography tips.
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Members of the Copley, Ohio Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7971, American Legion Frank Bender Post 473, and ALA Unit 473 jointly purchased small backpacks, also known as ditty bags, that were filled with personal items for the veterans.
This project is one of many the Copley VFW, American Legion, and ALA work and fund together, including social events for veterans and their families.
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Don't miss out on ALA member benefits! | |
Need some vacation inspiration? You’re in luck! Armed Forces Vacation Club (AFVC) offers eligible members of the U.S. military vacations at an affordable price. Explore rental options in destinations worldwide by clicking here. AFVC offers exceptional vacations for heroes – you’ve earned it! | |
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September – Suicide Awareness Month
September 16 – National POW/MIA Recognition Day
September 16 – American Legion Day
September 17 – Constitution Day
September 18 – U.S. Air Force birthday
September 25 – Gold Star Mother’s Day
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The importance of art therapy for veterans | |
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"We use the arts to explore coping strategies because they are so new and raw in their treatment. It provides them the opportunity to process what brought them to that point. They don't have to talk about their feelings — art becomes the catalyst for conversations after.
— Nadene Stillings, art therapist
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Be The One campaign tackles veteran suicide
The American Legion National Commander Jim Troiola’s platform and top priority is reducing veteran suicide. He encourages everyone to Be The One.
In the coming months, The American Legion National Headquarters will roll out resources, stories of how posts and members are demonstrating how they are working to minimize the veteran suicide rate.
You can also listen or watch The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcasts this month as they are all dedicated to the topic of suicide prevention. The episodes are published each Tuesday morning and can be found here.
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Legion Family Merchandise
Show your support by buying from
American Legion Flag & Emblem Sales.
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The American Legion Legislative Alerts
The ALA supports the legislative agenda of The American Legion.
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In the spirit of Service Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace, and security.
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