Fellow Legionnaires and friends,
At this point last year, our department stood stronger in numbers than we do today. As of now, we are 949 members behind where we were at this same time last year. That number matters—not because it’s about statistics, but because it represents voices, service, and strength that Iowa veterans depend on.
Membership in the American Legion is not just a card—it is a commitment. It is the power that allows us to advocate for veterans’ benefits, protect the GI Bill, support military families, and ensure that no veteran in Iowa stands alone. Every member strengthens our ability to speak with authority at the Statehouse and in our communities.
Because of the American Legion of Iowa:
- Veterans have received assistance navigating VA benefits and claims.
- Iowa’s veterans’ homes, memorials, and cemeteries have been supported and protected.
- Youth programs like Boys State, Oratorical Contest, and scholarship opportunities have shaped future leaders.
- Communities across Iowa have honored the fallen, supported the living, and remembered the cost of freedom.
These accomplishments did not happen by accident—they happened because Legionnaires showed up, renewed, and brought others with them.
Now is the time to recommit. Reach out to a fellow veteran. Ask them to renew. Invite a new member to join. Explain the value of belonging to an organization that never stops fighting for those who served.
Together, we can close this gap. Together, we can grow stronger. And together, we will continue to serve Iowa’s veterans, their families, and our communities with pride and purpose.
For God and Country,
Darrin Alderson
Department Commander