FAQ
Everyone has questions. Hopefully this will help with some of them.
The American Legion
We have run across many who are unfamiliar with The American Legion Family. We thought it useful to answer some of those questions. If you have a question you would like us to answer, ask it below.
What or who is The American Legion?
The American Legion (TAL) was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veterans’ organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a community-service organization which now numbers nearly 3 million members, men and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide. These posts are organized into 55 departments — one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Where is The American Legion Headquarters?
The American Legion’s national headquarters is in Indianapolis, with additional offices in Washington, DC. The Department of Iowa Headquarters is located in Des Moines, Iowa. The Department Service Office is located in the Federal Building in Des Moines.
Is The American Legion open to anyone?
The American Legion is a veteran service organization. If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving – you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
How do I join The American Legion?
We encourage you find The American Legion Post closest to you and speak with the local Legion Leadership.
How do I find a Legion member?
The American Legion works diligently to protect the information of its members. If you contact The Department of Iowa Headquarters, we may be able to assist you depending on the situation or circumstance leading to your request.
I did not serve in the military but my family member did, can I still join?
The American Legion is not only for veterans and service members, but for their families as well. If you are a woman who has or had a family member enlisted may be eligible for The American Legion Auxiliary. If you are a male of any age whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership, consider joining The Sons of The American Legion.
The American Legion Auxiliary
The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Iowa
The Sons of The American Legion
The Sons of The American Legion Detachment of Iowa
Is there a place I can go or someone I can ask further questions not listed here?
Yes, you are more than welcome to check out National’s Website for a more extensive FAQ for membership or contact our Department Headquarters at 800-365-8387.