New eligibility resolution expands ALA membership
At the 2026 American Legion National Convention, delegates adopted new membership eligibility language for the American Legion Auxiliary — expanding eligibility and allowing more family members to join the ALA. The Legion has authority over the ALA’s membership eligibility; this gender-neutral language change allows more people into our organization — strengthening our ability to better serve our veterans, military, and their families. The eligibility changes are effective immediately. Check out the ALA blog to learn more.
| | Auxiliary members needed for 9/12 nationwide cemetery cleanup | | |
Carry The Load with the National Cemetery Administration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is organizing a national service event on Sept. 12 to honor and pay respects to those affected by the tragedy of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Across the nation at 141 participating cemeteries, volunteers will clean headstones with provided materials. ALA members have been called on to lend a helping hand with this day of service to help honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11.
To learn more and to register, check out the ALA blog. If you have plans to participate in this day of remembrance, please email PR@ALAforVeterans.org — your experience could be featured in ALA national media.
| | Business Spotlight: Wellcare | | |
You’ve spent your life caring for others. Through service and dedication, members of the American Legion Auxiliary strengthen communities every day. At Wellcare, we believe your health deserves to be a priority, which is why our partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary is so meaningful.
Wellcare offers Medicare Advantage plans with a focus on simplifying the healthcare experience for our members and offering coverage that goes beyond Original Medicare. Together, Wellcare and the American Legion Auxiliary share a commitment to supporting veterans and the families who stand beside them. Auxiliary members often play a key role in guiding healthcare decisions, and we’re proud to provide trusted education and resources to help navigate Medicare Advantage plan options with confidence.
If you have Medicare and Medicaid, limited income, recently lost employer coverage, are turning 65, or you’ve just moved, you may be eligible for one of many qualifying events that allow you to enroll now.
Call, or visit us online, to learn more about a Wellcare Medicare Advantage plan!
877-592-2856 (TTY: 711)
8 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days a week
ala.wellcare.com
Y0020_WCM_6878947E_C_FINAL1 Internally Approved 08112026
Washington residents: “Wellcare” is issued by Coordinated Care of Washington, Inc. Washington residents: Health Net Life Insurance Company is contracted with Medicare for PPO plans. “Wellcare” is issued by Health Net Life Insurance Company. Washington residents:> “Wellcare” is issued by WellCare Health Insurance Company of Washington, Inc. For language assistance visit go.wellcare.com/NOA.
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Save the date for these ALA Academy webinars
Preparing for AEP
When: Sept. 23 @ 4 p.m. ET
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and we’re here to help you understand your options as well as select the plan that best suits your needs. Join us to learn about the enrollment period and how Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans work to provide more coverage than Original Medicare.
During the session, your host will:
- Give an overview of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP).
- Review the requirements of joining a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Talk about the different types of plans available.
- Provide suggestions to prepare for AEP.
To register, go here.
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Wreaths Across America: ‘Remember, Honor, Teach’ - How ALA Units Can Get Involved
When: Sept. 29 @ 1 p.m. ET
Discover how your ALA unit can turn the Wreaths Across America mission of REMEMBER, HONOR, and TEACH into meaningful local action. This webinar will explore the ALA-WAA partnership, Sponsorship Group options, cemetery and wreath-laying opportunities, fundraising tools and submission methods, and year-round programs, such as the TEACH Program and Mobile Education Exhibit. Attendees will leave with practical resources and ideas to expand community involvement, honor veterans, and strengthen their unit’s participation.
To register, click here.
| | Get the lowdown on what happened at ALA National Convention | | |
ALA members from all over came together in Louisville, Ky., to engage and learn more on how to promote Service Not Self. Here are some highlights:
- Meet newly elected 2026-2027 ALA National President Dr. Coral May Grout of Massachusetts! Learn more about Coral here.
- Visit the ALA blog to see a collection of stories on recipients of the Public Spirit Award, Salute to Servicemembers Award, Unit Members of the Year, Department Merit Medallion winners, and more. See a listing of the 2025-2026 committee award winners here.
- Recordings of general session livestreams and installation of national officers are available here.
- Keep your eyes peeled for the November issue of Auxiliary magazine to read more in-depth storytelling. A digital copy of the magazine will be available on our website.
| | Add these Mission Training and national Junior meeting dates to your calendar | | |
Do you want to gain a new perspective on the ALA mission and broaden your ALA network? Check out our Mission Training dates! Learn more about ALA programs and new ways to implement them in your unit, district, and department. Don’t forget to invite your Juniors and young Sons of The American Legion age 8 and older to join in on the fun of the national Junior meetings. National Junior meeting attendees will engage and learn about the Legion Family’s mission, while making friends and having fun.
2026-2027 Mission Training and national Junior meeting dates:
- Nov. 14: Omaha, Neb.*
- Jan. 30: Albany, N.Y.*
- Jan. 30: Springfield, III.
- Feb. 6: Atlanta
- Feb. 6: Las Vegas*
*These events will be held with The American Legion National Information Conference and the SAL Regional Meeting.
Special Labor Day Week discount: If you register by Sept. 13, you can save $5 on your registration fee with code LABOR at checkout.
To register, click here.
| | Save the date for Veterans Day of Giving | | This Veterans Day, let’s come together to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our country. By giving to the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation, you help fund Veteran Projects Fund grants that support programs across the nation — creating brighter lives for veterans, military, and their families. Your generosity ensures that those who gave so much for our freedom continue to feel the care and gratitude of a thankful nation. | |
Auxiliary members need your help
The devastating flooding across Indiana is a powerful reminder that disasters can change lives in an instant. For American Legion Auxiliary members facing unexpected hardship, the Auxiliary Emergency Fund (AEF) provides critical financial assistance when it's needed most.
Whether recovering from a natural disaster, a house fire, or another unforeseen crisis, eligible members can turn to the AEF for help with immediate, essential expenses while they get back on their feet.
Your gift today ensures that when one of our own needs help, the American Legion
Auxiliary family is ready to respond with compassion, hope, and support.
Please make a gift to the Auxiliary Emergency Fund today. Together, we can help our members weather life’s unexpected storms. Donate here.
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What if your everyday Amazon purchases could help fund your American Legion Auxiliary department, district/county, or unit at no additional cost to you?
With SmileAssociate, they can.
Simply start your shopping through your ALA entity’s unique SmileAssociate page, and a portion of eligible purchases is shared with your organization to support its programs and mission.
It’s an easy way to turn everyday shopping into meaningful support for the ALA community you care about most.
Find your ALA entity and start shopping today! Click here.
| | What does staying connected look like for you? | | |
Maybe it’s learning something new. Maybe it’s moving a little more, finding a new hobby, joining a conversation, or meeting people who share your interests.
Hello by Grouper brings these opportunities together in one welcoming online community included with your ALA membership.
You don’t have to do it all. Just find something that feels like you.
Discover Hello by Grouper today: Click here.
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Updated national president photo available: With a new administrative year starting and the 2026-2027 ALA national leadership elected, a downloadable photo of National President Dr. Coral May Grout is available. American Legion post homes and ALA offices traditionally hang photos of the national president and other ALA national leadership. To download the national president photo, go here. Learn more about the new national officers here.
Assistance for ALA members: If you or a fellow Auxiliary member has been affected by the recent natural disasters or are facing financial hardship, the national organization can help! Eligible members can apply for an Auxiliary Emergency Fund grant up to $3,000. For eligibility requirements and to apply, go here. This financial assistance is only available because of your generous support. To donate to AEF, please click here.
It’s a new admin year — don’t forget to renew! Your ALA membership positively impacts our nation’s 18 million veterans and over 2 million military personnel through mission outreach and advocacy. There are three easy ways to renew: mail your payment to your unit, call National Headquarters by phone at (317) 569-4570, or pay online via your My Auxiliary account. To learn more, go here.
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ALA COMMITTEE FACEBOOK GROUPS ENCOURAGE DISCUSSION
These national committee groups are spaces on the social media platform for ALA members to discuss or share ideas about topics related to each committee. Groups provide a safe place for organic discussion about your local programs or services and support efforts to grow our organization’s awareness. Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org/social-media to join the groups you’re passionate about.
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Free apps address health challenges of women veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has designed two apps for women veterans that meet their specific needs. The apps are free and secure, and no personal information is required or shared with the VA. And women veterans do not need to be enrolled in the VA to use the apps.
Read more.
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North Carolina Auxiliary unit works with homeless veterans
Words can’t describe the devastation to parts of North Carolina after Hurricane Helene ripped through in September 2024.
Read more.
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September: National Suicide Prevention Month
September: National Recovery Month
September: National Literacy Awareness Month
Sept. 10: World Suicide Prevention Day
Sept. 11: Patriot Day
Sept. 13: Uncle Sam Day
Sept 16: National Uniform Day
Sept. 17: Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
Sept 18: U.S. Air Force Birthday
Sept. 18: National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Sept. 21-25: Buddy Check Week
Sept. 27: Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day
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What advice would you give other Legion Family members about working together throughout all levels (unit to national)?
“If you feel called to try a leadership role, don’t be afraid to step up. Many members are available to help, answer questions, and bounce ideas off. My greatest learning came from members who challenged me, made me research, and reach out. Leadership is not about ‘I;’ it’s about ‘we.’”
— Maggie Geiger, Wisconsin
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Resources to help with National Suicide Prevention Month and promote Be the One
With September as National Suicide Prevention Month, the Legion Family’s Be the One mission is an important one to share. To learn more about offered trainings, event plannings, advocacy, and more, click here.
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The American Legion wants to hear how you’re honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Sept. 11, 2001, is a day no one will forget. As the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attack approaches, American Legion Family members are encouraged to share how they plan to honor and pay respects.
To share, please email event details to sbrooks@legion.org and feel free to put your stories and photos on Legiontown. To learn more, go here.
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Restored Humvee up for grabs through American Legion sweepstakes
Drive 4 Freedom Sweepstakes provides an exclusive opportunity and fundraiser to support our veterans, military, and their families by running a drawing — free to enter but donations encouraged — for a restored Humvee. Deadline is Dec. 19 at 11:59 p.m. Void in Montana, Washington, and where prohibited by law. To enter, you must be 21 or older. Learn more here.
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