Take advantage of these FREE September webinars from the ALA Academy
The American Legion Auxiliary and Wellcare Medicare Advantage: Virtual Educational Seminar
Sept. 17 @ Noon ET
The Annual Enrollment Period runs 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. You deserve access to the right doctors, the benefits you can use every day to stay healthy, and straight answers about your coverage. You’ll find those answers at this virtual event.
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
Register here.
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ALA Academy LIVE: Wreaths Across America
Sept. 24 @ 7 p.m. ET
Wreaths Across America Day 2025 is Saturday, Dec. 13! Now is the time to start planning! Your ALA unit can get involved and earn money while supporting our combined missions. During this webinar, our guest speakers from WAA will share some of the history of Wreaths Across America, their partnership with the American Legion Auxiliary, our sponsorship program, and the tools available to help make this a successful endeavor for units nationwide.
The focus of this presentation:
- About WAA and its partnership with the ALA
- How to get registered as a group and the benefits of doing so
- Resources available to your group to help drive success
- Helpful tips and ideas to drive awareness
- Q&A
Register here.
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Registration for our Mission Training and national Junior meetings now open!
Would you like to learn more about advancing the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary? Would you like to connect with national leaders and other members of The American Legion Family who share your passion for serving veterans, military, and their families? If so, Mission Training is for you! These one-day sessions are interactive, fun, and practical — helping you bring fresh ideas, tools, and energy back to your community.
Registration is now open! Sign up here:
Nov. 15: Albany, N.Y.
Nov. 15: Minneapolis
Jan. 31: Indianapolis
Jan. 31: Las Vegas
Feb. 7: Atlanta
Thinking about attending Indianapolis or Atlanta? Members of The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion will also be meeting in these cities. Have a Junior member interested in attending a national Junior meeting? Junior meetings will be held in all five cities.
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Congratulations to ALA Junior Carmelita Dallaire from the Department of Kentucky! Carmelita’s design, Born to Stand Out, will be seen on T-shirts given to the Juniors and young Sons of The American Legion who register for a national Junior meeting this year.
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American Legion Auxiliary scholarships are live!
The American Legion Auxiliary has various scholarships that benefit members, veterans, and their families. Whether you are a high school senior, current college student, or going back to school — there may be something for you. Be sure to check out the eligibility requirements and rules for each scholarship posted on our website. The deadline is March 1, 2026, but don’t delay and apply today!
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What happened at National Convention?
Here’s a look at some takeaways from our 104th National Convention last month in Tampa, Fla.:
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We have a new national leader — enjoy this blog post on 2025-2026 National President Pam Ray of Illinois.
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Visit this recap page for stories on recipients of the Public Spirit Award, Salute to Servicemembers Award, Unit Members of the Year, and Department Merit Medallion winners. See a listing of the 2024-2025 committee award winners here.
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Recordings of the livestreamed general sessions and installation of national officers are available here.
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ALA’s new partnership with TAPS
The American Legion Auxiliary and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) celebrate their alliance by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to expand collaboration and strengthen support for the families of America’s fallen servicemembers, veterans, and active-duty servicemembers. The MOU, signed Aug. 26 at the ALA’s 104th National Convention in Tampa, formalizes a shared commitment to work together in honoring and assisting military families through coordinated outreach, advocacy, and community-based initiatives. Pictured are Bonnie Carroll, founder of TAPS, and 2024-2025 National President Trish Ward during the MOU signing.
| | 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. Give online or text VETERAN to 1-844-940-3450. | | New national president photo available! American Legion post homes and ALA offices often display their commander and president photos, along with the national-level leaders. You can always find our current national president photo here. ALA national officers are elected annually at National Convention, and the new photos are posted on the website directly after. | | Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Poppy Poster Contest winners! We are again amazed by the incredible artwork submitted by students from across the country. View the winning posters here. | | |
Coming soon: Spirit of Youth Fund patch! The Spirit of Youth Fund provides scholarship opportunities for participants in American Legion Auxiliary programs. One is for American Legion Auxiliary Junior members, another for the Junior Members of the Year, and one is for participants in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation program. A special Junior patch has been created for our Junior members and Sons of The American Legion youth to be involved in raising money for the Spirit of Youth Fund. Any Junior or SAL youth can earn this patch if they raise at least $5 for each year old. For example, a 17-year-old would raise a minimum of $85 (17 x $5 = $85).
Watch for information: The evolution of Project Stuff Sack is coming to a Children & Youth Program near you!
Honoring USA’s big birthday celebration: The topic for the 2025-2026 ALA Americanism Essay Contest is Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday and the Veterans Who Fought for Our Freedom. More information can be found on our website.
2026 dues are now available to pay. ALA members can pay their annual membership dues in three easy ways: online, by phone, or mail:
- Pay online: Visit www.ALAforVeterans.org and click “Renew” in the top right corner. You will need to have an account already set up. If not, you’ll need to create an account — it’s fast and easy!
- Pay by phone: Call National Headquarters at (317) 569-4570 with your member ID ready. You’ll speak with a staff member who will assist you in paying your 2026 dues. You can even pay multiple Auxiliary members’ dues at the same time.
- Pay by mail: If you prefer to pay by check to your local unit, renewal notices will be mailed in mid-September.
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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.Facebook.com/alaforveterans/groups to join the groups you’re passionate about.
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Gift card program helps veterans with everyday needs
About 14 years ago, American Legion Family members Frank and Kathy Cook organized a gift card donation through American Legion Riders to the Riviera Beach, Fla., U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs medical facility. Since then, all Legion Family groups in the Palm Beach area have generously supported the mission.
Read more
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Junior member’s ALA involvement pays off for college
A Spirit of Youth Scholarship recipient, Mackenzie Brotherston, became an American Legion Auxiliary Junior member in 2014. She is eligible for membership through her grandfather, Raymond A. Miller, of Post 129 in Toms River, N.J., who served in the U.S. Air Force. Her father, Michael Brotherston, served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a member of Post 129.
Read more
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September: Suicide Prevention Month
Sept. 17: Constitution Day
Sept. 19: National POW/MIA Recognition Day
Sept. 28: Gold Star Mother’s Day
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How do you keep members active in ALA programs?
“Get to know your members and what ALA programs they are interested in. Use the skills and gifts they have. Don’t try to fit everyone into the same mold.”
— Terry Morrow Giles, Wisconsin
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Legion submits testimony on 10 veteran-related bills
This week, the House of Representatives passed 14 pieces of veteran-related legislation. These bills represent a wide array of American Legion priorities, including improving access to care, investing in education opportunities for veterans transitioning out of military life, and properly honoring our fallen servicemembers. Read what The American Legion said about these critical pieces of legislation.
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American history lessons from Ken Burns
Famed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns talks about his new documentary on the American Revolution, his Vietnam War series, and more as the special guest on this week’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast.
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