By Sara Fowler
 
Pride in membership. Pride in those who make us eligible to be part of The American Legion Family. 
 
The American Legion Auxiliary has members throughout the country who have more than one membership in the Family: It could be ALA, Legion, Sons of The American Legion, and American Legion Riders. 
 
These members annually commit to more than one overlapping mission, giving our veterans, military, and their families the most support possible in a variety of ways through this level of involvement.  
 
This is part 5 in our American Legion Auxiliary membership series. 
 
Brandy Mason, Department of Indiana 
Three of her grandparents qualified Mason for Auxiliary membership — grandfathers Emory Watson, Army during Korea, and Harry Dellinger, Marines in the South Pacific during World War II. He met Mason’s grandmother, Majorie Dellinger, also a Marine, before leaving the States and they married when he returned. Mason also is an American Legion Rider. 
 
What does your American Legion Family membership mean to you?
My membership is a way for me to honor my grandparents and never allow them to be forgotten. Their stories, and therefore a piece of them, remain so long as their names are spoken. 
 
Why do you feel it’s important to commit to more than one part of the Family? 
I was lucky enough to walk into Post 409 after moving nearby. It is unlike other Legion posts I’ve been to and not like the ones I was around growing up. The focus here is on service and family. I’ve never felt unwelcome on the whole. Any Family was happy to hear my ideas and have my help. Most members help with whatever event their schedule allows — being a member of the group organizing it or not. When one branch of our Family wins, we all win. I love that! We also try to include members’ kids and grandkids. We have a Boy Scout troop that meets here, and they offer their support at every turn as well. We offer events, support, and donations to the community as well. Service and family have become the culture here. 
 
What are some of the activities/events you are involved in?
I lead a mental health suicide prevention group at Post 409. I also teach “paint and sips” which are step-by-step painting classes. Our Facebook and newsletter cover all the branches, and a handful of us are responsible for the content and getting it out. I’m especially proud to be part of the field of flags fundraiser, car show, and kids’ holiday parties. 
 
Do you have any favorite activities/events?
I absolutely love the kids’ parties. Seeing their joy makes the hours of planning worth it. We played a Santa delivery game that we ended up making a limit on the number of turns for because the kids didn’t want to stop! Seeing them open their gifts — which the SAL helped the ALA purchase — was awesome as well. The Boy Scouts stuff eggs for the Easter party. Like everything else, they’re a family affair. 
 
What advice would you give to others to join more than one part of The American Legion Family if they are eligible? 
Find a post, and a family (or two or three) that match your passion. If it isn’t what you want it to be, get involved to make it better. When people see your passion, they usually want to help too. Ask questions, never stop learning, never stop growing. 
 
If you are trying to get more people involved, some recognition goes a long way. Make new people feel welcome. Be transparent and teach them about opportunities. Share your passion. You won’t regret building someone up and seeing them take off on their own passions. 
 
We’d love to hear from you! Share your membership story with us at PR@ALAforVeterans.org.