There are many fantastic aspects of American Legion Auxiliary membership. Whether it’s the opportunity to serve our veterans, military, and their families, teach good citizenship and patriotism through ALA Girls Nation, or watch our nation’s heroes heal through artistic expression at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, the list goes on and on. However, one of the most amazing facets of ALA membership is your community of fellow members who are by your side, no matter the circumstances.
Members serving members is a hallmark of the ALA’s legacy, and the mission depends on it. Without our members, the ALA could not have its longstanding positive impact on our nation’s heroes, which is why members helping one another is so important. One of the biggest ways is through the Auxiliary Emergency Fund.
Just like our veterans, military, and their families, ALA members fall on hard times, which is why the AEF was created. Whether they lost their job to a poor economy, lost their house to a wildfire or hurricane, or have fallen behind on their rent due to crushing medical bills, the AEF is a lifeline for members facing a crisis.
Throughout the ALA’s fiscal year 2020 an abundance of members were facing issues such as these, but the AEF rose to the occasion. In FY20, the AEF granted over $230,600 to members in need, in 31 different states! Times were tough last year, but thanks to the AEF, Auxiliary members didn’t have to face them alone.
Take a moment and watch this heartfelt message from American Legion Auxiliary Past National President Sharon Conatser on what the AEF and members helping each other means to her.
The AEF was there to meet the needs of members in 2020, and it will meet those needs again in 2021. If you find yourself in a time of hardship such as a financial crisis, or without a home due to a natural disaster, apply to the AEF and get the help you need. The time-honored mission of the ALA depends on its members. Without them, there is no mission.
Click here to apply to the AEF and get life-saving assistance. If you wish to make a gift to the AEF and help a fellow member in their time of greatest need, click here.
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
