Alice Johnson’s parents signed her up as a Junior member the first year the American Legion Auxiliary created that level of membership in 1934. Now, at 100 years old, Johnson is still dedicated to serving veterans, military, and their families. She has been a continuous member of ALA Unit 61 in Deep River, Conn., where her father, World War I veteran William Frederick Winschel, was a charter member of American Legion Post 61. 
 
Johnson’s daughter, Cindi Stannard, is also a member of Unit 61. 
 
“Seeing her involvement and volunteerism from an early age inspired me to become involved in volunteer organizations and nonprofits, including the Auxiliary. She showed me it was hard work but very rewarding,” said Stannard. “I would like people to know how hard her life was but how inspiring and positive she has been her entire life.”
 
ALA National Headquarters interviewed Alice Johnson to learn more about how her ALA membership has evolved over the decades and why being a member is still so important to her. 
 
Over the years, how do you think the ALA has changed? 
More family-oriented in the beginning. District meetings and local meetings were held on Sunday afternoons and entire families would attend. After meetings, families stayed and had picnics. 
 
Is there something the ALA no longer does that you would like to see the organization do again?
It’s not something the organization no longer does, but I would like to see more involvement with younger servicemembers and families to carry the programs on to the next generation. It is very difficult to get newer members and help people understand what the organization does and why they should belong.  
 
What are your favorite activities and events as an ALA member?
Memorial Day activities, services, and the Poppy Program. Annually marching with my unit in two parades where we’re joined by a 5- or 6-year-old who is named Poppy Queen. 
 
The junior high home economics class also cooks breakfast the morning before their school Memorial Day programs as an outreach to all veterans in town. I love this tradition because I believe it’s very important to involve our youth in supporting veterans and understanding their sacrifice, and how it makes their lives today better. 
For me, it’s all about respect for service and country. I feel very strongly about supporting our military during and after service, as both my husbands, both of my brothers, and my father served. I also believe in supporting the families.
 
One of the highlights was attending National Convention in Hawaii. I had never been there, and my first husband and my father served in the Pacific Theater and spent time in Hawaii. So, I always wanted to go there and see the memorial for WWII.  
 
Why do you think others should join the ALA and keep their membership active?
To support the work of the organization and the veteran programs. It is an important organization that supports servicemembers and families, especially the wounded and those in veterans hospitals and homes.