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 2 in our American Legion Auxiliary membership series. 
 
Pam and Roger Norton, Department of Vermont 
 
Pam
 
Pam Norton’s Auxiliary membership is through her father, Paul Brunet, a Korean War veteran, and her American Legion membership is through her own five years of service in the U.S. Army.  
 
What does your American Legion Family membership mean to you?
My memberships are my way of giving back to those who have and/or are serving by being vocal about the organizations, what they do, and can do to help our veterans and their families.
 
Why do you feel it’s important to commit to more than one part of the Family? 
Belonging to each organization gives me the ability to look objectively at the other when I am working or volunteering.
 

What are some of the activities/events you are involved in?
I’ve been involved in planning and working the local Memorial Day parade, and I’ve worked Trunk or Treats, family readiness events, holiday events at the VA hospital, and veterans homes. One year, I directed a yellow ribbon campaign raising funds for the National Guard family readiness — we had the whole town involved. We sold T-shirts and magnets for funds, and various businesses wore the yellow ribbon T-shirts and had a friendly photo competition. This event was supported by TAL, Auxiliary, and SAL. My Legion membership has also enabled me to be on the board for a veterans transitional home — the only one in the state that takes in homeless female veterans.
 
Do you have any favorite activities/events?
My favorite events involve working with families and veterans who are in nursing homes, and attending/planning patriotic celebrations. Some of the young ladies who were my poppy girls while I was unit president are now getting married. Sometimes, a former one will come up to me and ask if I remember when they were my poppy girl.
 
What advice would you give to others to join more than one part of The American Legion Family if they are eligible? 
My standard comment is that by joining one organization, you are a voice to support our veterans to Congress. By joining more than one organization, you are showing your support to the additional organizations. We help each other out, and sometimes the best way is to have an intimate knowledge of each.
 
Roger
 
Roger Norton’s Auxiliary membership is through his wife, Pam, Legion eligibility through his own service in the U.S. Air Force, and his membership in the Sons is through his grandfather, a World War II veteran. Norton also served in the Vermont Army National Guard. 
 
What does your American Legion Family membership mean to you?
My membership is a way for me to continue being patriotic and serving my community, state, and nation.
 
Why do you feel it’s important to commit to more than one part of the Family? 
The parts equal the whole. Each part of the Family has its place, and together, they complement each other and complete the Family.
 
What are some of the activities/events you are involved in?
I have been involved in Memorial Day parades, July Fourth celebrations, troop and family support activities, children and youth activities and fundraisers, and supporting other patriotic events.
 
Do you have any favorite activities/events?
My favorite activities are supporting patriotic events. I feel that people are losing pride in our country, and supporting these events is important. We are the greatest nation in the world, and we need to keep it that way. I can’t imagine living in another country.
 
What advice would you give to others to join more than one part of The American Legion Family if they are eligible? 
Anyone who has served their country or is eligible to join through a family member who has served should be proud to be a member. Together, we can continue to make this country a great country and a great place to live. Being a member in more than one part of the Family helps you to understand the whole of the organization.