U.S. Merchant Marines
Dec. 7, 1941 to Dec. 31, 1946 Only
Legion Act Accepted
If you have served Federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been Honorably Discharged or are still serving - you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
*Because eligibility dates remain open, all active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States
Helpful Resources
National Military Personnel Records Center
9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63132-5100
Phone: 866-272-6272
Sons of the American Legion Squadron #428
SQUADRON OFFICERS FOR 2022-2023
Commander. Daniel Ritz.
1st Vice Commander. Dennis Coyle
Adjutant . Don Arena.
Finance Officer. Scott Beasaw.
Sergeant-at-Arms. Daniel Green.
Chaplain . Jim Parks
Advisor. Harry Pickard.
About the S.A.L
Founded in 1932, Sons of The American Legion exists to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of The American Legion comprise the Legion family, which has a combined membership of nearly 4.2 million. Although Sons has its own membership, the organization is not a separate entity. Rather, SAL is a program of The American Legion. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL.
The Sons organization is divided into detachments at the state level and squadrons at the local level. A squadron pairs with a local American Legion post; a squadrons charter is contingent upon its parent posts charter. However, squadrons can determine the extent of their services to the community, state and nation. They are permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet their needs, but must remember SALs mission: to strengthen the four pillars of The American Legion.
* Strong national security*
* Taking care of veterans*
* Mentoring youth*
* Promoting patriotism & honor*
Therefore, squadrons campaigns place an emphasis on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nations children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.
Since 1988, SAL has raised more than $5 million for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation. SAL members have volunteered over 250,000 hours at veterans hospitals and raised over $915,688 for VA hospitals and VA homes. The Sons also support the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition dedicated to protecting the U.S. flag from desecration through a constitutional amendment.
The S.A.L. has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program, called "The Ten Ideals," teaches the elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence and comradeship. If a member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible to continue with another program called the "Five-Point Program of Service." This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership and legionism.
Sons focus on much more than just membership. At all levels, Sons support The American Legion in promoting a wide variety of programs. Sons assist their posts in other activities such as Veterans programs, Veterans Administration home and hospital volunteerism, Children Youth projects and fundraising. Come join our SAL family!
Are you a son of a veteran? Would you like to join The American Legion? Check your local American Legion Post where you can find out your eligibility status and apply for membership in the world's largest veteran's organization. Complete the application and proudly become a SON OF THE LEGION.
Q: I am related to someone who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates. Can I join the Sons of The American Legion?
A: Applicant must be a direct male descendant, adopted son or stepson of a member of The American Legion.
A male descendant of a veteran is defined as one of the following:
A son.
A grandson.
A great-grandson (and so on)
A stepson
An adopted son However, if the qualifying veteran is deceased you may still join the appropriate organization, even if the qualifying veteran was not a member of The American Legion when living.
Then Print it,Fill it out and bring it along with proof of eligibility. (DD-214 or a up to date Legion Membership card)
Preamble to the S.A.L. National Constitution
Proud possessors of a priceless heritage, We male descendants of veterans of the Great Wars, associate ourselves together as "Sons of The American Legion" for the following purposes: To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and order; To foster and perpetuate a true spirit of Americanism; To preserve the memories of our former members and the associations of our members and our forefathers in the Great Wars; To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; To combat the autocracy of both the classes and masses; To make right the master of might; To promote peace and good will on earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; To consecrate and sanctify our friendship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness; To adopt in letter and spirit all of the great principles for which The American Legion stands; And to assist in carrying on for God and Country.
