
Join a Community of Volunteers Serving Veterans, Military, and their Families!
We know that military service is a sacrifice for the whole family, so ALA members quietly look for ways to ease the burden—whatever it takes to get that family back on its feet physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally. If we don’t have the resources, we connect military families with our partners who do.
One of our core values in honoring our veterans is to demonstrate and pass on respect for our country and our nation’s flag. We promote patriotic youth programs, most notably the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State and Girls Nation programs, held regionally and nationally, along with education programs, contests, and scholarships in local school systems.
Making our communities better places to live is another core value American Legion Auxiliary members put into action daily across Michigan. Whether hosting a stand down to bring vital health and support services to homeless veterans or coordinating a send-off or welcome-home event for a deployed military unit, ALA members are continuously at work in their communities, demonstrating the compassion and heart we have for those who serve our country and protect our freedoms.

How do we know about military sacrifice?
Because we are the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion, some of us are veterans ourselves.
Can my son join? – Check out the Sons of the American Legion.

Who’s Eligible to Join The American Legion Auxiliary?
Male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion. Female veterans who are eligible to join The American Legion are eligible to join the ALA.
Is there an age requirement to join? Sisters, direct, and adopted female descendants who are under 18 are eligible to join the ALA Juniors program.
Our Impact
We are one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military personnel, and their families. The American Legion Auxiliary helps to advance the American Legion’s mission.
From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, the nonpartisan American Legion Family is instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans and service members.
Mission Statement
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.
Vision Statement
The vision of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion while becoming the premier service organization and foundation of every community, providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace, and security.
Purposes
In fulfillment of our Mission, the American Legion Auxiliary adheres to the following purposes:
• To support and advocate for veterans, active military, and their families.
• To support the initiatives and programs of The American Legion.
• To foster patriotism and responsible citizenship.
• To award scholarships and promote quality education and literacy.
• To provide educational and leadership opportunities that uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy and encourage good citizenship and patriotism in government.
• To increase our capacity to deliver our Mission by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities within our communities.
• To empower our membership to achieve personal fulfillment through Service Not Self.
Values
Our statement of values is predicated on the founding purposes:
• Commitment to the four founding principles: Justice, Freedom, Democracy, Loyalty.
• Service to God, our country, its veterans and their families.
• Tradition of patriotism and citizenship.
• Personal integrity and family values.
• Respect for the uniqueness of individual members.
• Truthful, open communication in dealing with the public and our members.
• Adherence to the adopted policies and rules.
- From the Executive Director – July 2026
Recent Activities Shannon WernerExecutive Director, Secretary & Treasurer As most of you know, our Girls State program was recently held at the beautiful MSU campus here in Lansing, Michigan. I volunteered on the first day during registration. I directed the… Read more: From the Executive Director – July 2026 - Bringing This Year to a Close and a New Beginning
Dawn Gramza, Department President 2025-2026 As my term as the Department of Michigan President ends, my heart is filled with gratitude. Serving the members of the Michigan Department of the American Legion Auxiliary has been one of the greatest honors… Read more: Bringing This Year to a Close and a New Beginning - The Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Elects Anita L. Mennel President for 2026-2027
BATTLE CREEK (June 28, 2026) – Delegates at the 2026 Annual Convention of The American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan elected Anita L. Mennel, Department of Michigan President for 2026-2027. Anita gained her eligibility through the service of her grandfather,… Read more: The Michigan American Legion Auxiliary Elects Anita L. Mennel President for 2026-2027

