News

Are you the Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation person in your Post, Unit, or Squadron? Do you hold the title of Veteran Resource Officer or Post Service Officer? Do you just want to have a more in-depth understanding of how you can help Veterans? The Veteran Service Office of the American Legion Department of Michigan is holding its annual training at the Higgins Lake DNR Ralph MacMullen Center on August 18, 19, and 20, 2026.  This training is open to Accredited Veteran Service Officers and American Legion Family members who want a better understanding of VA Benefits and resources for Veterans.  … Read more: Want to Learn How YOU can help Veterans?

Dawn Gilbert, Chaplain As we welcome the month of March, we enter a season of renewal and reflection. The lingering quiet of winter begins to give way to signs of growth, reminding us of the importance of nurturing our mission, our members, and the legacy of service we uphold throughout the year. I want to thank all of you who joined us for our Winter Meeting and hope you found the presentations helpful. This is an important time, administratively, for all of us. Unit reports are due to the Districts by March 31st. These reports are more than a formality;… Read more: Chaplains Corner – March 2026

Kim Frazier, Chairman By the time you read this, the annual reports will be due. I hope everyone has kept track of their volunteer hours for our various programs. Please remember that you can use only the hours from one program, even if they qualify for more than one program. Choose the place where it fits, and if you are not sure, contact your district for advice on which program it best fits under. I am also available to answer questions if needed. My contact information is in your community service guide. Here are some special dates of service to… Read more: Community Service – March 2026

Shannon Werner Executive Director, Secretary-Treasurer The American Legion Vehicle Donation Program continues to see a record number of yearly donations that in turn support Legion programs benefitting veterans, their families, children and youth. For 2026, the program is expected to exceed 11,000 in vehicle donations through Charitable Auto Rides & Services Inc. (CARS). Do you have or know someone who has a used vehicle to donate and benefit the American Legion? CARS accepts vehicles (car, truck, van, SUV, boat, motorcycle, RV and more) in almost any condition, whether they can be driven or not, in all 50 states. A portion… Read more: Donate your used Vehicle to help Veterans

Deanna Cortright, Chairman We are getting closer to the end-of-year items that must be done. Annual Reports are due in March, and hopefully, many of you attended the Winter Meeting to learn what is required of them. Elections are coming up in the Spring. Some tips can help when choosing a Treasurer. Many will keep the existing Treasurer, but many Units will elect new ones. You should be aware of the time that being Treasurer involves. This is not a position that only does things at meetings. Deposits must be made, and checks written between meetings. A report must be… Read more: Finance Update – March 2026

Ashley Cetnarowski, ALA Girls State Board Member Ten years ago, I walked into the dorms at Michigan State University to check in for a week-long camp, unsure of my voice and even less certain of my place in the world. I left a week later, standing taller and speaking with more conviction, unaware that the confidence I gained during this camp would change me forever. A decade later, I say with certainty that American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls State did not just impact me for one week – it shaped the direction of my life entirely. The effects of attending… Read more: Girls State Building Leaders For Life – A Ten-Year Reflection

Darlene Jones, Historian Auxiliary members, it’s that time of year. I hope you are all working on your written history and scrapbooks. Please follow the guides. If you have questions, please email, message me on Facebook, or call me. I am willing to help. The Michigan Department Historian is responsible for writing the history for this year. But I need your help. To keep it accurate, please send me a brief note of what your units and districts are doing. Let me know if you’re celebrating the Nations 250th Birthday. Send Pictures, including the names of the people. Also, please… Read more: History – Historian March 2026

Carol Burke, Membership Chairman Making a phone call to fellow Auxiliary Members regarding membership renewal can feel challenging for many. While there is often concern about appearing intrusive or resembling a bill collector, most individuals actually appreciate being remembered and valued. The effectiveness of this outreach depends largely on the approach taken: Smiling while speaking naturally improves the warmth in your voice. Be brief and concise, as calls will often go to voicemail. Emphasize that this communication is not about collecting a debt but rather demonstrating sincere appreciation and encouraging ongoing support for veterans. Phrases such as “expired” and “past”… Read more: It’s Just a Simple Phone Call – Membership March 2026

Mary Dubay, Department Chairman A Past President’s Parley is a group of members of an organization who have held the office of President in their Unit, District, or Department. They are mentors. They can pass on valuable insights, knowledge and best practices. They should encourage members to try new ideas and remind others not to criticize if they fail. If we constantly criticize, we fail as an organization and lose our members. Past Presidents have a wealth of knowledge. They are willing to share and, if they don’t know the answer, they will find out for you or direct you… Read more: Past Presidents Parley: March 2026

Dawn Gramza Department President 2025-2026 As winter gives way to the fresh promise of spring, I am reminded of the resilience and dedication that define our Michigan American Legion Auxiliary family. March is a time of renewal, and with it comes new opportunities to serve our veterans, their families, and our communities. We also recognize Women’s History Month, honoring the women who paved the way for our organization and those who continue to lead with compassion, courage, and dedication. The Auxiliary was founded by women determined to serve, and today, we carry that legacy forward through volunteerism, leadership, and advocacy.… Read more: A Season of Renewal and Service

Every young woman who applies to ALA Michigan Girls State deserves the chance to attend — and you can make that happen. The 85th Session of ALA Michigan Girls State runs June 14–20, 2026, at Michigan State University in East Lansing. This week-long program empowers high school juniors to find their voice, understand how government works, and discover what they are truly capable of. For many young women, it is the experience that shapes the rest of their lives. For students in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, there is an added challenge — distance. East Lansing is hundreds of miles away, and… Read more: Sponsor a Student: Help Send an Upper Peninsula Young Woman to ALA Michigan Girls State 2026

A message from The American Legion National Judge Advocate Mark C. Seavey, J.D. Effective immediately, the Adjutant or Secretary at each Unit shall verify a member’s eligibility by reviewing documentation such as a DD214, then promptly return the document to the individual. No copies or electronic records containing Personally Identifiable Information shall be retained. Some Units currently maintain decades of archived DD214s, including those of deceased members. These records should be securely destroyed to reduce exposure to identity theft and mitigate potential legal liability. This policy should be communicated to all membership staff and incorporated into Unit and Department procedures… Read more: How to handle DD214’s in Your Unit.

Dawn Gilbert, Department Chaplain February is often thought of as the month of love, but for members of the American Legion Auxiliary, love is more than a sentiment—it is an action. It is the heartbeat of our mission to serve veterans, military families, and our communities. This month gives us a special opportunity to reflect on how love and faith guide our service. Valentine’s Day reminds us of hearts and flowers, but true love is shown in the quiet, everyday acts of kindness. When we visit a veteran in a nursing home, send a card to a deployed service member,… Read more: Chaplain’s Corner Febraury 2026

By: Wanda Westman, Hospital Representative It’s been a busy year at Jacobetti. We help with events at the Home to keep all residents social and active. When I wrote this, our first snowstorm was on its way, and we are preparing for the Christmas Gift Shop. By the time you read this, we are past January with snowbanks, icy roads and cold. 105 residents enjoy coffee groups, bingo, outings, musicians and other events planned by the Activity Dept. Our Auxiliary donates to bingo, Adopt-a-Vet, and various items on the wish list. In the past year, we gave our residents challenge… Read more: MVH Jacobetti Home – February 2026 Update

Are you going to the Department of Michigan Testimonial Dinner on April 18, 2026? Do you need a place to stay?  Here are a few options for you to consider. The Myron H Beals American Legion Post is at 9318 Newburgh Rd., Livonia Red Roof Inn – 1.4 miles away If you are traveling from the south the intersection of Ford Rd. and I-275 is approximately five miles away from the Post and has several options, right in the neighborhood of Michigan’s IKEA store. Hampton Inn & Suites La Quinta Inn Extended Stay America’s Suites Comfort Suites Baymont Hotel Fairfield… Read more: Do you need a place to stay for the Testimonial Dinner?

WHOO!!! 7,868 members joined us this last week to support our mission! 5 Departments are in the 85% membership goal for the Merit Medallion:Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Maryland! Many Departments are on target to reach this goal.  This is not the time to slow down on Membership! Everyone out there working membership is proving that we can reach our membership goal by America’s 250th Birthday on July 4th, 2026!We have shared many tips/tricks, and tools to help you succeed in membership. Let’s dive a little deeper into the American Legion Auxiliary Members Information System (ALAMIS) for units. Three levels of access… Read more: A Message from the National Membership Chair

Suzanne Knapp, Public Relations Chair Public Relations is an essential part of how we strengthen awareness of the American Legion Auxiliary’s mission. Every Unit has meaningful stories of service, and effective PR helps ensure those stories inspire others, attract new members, and highlight the Auxiliary’s commitment to “Service Not Self.” Showcasing Service Across Our Units Michigan Units continue to demonstrate remarkable dedication through their projects and community partnerships. Sharing these accomplishments not only honors our members’ work but also helps the public understand the impact of the ALA. Units have recently completed many successful Give 10 to Education donations for… Read more: Sharing the Story of Service

Christine Merlington, Department Poppy Chair There is sometimes confusion about the donation funds received for poppies and how those funds can be used. The easiest way to find out is to look through your Poppy Guide Book. You can purchase a guidebook from Emblem Sales. You can go to alaforveterans.org to look up the Poppy Program and print it for your own use. Please, let’s be mindful of what we choose to support with our Poppy Funds. More specifically, some of the programs and items to use your poppy funds on are as follows: There are three major National Mission… Read more: Poppy Usage Defined

Dawn Gilbert, Music Chair Music, whether you sing, hum, play an instrument or tap your foot, it gets you moving. I think most of us listen to music on our travels. It’s a soothing comfort or an energetic rhythm that keeps you awake. We mark our celebrations for birthdays and holidays with music. We use music in times of sorrow, too. It’s said that music is therapy and is being used to treat some veterans with PTSD. Try to bring music into your unit meetings or to your post. Some posts make space available for musicians or karaoke to come… Read more: Music Chair: January 2026, Therapeutic Rhythm and Comfort

Dawn Gilbert, Department Chaplain As we turn the page to a new year, January is a time for reflection, renewal, and recommitment to our mission of serving veterans, military, and their families. The American Legion Auxiliary has always stood as a beacon of support and community, and my wish is that 2026 will be no different. Hopefully, you were able to enjoy the holiday season surrounded by family and friends. I know many of our units bring the celebration of the holidays to their communities by holding parties or providing for the needs of those less fortunate. Thank you all… Read more: Chaplain’s Corner: January 2026

A Year to Remember and Build OnShannon Werner, Executive Director, Secretary-Treasurer What a busy 2025 for the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan. There are literally thousands of activities that have occurred, been addressed, resolved, changed, supported, and completed here at headquarters. Luckily, Mike and I both love a good challenge, and we don’t give up. As we enter the new year of 2026, remember this is America’s 250th Anniversary. Just imagine how many men and women served in the military to get us to this point. What situations were encountered? What were the conditions they fought in? Where did… Read more: From the Desk of the Executive Director: January 2026

Dawn Gramza, Department President 2025-2026 As we step into a brand-new year, I am filled with gratitude for the dedication and passion each of you brings to the American Legion Auxiliary. January offers us a fresh start to the new year and an opportunity to reflect on our journey, renew our commitment, and set our sights on the important work ahead. Reflecting on our accomplishments, 2025 was a year of both challenges and triumphs. Our units rallied together to support veterans and their families, spearheaded community service projects, and fostered a spirit of patriotism in our neighborhoods. Every hour volunteered,… Read more: Looking Ahead: Renewal, Reflections, and Service in the New Year

Dawn Gilbert, Department Chaplain Thank you to the American Legion Auxiliary 5th district for hosting the Chaplain’s 101 for Michigan last month at the Armory in Belmont, Michigan. Great topics by some of the presenters on forgiveness and loneliness. If you have a chance to attend one of these in the future, consider it. It’s not just for Chaplains; the topics are something that we can all learn from. As we enter the final month of the year, December brings with it a spirit of reflection, gratitude, and hope. It is a time when we gather with loved ones, honor… Read more: Chaplain Corner: December 2025

Housekeeping, Explanations, and Helpful InformationShannon Werner, Executive Director, Secretary, Treasurer I love this time of year: the cooler temperatures, comfort food, and the undercurrent of excitement for the approaching holidays. However, I know it is a very difficult period for some folks–especially our Veterans. I do my best to pay attention to those around me who may need a positive conversation, assistance, or help but never ask for it. Go out of your way to be kind and help others; you never know when a “mission possible” will change a life. Speaking of helping others, if you want to donate… Read more: From the Executive Director: December 2025

Looking Back, Moving ForwardDawn Gramza Department President 2025-2026 As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on all that we have accomplished together as members of the American Legion Auxiliary. Each month has brought new challenges, opportunities, and moments of pride – and through it all, our shared commitment to Service Not Self has guided the way. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for every Unit, every volunteer, and every hour spent serving our veterans, military, and their families. Whether it was hosting a fundraiser, visiting a veterans’ home, supporting a military family, or simply offering… Read more: From the Desk of the President; December 2025

Being a TreasurerDeanna Cortright, Finance Chair As your Unit’s Treasurer, you are responsible for so many important items during the year. You are responsible for keeping accurate records of all income and expenditures. You must also follow any specific guidelines outlined in your governing documents regarding allowable expenses. Most expenditures require the permission of your Unit, but some could be automatically authorized in your Standing Rules or Bylaws. Some Units have specific donations that they give every year, and those could be authorized. If not specifically listed, no expenditure should be made without prior Unit approval. Occasionally, emergency expenditures might… Read more: Being a Treasurer

We’re Your ALA Girls State Committee & We’re Here to Help!Beryl Robbins, Chairman Your ALA Girls State Committee had a busy September. All of our forms have been updated and they are ready to be added to our ALA Girls State webpage at: https://michalaux.org/girls-state/. We had committee members at Fall Conference in Battle Creek, and at the Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. Another committee member attended a Grand Haven School Board meeting and presented our Samsung Scholarship recipient, McKena Twa, with a certificate. The school board also presented her with a Certificate of Excellence. Now is the time to contact your… Read more: Michigan Girls State 2026 – Let’s Get to Work

Best Practices that Make it Possible to Complete Our MissionBy Shannon Werner, Executive Director There are certain activities and actions that you can take as members to make sure we have a Mission Possible at Headquarters. We all want to work smarter, not harder. The following are the situations we see most often: Please only send one check per transmittal-this ensures proper accounting and record keeping. There is no reason to send your complete roster every time you turn in a transmittal. Please use the transmittal list provided in your membership packets. You can also print this form (and many… Read more: From the Executive Director – November 2025

Dawn Gramza, Department President2025-2026 Supporting Adaptive Sports for Veterans Welcome to November! A time to celebrate our Veterans and to be thankful for the people and things in our lives. First, let me express my gratitude to the chairpersons who gave presentations at the fall conference. What a fantastic job they did of instructing the members and officers in attendance. Thank you to the crew who decorated the room with “Mission Possible.” Those secret agents did a fabulous job. I hope you have all gone back to your Units and Districts to teach and mentor the membership. We will succeed… Read more: From the Desk of the President – November 2025

Information ShareShannon Werner, Executive Director, Secretary & Treasurer We are just getting back to work after attending the Department Fall Conference in Battle Creek, Michigan. I hope you were able to join us. It was such a great learning and networking opportunity with American Legion Auxiliary members from across the state. If you could not attend, try to connect with someone within your unit or district who was in attendance. They just may be able to provide you with information you missed. New member applications can now be entered in ALAMIS or sent to headquarters to be processed. Make sure… Read more: From the Executive Director – October 2025

2025-2026 Celebrating the FamilyWe are family, we’re all in this together. Now that I have your attention, I hope you realize this is our organization. The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion, and Riders are all there to honor and support our veterans. I joined the ALA because a friend invited me to a meeting, and I thought it was something to do on a Wednesday. The women I met were friendly and inviting. As I sat there, I realized it wasn’t just a social club. The women spoke of VA gift shops, helping a legionnaire,… Read more: From the Desk of the President – October 2025

As the chosen leader of your Unit or District, you should have a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. You should be familiar with the objectives, bylaws, and other rules of the American Legion Auxiliary. You don’t have to memorize everything, but you do need to know where to find the answers. Of course, you’ll set the example for impartiality, courtesy, and obedience to rules. Check the bylaws and standing rules for specific duties of your office. In general, as President, you will be expected to: Be the official representative of your organization. Preside at all meetings of the Unit and… Read more: YOU the PRESIDENT

As the chosen second in command of your Unit or District, you should be prepared to step into the role of president at a moment’s notice. In the case of the temporary absence of the president, you’ll be expected to perform those duties. In the case of the permanent absence of the president, you’ll become the president. You should be familiar with the objectives, bylaws, and other rules of the American Legion Auxiliary. You don’t have to memorize everything, but you do need to know where to find the answers. Of course, you’ll set the example in impartiality, courtesy, and… Read more: YOU the VICE-PRESIDENT

As the person chosen by your organization to serve in the important position of secretary, you should have a good working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Your secretarial duties are only second in importance to those of the president. The president is the head of the organization, and the secretary is its right hand. Unlike the president, the secretary forfeits no rights of membership by holding office. You’re free to make motions, debate, and vote on all business matters. Check the bylaws and other rules of the American Legion Auxiliary for specific duties of your office. In general, as a secretary,… Read more: YOU the SECRETARY

As the person chosen by your organization to serve in the important position of treasurer, you should have a good working knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Your organization has chosen you for your financial integrity and accounting ability. You are the official keeper of their funds and trustee of their accounts. When large sums of money are involved, you and the other officers who handle funds should be bonded. Check the bylaws and other rules of your organization for specific duties of your office. In general, as treasurer, you will be expected to: Be the custodian of the funds. Collect, deposit,… Read more: YOU the TREASURER

A historian prepares a narrative account of the society’s activities during her term of office, which will become a permanent part of the society’s official history. The historian’s narrative book often contains the only reference materials the organization has relating to its history. As our population has become more mobile, the requirements placed on the historian of an organization have become wider and more varied. Many officers and chairmen leave the area and no records are passed on to their successors. Therefore, the historian is expected to fill the more traditional role of a true historian. That is, a writer… Read more: YOU the HISTORIAN

Members join organizations for a variety of reasons. Seldom is it because they need to attend more business meetings. Even less often is it to demonstrate a knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Whatever the reason, they all want to be good members. Nothing gives members more satisfaction following a meeting than knowing they did the right thing at the right time. Learning a few basic rules will help avoid displaying an ignorance of customs that prevail in well-organized societies. In general, as a member, you will be expected to: Respect and abide by the objects, policies, and rules of the American… Read more: YOU the MEMBER

WOW Central Bald Eagles and Eastern Roses each collected over 3000 renewals, rejoins, or new members.  WAY TO GO! You are driving that membership, setting the path for others. Ah, but look at these departments that are over 100 members from where they were this time last year: Arizona – 541 membersCalifornia – 342 membersConnecticut – 101 membersDelaware – 170 membersFlorida – 1005 membersGeorgia – 262 membersMichigan – 1023 membersNew York – 314 membersOklahoma – 149 membersVermont- 182 members Congratulations to each department for their work and dedication to membership!  John Quincy Adams once said, “ If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do… Read more: A Message from the National Membership Chair – Septmber 24, 2025

Fiscal Year End Most of you have noticed and/or experienced the compliance to the four P’s we adhere to at the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of Michigan Headquarters. Ie, policy, protocol, procedure, and personal responsibility. We must follow the path and best practices our Department Executive Committees and the National Executive Committee have outlined and provided for us to be a successful business. Some may recall the old days of missing transmittals, uncashed checks, messages (phone and email) unreturned, duplication of forms, cashed checks related to pending members left pending and ultimately being deleted from ALAMIS, incomplete/incorrect paperwork being retained… Read more: From the Executive Director – September 2025

Carol Burke, Membership Chairperson aka: General McSquawker Welcome to the 2025-26 membership year! Your Department membership team invites you to join the fun in celebrating and growing our organization. Our Mission Possible is for each and every Unit in the Department of Michigan to achieve goal membership by July 4, 2026. Our NOT very ”secret” agents (area membership chairs) will be working closely with District Presidents and District Membership Chairpersons to accomplish our definitely NOT secret mission. Join the Department of Michigan Membership Facebook page (ALA MI Membership) and the National Membership Facebook page (American Legion Auxiliary National Membership Group).… Read more: Operation – 250 Candles – Membership Article September 2025