Celebrate Veterans Day: Become part of America’s largest veterans’ service organization—The American Legion
by Mary Jo David
In 2019 the LEGION Act was signed into law. The passage of this new Act simplifies American Legion eligibility and opens it up to any veteran with an honorable discharge anytime since the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, Dec. 7, 1941. This has extended membership opportunities to six million veterans who had served during peacetime and were previously ineligible to join the Legion.
Like so many other organizations, American Legion posts across the country and right here in Stockbridge are struggling under the weight of dealing with restrictions placed on their activities and fundraising efforts thanks to COVID-19.
But even before the pandemic, local Legion posts like the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post 510 in Stockbridge have been suffering from a generation gap, with a majority of their current members having served during the Vietnam era. Yet, in the U.S., and in Michigan, there is no shortage of veterans who served after Vietnam. USA Today reported, “Since Sept. 11, 2001, the start of the Global War on Terror, 3.3 million veterans have served in the U.S. military.” Additionally, the article lists Michigan as home to more than 530,000 veterans.
Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post 510 Membership
Some younger veterans view the stereotypical Legion member as someone who just hangs out at the Post to drink with other like-minded veterans. What they may not realize is that The American Legion is America’s largest veterans’ service organization. In Stockbridge, activities like Bingo and coney nights have been put on hold due to COVID, but before the pandemic, fundraisers like these helped to support veterans, veterans’ families, and the community.
And Legion membership isn’t just about these fundraisers. One local Legion member talked about his experience helping younger veterans navigate the red tape of Veterans Affairs. Additionally, at the national level, The American Legion is very active in lobbying the government to encourage the passage of legislation that aids veterans, service members, and their families. If you’re a qualifying veteran, consider joining the 114 members of the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510 in Stockbridge. Dues are $50 per year.
But I’m not a Veteran
You don’t have to be a Legion member—or veteran—to serve in the other groups that make up the American Legion family here in Stockbridge. In addition to their efforts to assist other veterans and community causes, all of the groups listed below offer excellent opportunities for camaraderie.
Sons of the American Legion (SAL): The Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510 chapter has an active SAL contingent, with roughly 115 members. Membership is open to any son or grandson of a living American Legion member. Sons and grandsons of deceased veterans are also eligible. Annual dues for SAL membership are $20. Currently, the SAL sponsors an every-other-week takeout fish fry. Prior to COVID-19, in addition to Friday fish fries, it was the Sons of the American Legion who hosted the Tractor Show and the Blessing of the Plow.
Martin Bliss, commander of the local Sons of the American Legion emphasizes that they raise money for good, “When the Sons have our functions, the money we raise goes back into the Legion or to people in need.” Although Bliss is not a veteran, many in his family, including his late son, were in the military. “I make the effort, and the rewards are very worthwhile. I’ve ‘adopted’ a couple vets and we do a lot together.”
American Legion Auxiliary: Membership in the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Auxiliary Unit #510 is currently open to grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of eligible veterans. Dues for Auxiliary membership are $30 annually. Currently, the Stockbridge Auxiliary has about 55 members.
Jean Bliss, a long-time Auxiliary member and fixture in the kitchen during Bingo for many years, said, “The Auxiliary is a group effort. We do a lot of good, from helping support Legion activities to hosting our own, like the Poppy sales.” Tacos were a regular Auxiliary fundraising feature before COVID-19. More recently, the group hosted a lasagna takeout night, and they’re looking at other dinner options for future carryout fundraising events during the pandemic. The local unit generally sponsors an 11th grader to participate in Girls State, a one week government-in-action learning program; hosts scholarships; organizes the poppy sale to benefit disabled vets; and helps families of veterans in the community.
American Legion Riders: Membership in the Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510 Riders is open to members in good standing of The American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. Members must have a legally registered motorcycle or have a spouse with a legally registered motorcycle and be properly licensed and insured. Dues are $12 annually and the Riders from the Mackinder Glenn Post number approximately 18 members. Prior to COVID-19, the Riders sponsored weekly coney nights and occasionally organized rides between Posts.
For information on current activities of the local American Legion Post, check out the “Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post 510” Facebook page. To learn more about membership in the Stockbridge post, reach out to a local American Legion Member. (Due to COVID-19, there is not always someone at Post #510 to take calls and answer questions.)
References:
“11 Things You Need to Know About the LEGION Act”: https://www.legion.org/
“About 18 million military veterans live in the US. Which states have the most vets?” February 4, 2020. https://www.usatoday.com/
The Mackinder Glenn American Legion Post #510 and its family of programs offer camaraderie and an opportunity to do good for its members and other veterans, their families, and the community at large.
