Available for all Active Duty Military, Reserves, and Veterans.

Any person shall be eligible for membership in the American Legion who was a member of the Armed Services, Merchant Marines, or Coast Guard and was assigned to active duty at some time during the periods below, all dates inclusive, or who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of his or her entry therein, served on Active Duty in the Armed Forces of any of the Governments associated with the United States during any said periods, as long as such service was terminated on honorable discharge or honorable separation, or continued honorably during or after of any said periods. No person shall be entitled to membership who, being in such service during any said periods, refused on conscientious, political, or other grounds to subject himself to military discipline or unqualified service. If you meet the above conditions, then you are a Veteran and are eligible to join the American Legion.

We are nearly 3 million strong and care about the United States of American, its veterans, and our nations youth. The legion is a powerful voice in Washington D.C. dedicated to preserving the rights we have all earned - and were promised - by service to our nation in uniform. We invite you to join us now. Remember - you must have served one day of activity duty military service during the dates below and have been honorably discharged or are still serving honorably.

Eligibility Dates

6 April 1917 - 11 November 1918

7 December 1941 - 31 December 1846

25 June 1950 - 31 January 1955

28 February 1961 - 7 May 1975

24 August 1982 - 31 July 1984

20 December 1989 - 31 January 1990

2 August 1990 - 31 January 190

New membership

Eligible veterans applying for first time membership must submit the following information to the Post Membership Committee online or through their local American Legion Post. If the information is correct, your membership will be approved and a membership card will be mailed to you.

  1. A completed American Legion Membership Application. Applications are available at the Post or online here.
  2. A copy of the applicants DD-214 or a current Leave & Earning Statement. Applicants may also simply show their CAC to the Post representative.
  3. Your dues payment of $43.00. Checks can be made payable to American Legion Post 280.

Transferring Memberships

American Legion Members applying for transfers to our post must submit the following information to the Post Membership Committee.

  1. Completed Member Data Form
  2. Copy of DD-214, discharge paperwork, or Leave and Earning Statement
  3. Copy of membership card
  4. Current year dues, if not paid already. Checks can be made payable to American Legion Post 280

Paid-Up-For-Life (PUFL) Memberships

If you are interested in a PUFL Membership, contact the Post 280 Adjutant or visit the National's Paid-Up-For-Life membership application page.

The American Legion is always there for you, The Veteran, and your family. Won't you join and be there for the next veteran and their family?