Membership Eligibility
Learn about who can join American Legion NY Post #381 John J. Welch and the requirements for membership.
Who Can Join The American Legion?
The American Legion's membership eligibility is based on honorable service within the U.S. Armed Forces during specific periods of conflict, or through family connections to eligible veterans.
Membership Requirements
$40 yearly membership fee
Veteran Eligibility
Direct Veteran Membership
Veterans who served honorably during any of the following war eras are eligible to join The American Legion:
World War I
April 6, 1917 - November 11, 1918
World War II
December 7, 1941 - December 31, 1946
Korean War
June 25, 1950 - January 31, 1955
Vietnam War
February 28, 1961 - May 7, 1975
Lebanon/Grenada
August 24, 1982 - July 31, 1984
Panama
December 20, 1989 - January 31, 1990
Gulf War/War on Terror
August 2, 1990 - present
Note: Merchant Marines who served from December 7, 1941, to December 31, 1946, are also eligible.
Family Member Eligibility
Family Connection Membership
If you have a family connection to a veteran who served during one of the eligible periods, you may also qualify for membership.
Eligible family relationships include:
- Parent of a veteran
- Grandparent of a veteran
- Great-grandparent of a veteran
- Spouse of a veteran
- Child of a veteran
- Sibling of a veteran
- Uncle or aunt of a veteran
Important: You will need to provide documentation showing your relationship to the veteran and their service during an eligible period.
Required Documentation
When applying for membership, please bring one or more of the following documents:
DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
The primary document showing military service and discharge status
Military ID Card
Current or former military identification
For Family Members
Documentation showing your relationship to the veteran (birth certificate, marriage license, etc.) and proof of the veteran's service
Ready to Join American Legion Post #381?
If you meet the eligibility requirements, we invite you to become a member of our post. Membership is just $40 per year.