The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.
If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941 and have been honorably discharged or are still serving – you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
Becoming a member in The American Legion is a great way to continue to serve your country and your local community, long after your military service is complete. There are a variety of commitment levels for each post, and you can opt to serve as an officer if you have an interest in becoming more involved with the organization.
The American Legion is not just a social club – you must meet the military eligibility requirements to be eligible for membership. But we often have social and community events designed to further the Legion’s mission and vision of honoring the sacrifices made by former and current servicemen and women and sharing these commitments with future generations.
After becoming a member, you are immediately eligible to participate in meetings and events and take advantage of Legion benefits.
THE ST. ANDREWS/IRMO AMERICAN LEGION POST 174 has achieved 110% membership, with many members that still need to renew. 2024 will be a record breaking year for our Post! A big thank you to all who have joined or renewed their membership!
I’M THE VETERAN
The veteran who asked to join your organization. I’m the veteran who paid their dues to join. I’,m the veteran who stood up in front of you and promised to be faithful, and loyal to the organization.
I’m the veteran who came to your meetings and no one paid attention to me.
I’m the veteran who tried several times to be a friend, but they had their own buddies to talk to and sit next to.
I’m the veteran who came several times, but no one paid any attention to me. I’m the veteran who was left out when I volunteered to help on projects and membership recruitment.
I’m the veteran who missed a few meetings because I was sick, but at the meeting, no one asked where I have been. I guess it didn’t matter very much to others whether I was there or not.
I’m the veteran who decided to stay home and watch TV one meeting night. The following meeting I attended, no one asked me where I had been.
You might say that I’m a good veteran, a good parent who holds a responsible job, loves their family, community, and country.
You want to know who else I am? I’m the veteran who never came back!
It amuses me how the officers of the Organization and other members discuss why the Organization was losing members.
It amuses me to think that they spend so much time looking for new members when I was there all the time, all they needed to do was make me feel needed, wanted, and welcome.
This occurs in many organizations. I try to make each member feel welcome in out Post, if you do not feel that you are welcome, wanted, or needed, please let me know, I get busy, and I miss great opportunities to make everyone in our Post feel welcome. For the record I am extremely grateful for each and every member of the St. Andrews/Irmo American Legion Post 174, without all of you, we would not have a Post!
With that said, I would like to ask the members if they would be a “Battle Buddy” to a new member. If you want to do this please contact me ASAP!