A Little About the Program

History of the Sons of The American Legion (SAL)  SAL established in Portland, Oregon First SAL Squadron chartered in Indianapolis, Indiana Bruce P. Robinson Squadron 133  Membership National SAL Membership 72, National SAL Membership 5, National SAL Membership increases to 17, – National SAL Membership of 350,000  First National SAL Workshop in Dallas, Texas  The SAL National Organization was created First SAL National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois  National conducts first Training Session for Detachment Commanders

What are the Sons of The American Legion?  We are a program of The American Legion  We are the largest self sufficient program of The American Legion  We are the largest program that works all of the programs of The American Legion

Major Accomplishments of the Sons  Currently the membership has gone over 350,000  31st year of an all-time high in membership  Largest single contributor to CWF with contributions totaling $506,000

The backbone of our Organization

Sons Membership Eligibility Membership in the Sons of The American Legion is open to all male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion. Also such males descendants of veterans who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Panama, Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism during the periods set forth in Article IV, Section I of the National Constitution of The American Legion. Or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion.

Eligibility Periods for Membership  World War IApr. 6, Nov. 11, 1918  World War IIDec. 7, Dec. 31, 1946  KoreaJun. 21, Jan. 31, 1955  VietnamDec. 22, May 7, 1975  Lebanon/Grenada Aug. 24, Jul. 31, 1984  PanamaDec. 20, Jan. 31, 1990  Persian Gulf / TerrorismAug. 2, Present

The Leaders of our Detachment

Detachment Officers  Detachment Commander  National Executive Committeeman and Alternate  Detachment Vice Commanders (6)  Detachment Chaplain  Detachment Historian  Detachment Sgt-At-Arms Detachment Adjutant and Assistant Adjutants Detachment Judge Advocate Detachment Assistant Sgt-At-Arms Elected Officers Appointed Officers

Detachment Executive Committee  Comprised of all Elected Detachment Officers  All Past Detachment Commanders  District Commanders & elected Vice Commanders  The DEC meets twice a year (Fall and Convention)  The DEC conducts all business between Detachment Meetings

Detachment Committee and Commissions  Americanism  Children & Youth  Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation  Internal Affairs  Public Relations  Legislative  Special Olympics  Commanders Advisory  Community Affairs  Constitution & By Laws  Convention  Disaster Preparedness  Membership  Squadron Activities  Member Training & Development

Year End Reports  Squadron Officers Report  Silver Star Award  Consolidated Squadron Report National & Detachment CSR  Americanism Report  Children & Youth Report  Veterans Rehabilitation Report  Volunteer of the Year  Membership Award

The Leaders of our Organization

National Officers  National Commander  National Vice Commanders (5) Elected Officers Appointed Officers National Adjutant National Adjutant National Asst Adjutants National Asst Adjutants National Chaplain National Chaplain National Judge Advocate National Judge Advocate National Historian National Historian National Sgt-At-Arms & Assistants National Sgt-At-Arms & Assistants Aide to the National Commander Aide to the National Commander

National Executive Committee  Comprised of all Elected National Officers  National Executive Committeeman and Alternates from 55 Detachments  The NEC meets in Indianapolis, IN twice a year (Fall and Spring) and at the site of the National Convention.  The NEC conducts all business between the Annual National Conventions

National Commissions AMERICANISM INTERNAL AFFAIRS VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION LEGISLATIVE FINANCE PUBLIC RELATIONS CHILDREN & YOUTH

National Committees MEMBERSHIP MEMBER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS CHILD WELFARE CONVENTIONRESOLUTIONS

Organizational Chart

Organizational Guidance and Support

Post Responsibility It is up to the Commander and the Post membership to want an SAL Squadron. Once the decision has been made and approved the Post can request a charter kit from Department HQ. In order to charter an SAL Squadron there must be 10 NEW members on the charter kit before it is submitted for approval. Once approved the Post Commander should appoint an SAL Advisor. Should be someone who wants to be the Advisor and has an interest in the Sons. Once formed it is up to the Post to support the Sons and encourage participation in Legion Family activities.

What is an Advisor?  “Go Between” the Legion and SAL Represents the SAL before the Legion Focal point for both the SAL and the Legion  Wears two (2) Hats Has interests in both the Legion and SAL Does not have to be a Dual Member (Legion / SAL)  Provides Guidance Serves as a Mentor to the SAL Officers & Members

Role of the Advisor  SAL Interests Membership & Renewals Assist with development of activities based on age Assist with preparation of budgets Get Legion and Sons involved in Joint Activities SAL Meetings (Monitor & Mentor) Assist with Bulletins; newsletters Assist with member communications Recognition and Encouragement

Role of the Advisor  Legion Interests As previously mentioned the Advisor is the “Go Between” ○ Advisor brings information from the Legion to the SAL Advises the SAL on legal matters and liability issues that may involve the Legion Finances ○ Can report to the Legion on behalf of the Sons

Tools At Your Disposal  National Websites SAL – Legion –  Florida SAL Website  Florida Legion Website  Florida SAL Net Open to all SAL members Post with SAL Squadrons  Florida SAL Newsletter Mailed to squadrons On Florida SAL site Monthly distribution  Membership Report Mailed with “The Source” On Florida SAL Site ed to Detachment Officers, District/Area Commanders

Other Tools  Administrative Manual  District Officers  Detachment Committee / Commission Chairmen  Detachment Officers  Detachment Convention  Fall Conference  Leadership Workshops  Area Conferences  District Meetings / Conferences

Question and Answer Session

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Course Certificates

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