Auxiliary
Francis Scott Key Unit 11
American Legion Auxiliary
Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With nearly three-quarters of a million members, it is one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $2 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans.
• Mission Statement: In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
• Vision Statement: The vision of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion while becoming the premier service organization and foundation of every community providing support for our veterans, our military, and their families by shaping a positive future in an atmosphere of fellowship, patriotism, peace and security.
• Purposes: In fulfillment of our Mission, the American Legion Auxiliary adheres to the following purposes:
• To support and advocate for veterans, active military and their families
• To support the initiatives and programs of The American Legion
• To foster patriotism and responsible citizenship
• To award scholarships and promote quality education and literacy
• To provide educational and leadership opportunities that uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy and encourage good citizenship and patriotism in government
• To increase our capacity to deliver our Mission by providing meaningful volunteer opportunities within our communities
• To empower our membership to achieve personal fulfillment through Service Not Self
• Values: Our statement of values is predicated on the founding purposes:
• Commitment to the four founding principles: Justice, Freedom, Democracy, Loyalty
• Service to God, our country, its veterans and their families
• Tradition of patriotism and citizenship
• Personal integrity and family values
• Respect for the uniqueness of individual members
• Truthful open communication in dealing with the public and our members
• Adherence to the adopted policies and rules
FSK Post 11 established a Committee to form an Auxiliary Unit at the 10 May 1921 Post Meeting. An Organizational Meeting was held on10 June 1921 at the Post 11 Headquarters in the YMCA Building, Frederick, MD. On 6 July 1921 an Application for Charter under the signature of Acting Unit 11 President Frances H. Birely was submitted through the American Legion Auxiliary Department of MD. Francis Scott Key Unit 11 received its Permanent Charter signed by American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters on 21 July 1923 and American Legion Auxiliary Department of MD on 31 July 1923 under the signature of Dept. President Frances Howard Birely. Unit 11 had the distinction of having as a Charter Member the first Dept. of MD Auxiliary President Mrs. Frances Howard Birely, who also was the first Unit 11 President. In addition to assisting on FSK post 11 Programs, Unit 11 has their own programs with some similar to that o Post 11.
A Junior Auxiliary was organized on 10 July 1936 by Mrs. Paul Wimert of Westminster, who was the State Organizer for this Auxiliary Program. Unit 11 Junior Auxiliary Organization Chairman was Mrs. N. Wilson Schley. The Junior Auxiliary continues to be an active program of Unit 11.
Some of their activities include:
• Girls State
• Children’s Event
Eligibility Requirements for American Legion Auxiliary Membership
Eligibility for membership in the American Legion Auxiliary is determined by The American Legion. The eligibility requirements from The American Legion governing documents shall be provided as a footnote to this Constitution for information purposes and shall be updated as appropriate.
Membership in The American Legion Auxiliary shall be limited to the:
• grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion; and
• grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who served in either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918 and any time after December 7, 1941 who, being a citizen of the United States at the time of their entry therein served on active duty in the Armed Forces of any of the governments associated with the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge;
• grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the United States during either of the following periods: April 6, 1917, to November 11, 1918; and any time after December 7, 1941 who served on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States during either eligibility periods and died in the line of duty or after honorable discharge; and
• to those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion.
