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Veterans of Foreign Wars

There are two qualifiers for membership in the VFW, as set out in the National Bylaws. An individual must meet both of these criteria in order to become a member:

  1. Honorable Service – must have served in the Armed Forces of the United States and either received a discharge of Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) or be currently serving.
  2. Service in a war, campaign, or expedition on foreign soil or in hostile waters*. This can be proven by any of the following:
  • An authorized campaign medal
  • Receipt of Hostile Fire Pay or Imminent Danger Pay (verified by a military pay statement)
  • Service in Korea for 30 consecutive or 60 non-consecutive days

* This information is usually available through a veteran’s DD-214

American Legion

Either of the following requirements must be met to be eligible for membership in the American Legion:

  • You have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces any time since December 7, 1941, and received an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable conditions.
  • You are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces.

American Legion Auxiliary

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
  • 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 
  • Those women who of their own right are eligible for membership in The American Legion
  • Male spouses are now eligible to join the Auxiliary. Please review the eligibility requirements to see if you qualify.

For more information about joining the American Legion #166 Auxiliary, contact Barbara Cardenas, President, at 209-769-7668.  Auxiliary meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 10 am at the Los Banos Veterans Memorial Hall.

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