About The American Legion
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
The American Legion is the nation's largest and most powerful organization of U.S. wartime veterans and their families. Today, it counts 2.2 million members who operate through more than 13,000 posts across the United States and beyond. Since its inception by Congress in 1919, The American Legion has delivered substantial improvements for veterans, families and communities. The Legion ushered in the modern VA. The Legion drafted and drove home passage of the GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The Legion has brought into existence dozens of health-care benefits for veterans and programs designed to provide civilian careers after discharge. The Legion works every day on behalf of U.S. servicemen and women. It is recognized as a leader in transition assistance from military to civilian life, providing resources for careers, education, child care and more. The Legion is active every day.
Hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen the nation one community at a time. American Legion Baseball is one of the nation's most successful amateur athletic programs, educating young people about the importance of sportsmanship, citizenship and fitness. The Operation Comfort Warriors program supports recovering wounded warriors and their families, providing them with "comfort items" and the kind of support that makes a hospital feel a little bit more like home. The Legion also raises millions of dollars in donations at the local, state and national levels to help veterans and their families during times of need and to provide college scholarship opportunities.
The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the nation's veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership.
There seems to be a mistaken perception that the American Legion is for older retirees. In reality, the services offered can benefit any service member, young or old, who needs help in multitude of areas or just to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans.
The American Legion's success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.
Current Members
Your membership is not based on the day you joined, but the calendar year, regardless of the day you signed up. Ensure that you renew your membership before it expires at the end of the calendar year. This will allow us to continue working our great programs with the increased per capita received, and our voice on Capital Hill grows even stronger than it is today.
New Members
Eligibility Requirements
Our organization was founded on the premise that all those serving in the US Armed Forces during times of national crisis, regardless of place of service, are eligible to belong to The American Legion. Our membership is based on period of service, not place of service. To be eligible for membership in The American Legion, you need to have been assigned to at least one day of federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces [Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard] any time during these eligibility periods as determined by U.S. Government, and received an honorable discharge, discharge under honorable conditions, or currently serving in one of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The American Legion was founded and incorporated in 1919 as a war-time veterans organization. It was chartered by Congress on this basis. Our membership eligibility dates above parallel dates set by Congress of war-time service.
Application Process
Eligible veterans applying for first time membership must submit the following information to the Post 42 Adjutant:
Membership applications are available at the Post or:
Print and complete the American Legion membership application
Prepare an annual dues check for $50.00 payable to American Legion Morris Frock Post 42.
If you are currently on Active Duty, present your valid military identification card (Common Access Card) at the Post, otherwise, provide a copy of your DD214 to ascertain membership eligibility. Please black-out your Social Security Number on the copy.
Mail or deliver the application and dues to:
American Legion Morris Frock Post 42
PO Box 2125
Hagerstown, MD 21742
If the information is correct, membership will be approved and then a membership card will be provided to you.
Acceptable Proof of Service Documentation
Form DD214 (Official discharge certificate)
Official “Honorable Discharge” certificate
Form DD1300 (Official military death certificate)
Official record of burial in a military cemetery issued by the National Cemetery Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs
Current or former military ID card
Current or former LES (Leave and Earnings Statement)
Official logbook entries from a military unit
ANY OTHER DOCUMENT LISTED ON THE Military Service Verification Documents List
Transfers
Requirements
Veterans applying for transfers from their current Post to Post 42 must submit the following:
Completed Member Data Form
Copy of your current Membership Card
The annual membership dues for American Legion Morris Frock Post 42 is currently $50.00. Send Membership Dues payment if the current year's dues have not been paid. If the current dues have been paid, please pay dues for next year's membership.