FAQ's

A: Contact someone at the Princeton American Legion Post.  Applications are available at the Club Rooms. Check to see if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you are not eligible but would like to subscribe to our magazine, contact Department Headquarters.  Cost for a 12-month subscription is $15.00.

Q: What is cost to join the Princeton American Legion?

A: Annual dues are currently $20.00.  See the section below concerning Paid-Up-For-Life Memebership.

Q: How do I know if I am eligible for membership in The American Legion?

A: Our organization was founded on the premise that all those serving in the U.S. 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. Therefore, if you have served at least one day of active duty during the eligibility dates and are still serving in the military after any of the said periods or have been honorably discharged, you may become a member.

Q: Why is membership in The American Legion limited to certain periods of time? I served in military, but not during The American Legion eligibility periods.

A: The American Legion was founded in 1919 as a war-time veterans organization. It was chartered by Congress on this basis. Our membership eligibility dates parallel dates set by Congress of war-time service.

Q: What benefits do I receive as a member of The American Legion?

A: As a member of The American Legion, you may participate in the low cost life insurance program, as well as many other discounts on moving, car rentals, hotels and motels, eyewear and prescription drugs.

Q: What is a Paid-Up-For-Life Membership?

A: It's a membership you purchase with a lump sum that makes you a Paid-Up-For-Life Member of The American Legion. Joining the over 175,000 who've already become Paid-Up-For-Life Members assures you of all the benefits of American Legion membership for life, with no additional future payment -- no matter how much the cost of your benefits may go up.

Q: What type of financial aid for college or scholarship information can The American Legion provide?

A: The American Legion publishes a college financial aid guide called NEED A LIFT? This 128 page guide lists scholarships, grants and loans. NEED A LIFT? also contains a scholarship research service application called CASHE. Using the information provided on the application a database of over 150,000 entries will be searched to match awards to the individual. To order a copy of NEED A LIFT? send a $3 check or money order to: NEED A LIFT?, Emblem Sales, PO Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206.

Q: What can I do to get help with a VA claim?

A: American Legion Service Officers offer free advice and guidance for veterans who need to deal with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Check the Service Officer Directory for contact information of the officers in your area.

Q: I am related to someone who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates. Can I join the Auxiliary or Sons of The American Legion (SAL) even if he/she is not a member of The American Legion?

A: No. If your relative who served on active duty during one of the membership eligibility dates is not a member of The American Legion, you may not join either the American Legion Auxiliary or the Sons of The American Legion. However, if the qualifying veteran is deceased you may join the appropriate organization, even if the qualifying veteran was not a member of The American Legion when living.

Q: Can I ask The American Legion to search its membership list and give me a current address and telephone number of an old Army buddy I want to locate?

A: The American Legion protects the privacy of its members and will not release such information. However, there are certain situations for mail to be forwarded to our members. Legion membership of the requester is required in most cases. A background sheet is available upon request.

Q: Is there a history of The American Legion available?

A: Copies of Thomas Rumer's The American Legion: An Official History 1919 - 1989 is still available from Emblem Sales, The American Legion, PO Box 1050, Indianapolis, IN 46206, Telephone: (317) 630-1251, or FAX: (317) 630-1381 at a cost of $16.95 plus $3.95 postage and handling. Phone and FAX orders are accepted with VISA or Mastercard only.

Q: How can I request a copy of my military discharge records for proof of eligibility?

A: To obtain a certificate in lieu of a lost or destroyed discharge, a veteran separated under honorable conditions should use Standard Form 180. Persons still in military service should write their branch of service. To obtain a Standard Form 180 to request the records, you may write or call the National Personnel Records Center at: