30 July 2019:  Membership eligibility changed.  An individual is eligible for membership in The American Legion only if the individual – (1) has served in the Armed Forces of (A) the United States at any time during – (i) the period of April 6, 1917, through November 11, 1918; or (ii) any time after December 7, 1941 (for one day or more); or (B) a government associated with the United States Government during a period or time referred to in subsection (A) of this section and was a citizen of the United States when the individual entered that service; and (2) was honorably discharged or separated from that service or continues to serve honorably during or after that period or time; provided, however, that such service shall have been terminated by honorable discharge or honorable separation, or continued honorably during or after any of said periods; provided, further, that no person shall be entitled to membership who, being in such service during any of said periods, refused on conscientious, political or other grounds to subject themselves to military discipline or unqualified service.”

Since the American Legion La Mesa Post 282 charter on June 28, 1923, we have been welcoming personnel from all uniformed branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.  We welcome you now whether you are Active Duty, National Guard, Reserves, Veteran, or Retired regardless of where in the world you may have served, whether a member of another veteran's organization, or family member.  Because La Mesa Post 282 hosts all other La Mesa-based veteran organizations in our facility, we affectionately call ourselves the La Mesa Veterans Club where we conduct family-friendly events and food offerings.   

We are a very active establishment with reasonable, suggested prices.  You will meet fellow Legionnaires and those of our Auxiliary (that now allows males); see membership) and Sons of The American Legion (any age); Shipmates of VFW O.K. Ingram Ship 1774 and its Auxiliary (male and female); members of AMVETS Post 1775 (male and famale); members of Air Force Sergeants Association San Diego and Imperial County Chapter 1365 (male and female); members of other veterans organizations; and the active duty personnel who visit us. 

The American Legion family include the Auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion (SAL), and Legion Riders.  Membership in The American Legion Auxiliary (see TAB) includes spouses (male and female) of active duty servicemembers and U.S. Veterans who served at least one day since 7 Dec 1941 to the present; grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion; and the grandmothers, mothers, sisters, wives, and direct and adopted female descendants of all men and women who were in the Armed Forces of the U.S. since 7 Dec 1941 to the present, and from 6 Apr 1917 to 11 Nov 1918; or who, being citizens 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 any of said 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.   The Sons of the American Legion (see TAB) is a male of any age who is a direct descendant, adopted son/stepson of a member of The American Legion and/or such male descendants of a veteran who served our great country during times of war as defined by the American Legion and who was eligible for American Legion membership at time of death based on dates of service.  The descendant need not be living at time of application.  American Legion male members can also me an active member of SAL and often do join both.  The Legion Riders is a Program of the American Legion but not yet formed at our Post.  

If you are interested in leading or assisting with the formation of a Legion Riders Chapter, please contact the American Legion Commander or an officer of the Post 282.  Legion Riders's membership comprises the entire American Legion family who ride motorcycles as well as members of other organizations who wish to also join the Legion.  

Our members often belong to one or more of the veterans organizations that may be present in our facility based on individual eligibility.  Persons who have this multiple membership do it for reasons related to the desire to assist other organizations, benefits, travel, and sense of belonging since the Programs do somewhat differ.  La Mesa Veterans Club membership do not care to which organization another belongs; "we are all together.".   Eligible persons are strongly encouraged to join us so we may fulfill our mission to better serve the needs of the community and the veterans of La Mesa.  Keep in mind also, that membership helps retain the benefits we have earned that each Congress attempts to reduce.  Membership applications for all of the organizations present in our facility are available at the Post.   To those who may be interested, please visit us at any time of the day.  

We are a community gathering place who welcomes all.  Your membership and participation allow us all to continue serving God, Country, and Community.  Our local mission is to provide comraderie, a support base for the veteran and family within the local community, low cost meals, entertainment, counseling, various programs that assist the community, and to otherwise serve veterans and family members while embodying the goals of the American Legion Preamble as stated below:

      

         

                                     PREAMBLE                                  

For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purpose: 

To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;

to maintain law and order;

to foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;

to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;

to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to community, state and nation;

to combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;

to make right the master of might;

to promote peace and good will on earth;

to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;

to consecrate and sanctify your comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

         

NOTE  that as of 1 Jan 2016, active duty military and their guests as well as members of ANY OTHER Veterans organization such as Navy League, Air Force Association, Disabled American Veterans, Legion of Honor, etc., can be served alcohol in any Veterans Club (per recently adopted California law) without signing a guest register or having someone escort you.   

 

 

Wednesday & Saturday @ 6 PM

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Not eligible to be a member or are someone who would like to contribute? Want to help the La Mesa community veterans? You may donate directly to us BY MAIL TO: American Legion Post #282, P.O. Box 265, La Mesa, CA 91944-0265 or by using the donation button on this web page.  You may also join our Post as a Sponsor (for details, click Sponsors tab on the left).  Fully 100% of the monies raised are used for veterans’ needs and issues.  Your donations help us sponsor such as youth programs and scholarships, flags for the Memorial, aid and assistance to our local needy Veterans and their families, our Vietnam Memorial's upkeep, and otherwise help us to continue the financial support to worthy community programs and projects.

 Parties, Meetings...

 

 

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