MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS AND HOW TO JOIN AMERICAN LEGION LA MESA POST 282
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; 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.
Being part of the American Legion family will help ensure the retention of already earned benefits and fighting for our future as citizens of this great Nation. Only through the strength of numbers will others listen and that is a proven fact. Your membership also allows full access to our facility and that of other veterans' clubs. Your using this benefit can very well result in a savings to your recreation related budget when taking into account meals, beverages, and other recreation. Not using our facility and what we have to offer could very well jeopardize the future of the La Mesa Veterans Club since daily business is needed to keep our doors open.
Your membership also provides access to vendors’ discounts that are separately provided and which will save you money.
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.”
IMPORTANT: AN APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT OR PRESENT PROOF OF SERVICE (NORMALLY DD FORM 214) TO A CLUB OFFICER AT TIME OF APPLICATION; Membership in another veterans organization (such as the VFW) can be proof of service and DD-214 is not required.
NEW MEMBERSHIP
Eligible veterans (includes active duty personnel) applying for first time membership must submit the following information:
1. Click the APPLICATION button, complete, and submit the Post 282 American Legion Membership application. Before submitting, print two completed copies.
2. Keep one copy of the application for your records and either mail (P.O. Box 265, La Mesa, CA 91944-0265) or bring the other copy to the 8118 University Avenue address together with your $45.00 dues payment. If mailing, include also a copy of your DD-214 and it will be returned to you; we do not keep these on file. If you are hand-carrying your application or completing the application at the Post, you need not permanently provide the DD-214; it need only be shown to an officer of the Post or person accepting the application. If you are a member of another veterans organization (such as VFW), then that can serve as proof of service for American Legion membership.
3. Should you submit your payment on line (using the ‘APPLICATION’ button), we will contact you within a few days. If you wish to pay via credit card, information can then be provided. However, you may still need to provide proof of service. Contact the Commander at jporath1@roadrunner.com
3. Once your application has been approved by the membership and you have paid the dues, a membership card will be mailed or immediately provided to you. Should you come to the facility and show proof of eligibility and payment, a temporary membership card will certainly be provided.
4. Checks are payable to La Mesa Post 282 and mail to: P. O. Box 265, La Mesa, CA 91944-0265. DO NOT SEND CASH
1. If you belong to another Post and would like to transfer to our Post, please come to the facility or scan your membership card and send to jporath1@roadrunner.com. If your dues is current, no payment is required.