National Security

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Theme: “Honoring Service, Supporting Families, Strengthening National Security”

The program is the American Legion Auxiliary National Security Program. Is service and awareness program that supports a strong national defense by helping active-duty military members, veterans, military families, Blue Star and Gold Star families, emergency responders, and survivors.

Auxiliary members can work with the National Security Commission supported by The American Legion, Department of Illinois. The commission studies the needs of the United States in armament, personnel, and military affairs along with problems with foreign relations. Hopefully with suggestions and programs to help the cause or conquer the problems.

Its main purpose is to turn the American Legion’s National Security pillar into local action. That means Auxiliary members and units are encouraged to:

  • Support military families through cards, care packages, spouse support, Blue Star/Gold Star family recognition.
  • Participate in preparedness efforts such as disaster relief, CERT training, Red Cross or blood donation programs, and emergency response support.
  • Bring attention to national defense-related causes such as POW/MIA recovery, the USO, TAPS, and the “Be the One” suicide prevention initiative.
  • Recognize service members through awards such as Salute to Service Member of the Year.

The American Legion sponsors and distributes ROTC and JROTC medals through a cooperative network of local posts, state departments, and national resolutions, with the American Legion Auxiliary helping to support this recognition of outstanding cadets for military and scholastic excellence.

In short, this program is about supporting those who serve, strengthening families and communities, and promoting preparedness and civic responsibility as part of national security.

As an auxiliary member, you can support these issues through involvement with:

  1. The disaster relief programs on the National and State levels.
  2. Collaborate with the Red Cross and other blood bank programs such as Impact Life.
  3. Start, join or maintain a “CERT” program for your local area.  “CERT” is the Community Emergency Response Team and there are courses to train volunteers to be prepared in times of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and blizzards, as well as during human-caused disasters. www.ready.gov
  4. Supporting the military spouse not only on the “Military Spouse Appreciation Day” but every day. You can reach out and offer childcare or a “shoulder to lean on with an open ear”.
  5. Sending cards & letters or care packages to the deployed troops.
  6. We can bring awareness to the agencies working to bring home POW/MIA personnel. Visit the website for Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency
  7. Support your USO, Emergency Responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMS) and Blue Star and Gold Star families.
  8. “Be the One” suicide prevention program needs us to step in and help.
  9. TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

Susan Heinz-Wojcik | heinzwojciks@gmail.com | 847-913-4998

Department Awards

  • Firehouse Crew National Security Plaque – to the Unit for the best overall participation in the National Security program.
  • Service Member of the Year – a plaque for each winning service member of the year – one per branch of service.

Personal Awards

  • $10 to the Runner-up of the Firehouse Crew National Security plaque.
  • $10 to the Unit with the Best CERT program report.
  • $10 to the Unit that donates the most to the USO

Salute to Service Member of the Year

  • Established in 2003, this award has evolved from honoring women veterans to honoring active-duty women, to honoring all enlisted personnel who are currently serving our country in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force and the National Guard/Reserve.
  • One enlisted service member from each branch of service as well as the National Guard/Reserve will be recognized at the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention. Recipients will attend the National Convention as guests of the Auxiliary. Deadline sent directly to National May 15, 2027.
    https://www.legion-aux.org/Salute-to-Servicemembers-Award-Form

Please do not forget to donate to the USO: https://www.uso.org/

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Resources from National

  • How to Plan POW/MIA Ceremony
  • National Security Facebook Group
  • How to Train for FEMA’s Community Response Teams
  • ALA Military Family Readiness Action Guide and Related Downloads
  • Log into the National Website to Access these Items: Click Here

Department Resources

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