8/22/2018 – INDIANAPOLIS – Nearly 9,000 American Legion Family members, including 1,500 women representing the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA), will convene Aug. 24-30 in Minneapolis for the National Conventions of The American Legion Family. ALA members from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, together with members of The American Legion and Sons of The American Legion, meet annually to celebrate successes from the administrative year, elect national officers, and set national priorities to guide the Legion Family throughout the coming year. This year marks the ALA’s 98th National Convention.
The event follows the end of the 2017-2018 administrative year and provides an opportunity for ALA leadership to hear from national program chairmen on successes and issues relevant to the Auxiliary’s longstanding mission of serving veterans, the military, and their families.
“As the American Legion Auxiliary approaches its landmark 100th anniversary, I continue to be in awe of all that our members do on a daily basis to support veterans, military, and their families,” said Diane Duscheck, 2017-2018 ALA national president. “ALA members advocate for our veterans through countless hours of service, donations, and awareness, and I am excited to see what the next 100 years bring.”
A highlight of the ALA’s National Convention is the presentation of the Woman of the Year Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations for efforts that especially benefit the military, veterans, and their families. Duscheck will present the award to Elizabeth Mackey, former National Veterans Creative Arts Festival director with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, at a special luncheon in her honor on Aug. 27.
Other activities include a patriotic parade through Minneapolis and hands-on workshops for members to learn how to better serve the ALA’s mission. For all who are unable to attend in person, the ALA will host a live video stream and blog, plus provide up-to-the-minute updates on social media throughout the week using #AuxCon18. For more information, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
About the ALA: Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) helps to advance the mission of The American Legion. With nearly three-quarters of a million members, the ALA is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization and one of the nation’s most prominent supporters of veterans, military, and their families. ALA members volunteer millions of hours annually, with a value averaging $1.1 billion each year. From helping to draft the GI Bill in 1944 to advocating for veterans on Capitol Hill, The American Legion Family has been instrumental in advancing legislation that improves the quality of life for our nation’s veterans. To learn more and get involved, visit www.ALAforVeterans.org.
Communications Division
(317) 569-4500
pr@alaforveterans.org
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, the mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of our veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
