By Sara Fowler
 
 
Pride in membership. Pride in those who make us eligible to be part of The American Legion Family. 
 
The American Legion Auxiliary has members throughout the country who have more than one membership in the Family: It could be ALA, Legion, Sons of The American Legion, and American Legion Riders. 
 
These members annually commit to more than one overlapping mission, giving our veterans, military, and their families the most support possible in a variety of ways through this level of involvement.  
 
This is part 3 in our American Legion Auxiliary membership series. 
 
Jamie Lethiecq, Department of Pennsylvania 
 
Lethiecq served 22 years active duty and retired from the U.S. Army. His wife also served in the Army for eight years with both active duty and the National Guard. His grandfather served in the Army during the Korean War. Lethiecq and his wife are both members of The American Legion Riders as well. 

What does your American Legion Family membership mean to you?
I have spent my entire adult life serving my country and giving back to my community. My memberships across The American Legion Family allow me to continue giving back to my community. 

Why do you feel it’s important to commit to more than one part of the Family? 
When I was initially the commander of my local American Legion post (The World War I Memorial Post 109 in Mechanicsburg, Pa.), I found that communication across the Family (as with most families) was sometimes lacking. Since I was qualified as a member of each organization, I found that by joining each entity, I was able to provide communication across the Family. I encouraged and continue to encourage others who are qualified in different entities to become dual, tri, or quad members. 
 
Additionally, as a man who served and retired as a command sergeant major, when I first went to a large annual dinner tied to one of our Department Executive Committee meetings, the Legionnaires were asked to stand, the Sons were asked to stand, the Riders were asked to stand, and the Auxiliary were asked to stand. I stood for each but at that time, I was the only man who stood as an Auxiliary member even though I knew several others who were eligible. Since then, every year I go, I stand proudly as an Auxiliary member and now I am joined by others who no longer feel stigmatized to belong. 
 
What are some of the activities/events you are involved in?
While my focus remains mostly on Legion programs, I serve as a mentor for my department’s Legion Boys State program. In that capacity, I often find myself recruiting for ALA Girls State as well. The same is true with the essay contests. 

Do you have any favorite activities/events?
One of the favorite events put on by my Auxiliary unit is an Easter celebration with free ice cream sundaes, rabbits and chicks for petting, photos with the Easter Bunny, and many other youth-focused activities. 

What advice would you give to others to join more than one part of The American Legion Family if they are eligible? 
By joining each of the organizations you are able to join, you can serve as both a communication and continuity hub for the Family. While it’s not required, it is truly a benefit to the Family as a whole.