A Little About the Program History of the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) 1932 - SAL established...

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGIONADVISOR’S COURSE

Florida Sons of The American Legion College System

Course 4

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION

A Little About the Program

History of the Sons of The American Legion (SAL)

1932 - SAL established in Portland, OregonFirst SAL Squadron chartered in Indianapolis, Indiana Bruce P.

Robinson Squadron 133 Membership

1939 - National SAL Membership 72,6331953 - National SAL Membership 5,6311963 - National SAL Membership increases to 17,0002012 – National SAL Membership of 350,000

1964 - First National SAL Workshop in Dallas, Texas 1972 - The SAL National Organization was created

First SAL National Convention held in Chicago, Illinois 1995 - National conducts first Training Session for

Detachment Commanders

What are the Sons of The American Legion?

We are a program of The American Legion

We are the largest self sufficient program of The American Legion

We are the largest program that works all of the programs of The American Legion

Major Accomplishments ofthe Sons

Currently the membership has gone over 350,000

31st year of an all-time high in membership

Largest single contributor to CWF with contributions totaling $506,000

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

The backbone of our Organization

Sons Membership Eligibility

Membership in the Sons of The American Legion is open to all male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion.

Also such males descendants of veterans who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, or the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Panama, Persian Gulf, and the Global War on Terrorism during the periods set forth in Article IV, Section I of the National Constitution of The American Legion.

Or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion.

Eligibility Periods for Membership

World War I Apr. 6, 1917 - Nov. 11, 1918

World War II Dec. 7, 1941 - Dec. 31, 1946

Korea Jun. 21, 1950 - Jan. 31, 1955

Vietnam Dec. 22, 1961 - May 7, 1975

Lebanon/Grenada Aug. 24, 1982 - Jul. 31, 1984

Panama Dec. 20, 1989 - Jan. 31, 1990

Persian Gulf / Terrorism Aug. 2, 1990 - Present

DETACHMENT ORGANIZATION

The Leaders of our Detachment

Detachment Officers

Detachment Commander National Executive Committeeman and Alternate Detachment Vice Commanders (6) Detachment Chaplain Detachment Historian Detachment Sgt-At-Arms

Detachment Adjutant and Assistant Adjutants Detachment Judge Advocate Detachment Assistant Sgt-At-Arms

Elected Officers

Appointed Officers

Detachment Executive Committee

Comprised of all Elected Detachment Officers

All Past Detachment Commanders District Commanders & elected Vice

Commanders The DEC meets twice a year (Fall and

Convention) The DEC conducts all business between

Detachment Meetings

Detachment Committee and Commissions

Americanism Children & Youth Veterans Affairs &

Rehabilitation Internal Affairs Public Relations Legislative

Special Olympics Commanders Advisory Community Affairs Constitution & By Laws Convention Disaster Preparedness Membership Squadron Activities Member Training &

Development

Year End Reports

Squadron Officers Report Silver Star Award Consolidated Squadron Report

National & Detachment CSR Americanism Report Children & Youth Report Veterans Rehabilitation Report Volunteer of the Year Membership Award

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION

The Leaders of our Organization

National Officers

National Commander National Vice Commanders (5)

Elected Officers

Appointed Officers

National Adjutant National Asst Adjutants National Chaplain National Judge

Advocate

National Historian National Sgt-At-Arms

& Assistants Aide to the National

Commander

National ExecutiveCommittee

Comprised of all Elected National Officers National Executive Committeeman and

Alternates from 55 Detachments The NEC meets in Indianapolis, IN twice a

year (Fall and Spring) and at the site of the National Convention.

The NEC conducts all business between the Annual National Conventions

National Commissions

AMERICANISM

INTERNAL AFFAIRS

VETERANS AFFAIRS & REHABILITATION

LEGISLATIVE

FINANCE

PUBLIC RELATIONS

CHILDREN & YOUTH

National Committees

MEMBERSHIP

MEMBER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

CHILD WELFARE

CONVENTION RESOLUTIONS

Organizational Chart

National Organization

Detachment

District

Squadron

ROLE OF THE SAL ADVISOR

Organizational Guidance and Support

Post Responsibility

It is up to the Commander and the Post membership to want an SAL Squadron.

Once the decision has been made and approved the Post can request a charter kit from Department HQ.

In order to charter an SAL Squadron there must be 10 NEW members on the charter kit before it is submitted for approval.

Once approved the Post Commander should appoint an SAL Advisor. Should be someone who wants to be the Advisor and has an interest in the Sons.

Once formed it is up to the Post to support the Sons and encourage participation in Legion Family activities.

What is an Advisor?

“Go Between” the Legion and SALRepresents the SAL before the LegionFocal point for both the SAL and the Legion

Wears two (2) HatsHas interests in both the Legion and SALDoes not have to be a Dual Member (Legion / SAL)

Provides GuidanceServes as a Mentor to the SAL Officers & Members

Role of the Advisor

SAL InterestsMembership & RenewalsAssist with development of activities based on

ageAssist with preparation of budgetsGet Legion and Sons involved in Joint

ActivitiesSAL Meetings (Monitor & Mentor)Assist with Bulletins; newslettersAssist with member communicationsRecognition and Encouragement

Role of the Advisor

Legion InterestsAs previously mentioned the Advisor is the

“Go Between”○ Advisor brings information from the Legion to the

SAL

Advises the SAL on legal matters and liability issues that may involve the Legion

Finances○ Can report to the Legion on behalf of the Sons

Tools At Your Disposal

National WebsitesSAL – www.legion.org/sonsLegion – www.legion.org

Florida SAL Websitewww.floridalegion.org/sons

Florida Legion Websitewww.floridalegion.org

Florida SAL E-mail Net Open to all SAL members Post with SAL Squadrons

Florida SAL Newsletter Mailed to squadrons On Florida SAL site Monthly distribution

Membership Report Mailed with “The Source” On Florida SAL Site E-mailed to Detachment

Officers, District/Area Commanders

Other Tools Administrative Manual

District Officers

Detachment Committee / Commission Chairmen

Detachment Officers

Detachment Convention

Fall Conference

Leadership Workshops

Area Conferences

District Meetings / Conferences

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

Question and Answer Session

Let the us know what you thought of this program. We need your feedback to make this successful. Please take the time to complete your surveys as this will help us to develop and update our college courses.

Jim Roberts – jim.robertsfl@gmail.com

Ed Sheubrooks – Fishermn9@aol.com

John Jennings – jennings22@tampabay.rr.com

Feedback

Course Certificates

FLORIDA SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION COLLEGE SYSTEM

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING