Department of Montana

Dear ALA Leaders,   Many of us began February in Atlanta for Mission Training, which served as the final event of the 2025–2026 Mission Training cycle. This year marked the most successful Mission Training program since its launch. Attendance reached an all-time high, juniors participation continues to trend in a positive direction, and participation from the broader Legion Family continues to grow. More than 275 members from The American Legion and Sons of The American Legio

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY EXPLAINED RELATIONSHIP TO VETERANS ·         MOTHER                               ·         DAUGHTER ·         SISTER ·         GRANDMOTHER ·         GRANDDAUGHTER ·         SELF – FEMALE VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED ·         MALE or FEMALE SPOUSE TWO PATHS FOR ALA ELIGIBILITY Path One:   The potential member is related to a living veteran by one the relationships stated at left and the veteran is living AND a current member of The American Legion. Path Tw

As most of you know, our American Legion Auxiliary Girls State committee is working with the American Legion Boys State; referred to as ALBAGS. The link below are fliers that you can hand out and post. 2026 ALBAGS.pdf

Here you will find The Auxiliary Service Start from the February 2026 edition of the Montana Legionnaire. Also, included is the registration form for the upcoming Spring Conference in Helena June 25-28, 2026. 02 FEB 2026 The Auxiliary Service Star.pdf

I didn’t realize the February paper would be sent out the end of the month, so I am doing March and touch on important issues for April. We have had a couple of personnel changes; Jamie DeBates, mtjme2013@yahoo.com ,  is our new Department Treasurer, continue sending money with the donation sheet to the Department Secretary, Leila Seyfert, ala.mt.sec@gmail.com ,  Box 897 Glasgow, MT 59230. Kathryn Long was gracious enough to become our new Department Chaplain, contact her at.

Poppy Day is right around the corner, and it is time to get those orders in! Please take a moment to complete the attached form (after confirming how many poppies you currently have on hand) and the total number you will need. Once your form is finalized, kindly submit payment to the Department with the form as soon as possible so we can have your poppies made and shipped in plenty of time for your big day. We are excited to help make your Poppy Day a success.  Let me know if

A few months ago, we shared the exciting news that Ben Hendricks joined ALA National Headquarters as our new executive director. Now, I’m pleased to share a short video that offers a closer look at the leader stepping into this important role.   In the video, you’ll learn more about Ben’s background in marketing and strategic planning, as well as the experience he brings from working with nonprofits and membership organizations. His approach, insight, and energy already feel

Dear ALA Leaders,    January marked a strong start to the new year, with steady progress across programs, membership, communications, and operations. As we begin 2026, staff remains focused on carrying forward the momentum built in recent months while preparing for several important conversations and milestones ahead.    Earlier this month, we started working through our timelines related to the strategic planning process, and I appreciate the continued engagement and guidanc

Good afternoon,   On March 8, the ALA Foundation will host the 4th annual Celebrating Women of Service Day, a special giving day held in conjunction with International Women’s Day. This day is dedicated to honoring the women of the American Legion Auxiliary whose service strengthens communities, supports veterans and military families, and makes a lasting difference, often in quiet but powerful ways.   This year’s theme celebrates the women who show up. The ones who check in

DD214 RETENTION FOR AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY Effective immediately, the Adjutant or Secretary at each Unit shall verify a member’s eligibility by reviewing documentation such as a DD214, then promptly return the document to the individual. No copies or electronic records containing Personally Identifiable Information shall be retained. Some Units currently maintain decades of archived DD214s, including those of deceased members. These records should be securely destroyed to

ALA cakewalk in Terry After a fine steak or a pizza dinner at the American Legion Club in Terry, it was time for the Valentine’s Day cakewalk.  The walk was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Unit #32.  ALA member Kaelin J. provided dance and cake walk music with the help of Lance K’s equipment. There were about 14 cakes of various styles, sizes and flavors made by local AL Auxiliary members.  Throughout the evening, dancing would stop and a cake walk would begi

Dear Posts, Units, and Squadrons, Each year, Montana American Legion Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Girls State provide young leaders from every corner of our state the opportunity to experience hands-on government, develop leadership skills, and build lifelong confidence in civic engagement. These programs continue to stand among the most impactful youth leadership experiences offered in Montana—but they are only possible because of the unwavering support of our Po

High School Counselors & Government/History Teachers, The American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary would like to share information about Boys State and Girls State , an exceptional opportunity for high school juniors. Boys and Girls State is a once-in-a-lifetime, weeklong program designed for students entering their senior year. This year’s session will take place June 14–20  and provides participants with firsthand, practical insight into how state government funct

The new year has started out fast!  Whew!  I hope everyone has been planning projects to help veterans and the community this year.  And speaking of planning, have you got the ball rolling on American Legion Family Day?  I will be attending a webinar on February 10 to learn more about how to plan a great event.  Please reach out to me if you have any questions.  I’m excited about having this event!   Attention District 6 Units- if you’re not having an American Legion Family D

I hope everyone survived the earthquake, it was an interesting event here, not sure if I would like to live in a place this happens often. My family would like to Thank You for the cards, calls and memorials for our grandson/son, Zane. We have an amazing network of friends.  What did you do for Martin Luther King Day? I believe everyday could be a day of service. Some ideas are to host a Veterans Appreciation lunch or breakfast; Community clean-up of parks, schools, or cemete

Greetings to All American Legion Auxiliary Members,   It’s hard to believe it’s already time for your 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Mid-Winter Conference! I’ve enjoyed all of the mission-focused moments I’ve already been part of and look forward to many more as we continue the 2025-2026 administrative year.   This time of year is always a good chance to evaluate what’s going well, what can be improved, and, as always, continuing to ignite the passion that drives us to be par

Chief Joseph ALA Unit #135 was able to obtain a $500 Town Pump Adopt-a-Family grant to help two Lolo families have a better Christmas this year.  The Lolo School Counselors selected the families and provided the Unit with a list from each.  The attached picture depicts the delivery of items on December 11, 2025.  Items purchased were Paw Patrol toy, shirts, pants, sweatshirts, sneakers, snow boots, Town Pump gas card, 3-piece skillet set, sheets, comforters, thermal underwear

The winners of the Americanism Essay contest have been announced. American Legion Auxiliary Department of Montana District 2 President Marlyn Damson took part in award ceremony at St Jude Thaddeus Catholic School in Havre. The Americanism Essay Northwest Division Class III 2025 National winner is Olivia Gray. And the Department of Montana 1st Place winner is Julia Knutson. Certificates of Appreciation were also given to Principal Katie Kopp and Ms. Carly Brunk (Junior Hig

Montana American Legion Boys State and Montana American Legion Auxiliary Girls State are immersive, week-long civic leadership programs that teach high school students about government, democracy, and the importance of civic engagement. These programs empower young leaders through hands-on learning, public service simulations, and leadership development activities. Exciting News for 2026! We are thrilled to announce that the 2026 session will take place from June 14-20, 2026,

December 2025 Season’s Greetings from my house to yours, the hustle and bustle with many detours. Hanging the stockings and trimming the tree, reminds me of sacrifices it takes to be free. It’s never too late to send out a card, you never know what it means when life can get hard. Our Auxiliary needs to keep growing too, a reminder to send your dues in real soon. The Veteran’s Gifts shops are all in high gear, to spread Holiday and Christmas cheer.  The Americanism Essay Cont