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Sons of the
American Legion
News
and Activities
About
the Sons of the American Legion – National
The Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.),
a program of The American Legion, was established in 1932 in Portland,
Oregon. Since then, the S.A.L. has assisted The American Legion with
its programs and activities at all levels. The American Legion, along
with the S.A.L. and the American Legion Auxiliary, form "The Legion
Family."
Membership in the S.A.L. is open to all
male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American
Legion. Also accepted are, any such descendants of veterans who died
in service during the eligibility periods set forth in Article IV,
Section 1, of the National Constitution of The American Legion, or who
died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service. Since
the eligibility age begins from date of birth, activities and programs
of squadrons are determined by age groups within squadrons, and the
needs of the community. Just as each Legion post determines the extent
of its service to the community, state, and nation, so each squadron
is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet
its own needs.
The Sons of the American Legion has
course study programs that its members are encouraged to take
advantage of. These programs include “The Ten Ideals” which
provides baseline education in the areas of patriotism, health,
knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence,
and comradeship. Members can continue building their knowledge base
with the “Five-Point Program of Service” which provides additional
education in the areas of patriotism, citizenship, discipline,
leadership, and legionism.
On all levels, the S.A.L. has worked
together with The American Legion to promote a wide variety of social
programs that benefit veterans and youths nationwide, including
Veterans programs (VAVS), VA Home and Hospital volunteering, Children
& Youth Activities, and fund raising. The S.A.L is also a part
of the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition formed to secure flag
protection legislation through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
S.A.L. volunteers work to establish local networks by having
petitions available and handing out informational material. They also
alert the community of the importance of flag display and respect,
while encouraging Flag Education programs for schools and other local
organizations.
If you are interested in more
information about the Sons of The American Legion programs, go to:
The Sons of The American Legion
website.
About Sons of the American Legion Lorton Squadron 162
Lorton Squadron 162 continues building
its own brand of tradition, based strongly upon its support of Legion
Post programs, services and activities, as well as, its service and
participation with veteran assistance programs, and its strong
financial support to children and youth activities programs. The
Squadron has become an active participant in program service at both
the local community and State levels.
In addition to its sound, ongoing
partnership with The American Legion Post, the Squadron has formed
strong ties with the other existing membership units at Lorton Post
162, including the American Legion Auxiliary, the Legion Riders, and
the Forty & Eight. These working relationships succeed in
facilitating the understanding of group purpose, service, and support
needs.
The Squadron Board is very capable and
committed to its role of leadership and service to its members.
The membership is very healthy and active, and has greatly enabled the
Squadron in becoming an effective fundraising unit.
In 2010-2011, the Squadron leadership dedicated its effort to
re-framing and enhancing its guiding documents, including mission
statement, constitution, and by-laws, to better reflect the new focus
in squadron direction, and to better address its member needs.
The Squadron also selected two youth charities that will receive the
bulk of its annual financial support moving forward. Those
charities are the Child Welfare Foundation, (www.cwf-inc.org),
an American Legion entity, which provides nonprofit organizations with
the means to educate the public about the special needs of children
across this nation, and the Central Virginia Burn Camp, (www.vaburncamp.org),
which annually provides a
residential
camp experience designed to meet the social, physical, and
psychological needs of youth burn survivors between the ages of 7 and
17 years old. We hope that you will visit the websites of these two
great charities to learn more about the services they provide. The
Squadron made its initial grants to both charities during the year.
The 2011-2012 year is dedicated to the efforts of
building better and more advanced member services and communication.
The Squadron seeks to enhance knowledge of its membership, and advance
ongoing member relationships by keeping members informed of Squadron
direction, programs and activities.
If you are interested in membership or additional
information about Lorton Squadron 162, please write to us at:
THE
SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION
8210 Legion Drive
Lorton, Virginia 22079
Or, you can call or email us at:
(703) 690-1107
E-mail:
SALCommander@valegion162.org
S.A.L.
Squadron 162 Officers 2011-2012
Commander
John Powell
1st
VCDR
John Windsor
2nd
VCDR
Marv Rodney
3rd
VCDR
Phil O'Donnell
Finance Officer
John Powell
Sergeant
at Arms John 'J' Yaksima
Chaplain
Victor Graulau
Judge
Advocate Steve Levinson
Adjutant
Napoleon “Shaq” Hendrix III
Commanders Honor Roll
John W.
Powell
John
Windsor
Steve Leo
Member
Award Recipients
·
Squadron Member of the Year,
2011 John Yaksima
·
Recruiters of the Year, 2011
John Powell, Bill Strawsburg, John Yaksima
Squadron 162 Stats
Membership
120
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