About Us

Sons of The American Legion. The Sons of The American Legion was born during the 1930’s in the midst of the Great Depression. The establishment of The Sons of The American Legion as a non-profit, non-sectarian civilian organization, was authorized by action of The American Legion’s 14th National Convention in Portland Oregon; September 12-15, 1932. The 1933 National Convention officially changed the name of the Organization to "The Sons of The American Legion", authorized use of the abbreviation "S.A.L" (pronounced S. A. L., not sal), and levied an annual membership dues of 25 cents.

American Legion Program. The Sons of The American Legion has been defined as a legal, self-sustaining program of The American Legion, authorized by resolution. The National Constitution of The Sons of The American Legion provides for finances and revenues derived from annual membership dues.

Recognition. The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, officially recognizes the organization known as The Sons of The American Legion, in its Constitution and By-Laws.

Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Wisconsin. The Sons of The American Legion, Detachment of Wisconsin, is duly organized and located at The American Legion Department of Wisconsin Headquarters in Portage Wisconsin. A detailed "History of the Sons of The American Legion", a state map of Districts is available at the Detachment Headquarters. Literature pertaining to S.A.L activities, membership, and programs can also be obtained there.

Squadron Organization. The Sons of The American Legion Squadrons shall be organized under the jurisdiction of the Local Post of The American Legion, and shall bear the name and number of the Post. There shall be no more than one Squadron sponsored by each American Legion Post. Those who desire to form a Squadron shall make application for a charter to the local Post of the American Legion in the area in which they reside. The minimum membership for the formation of a Squadron shall be ten (10). Squadrons may be organized into sections based upon age.

Who Belongs – Eligibility. All male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion; and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Lebanon & Granada, Panama, Persian Golf War or Iraqi war; during the delimiting 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; shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion. There shall be no form or class of membership except an active membership.

Administrative Practices and Procedures:

1. Administrative Program Manual. Issued by the Detachment of Wisconsin, this manual provides all of the administrative procedures and reporting forms necessary to properly administer the day to day activities of a chartered Sons of The American Legion Squadron.


2. American Legion Post Sons of The American Legion Squadron Advisor. The Department Constitution and By-Laws requires the Post Commander of an American Legion Post sponsoring a Sons of The American Legion Squadron, to appoint a committee of three or more members, to supervise the activities of their Squadron. Note: One of these committee members shall be designated "Squadron Advisor" and be listed on the S.A.L Squadron Officers Report.


3. American Legion Department, Sons of The American Legion Chairman. The Department Commander of the Wisconsin American Legion shall appoint a committee of five members to be known as "Detachment Headquarters of The Sons of The American Legion". Two members are to be from the ranks of The Sons of The American Legion; while the committee chairman and two remaining members will be from the ranks of The American Legion. Note: The Chairman of said committee shall serve as a member of The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin Americanism Committee.


4. American Legion District, Sons of The American Legion Coordinator. District Commanders are strongly urged to appoint a coordinator for the purpose of overseeing Sons of The American Legion activities. It is recommended that coordinators give reports of their activities at District Conferences.


5. American Legion County, Sons of The American Legion Chairman. County Commanders are to appoint a Sons of The American Legion Chairman, to oversee the activities, membership, and programs of the Sons of The American Legion within their County, and report to the County Council Meetings.


6. S.A.L. Involvement. It is further recommended that the Sons of The American Legion Squadrons be invited to attend District, County Council and Post Conferences and Meetings. S.A.L. attendance at these activities would greatly enhance the relationship between our organizations as well as improve the visibility of the Sons of The American Legion amongst the Legionnaires.

Detachment Scholarship. A $1000.00 Scholarship, know as the "Wisconsin Detachment, Sons of The American Legion Scholarship", may be awarded annually to a current Detachment S.A.L. member, in good standing, application deadline is April 31. Contact Detachment Headquarters for an application packet.

Starting A New Squadron. For information on "How to Charter a Sons of The American Legion Squadron" after reading this, you may contact The American Legion Headquarters for a Squadron Start up Packet.

Squadron Officers Report Form. Is to be used to report the Squadron Officers, Advisors, County and District Chairmen. This information is used for Detachment Mailings and Membership Contacts

Squadron Roster. This is a list of the Sons of The American Legion Squadrons currently chartered in Wisconsin, meeting and dues information. For a list of Past Squadrons contact Headquarters.