The National Security program mission is to maintain and promote a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military service members and their families.

• Support active-duty military families by working with an installation Family Readiness Group.

U.S. Navy Family Readiness Group, U.S. Army Soldier and Family Readiness Group, U.S. Air Force Commander’s Key Support Program, U.S. Marine Corps Family Readiness Program, and U.S. Coast Guard Work-Life Program.

• Use Military OneSource to locate family support groups and access local information (www.militaryonesource.mil).

• Support The American Legion lobbying initiatives to improve the Quality of Life of servicemembers and families by advocating for housing, healthcare, financial security, family support, and direct outreach through the Base Assessment and Servicemember Experience (BASE) program.

• Collaborate with like-minded organizations such as Blue Star Families, Blue Star Mothers, Taking Care of Our People (defense.gov), Pop-up Food Pantry, USO, and Armed Forces Service Center.

Jean Walker is the Department American Legion Auxiliary Representative at the AFSC.

• Support local National Guard/Reserve Units and institutions of higher education with a Campus Military Recourse Center to aid local servicemembers and their families as needed.

The National Security program raises awareness of POW/MIA’s and the work being done by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in search of missing military personnel.

• Visit the DPAA website to read announcements, stories, and learn more (www.dpaa.mil).

• Recognize National POW/MIA Recognition Day- the 3rd Friday in September.

• Post an empty chair and POW/MIA flag at meetings and events (American Legion Resolution 288).

The National Security program supports families whose service members made the ultimate sacrifice through organizations such as Gold Star Families and Gold Star Mothers.

• Recognize Gold Star Mothers and Families Day- the last Sunday in September.

The National Security program nominations for the Salute to Servicemembers Award.

• Due by June 1st nominations include enlisted personnel currently serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, or National Guard/Reserve.

The National Security program advocates Community Disaster and Emergencies Readiness.

• Get information on disasters/emergencies, how to create a plan, build a disaster kit, teach kids about emergency preparedness, and the many resources available (www.ready.gov).

What National Security activity can every Unit and every Unit member participate in?

• R.E.D. Friday- Remember Everyone Deployed! Wear red on Fridays to support our troops!

• Collaborate with your Legion Family and other community organizations. Educate and encourage R.E.D. Friday participation in your community with flyers, posters, and newspaper articles.

Dept of MN President Linda’s challenge to Units to send cards to our military servicemembers.

• Connect with your Legion Post Family, church, school, community social-based clubs, community service-based organizations, and other veteran and military-based organizations asking if they know of military service members who would appreciate receiving cards from your Unit. Put an announcement in your Post and local newspaper, put up posters and flyers in your community.