Sons of the American Legion Daniel - Jeffers Squadron No. 247
					What is the Sons of the American Legion?     It is one of the most successful programs of The American Legion.  The Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) is a program of The American Legion established in 1932 in Portland, Oregon. Since then, the S.A.L. have assisted The American Legion with their programs and activities. In 1999, they attained an all time high membership of over 223,000 plus members nationally and should surpass that for 2000. The largest Detachment (State level) has over 29,000 plus members. Trophies and awards are given to Detachments and Squadrons for the largest membership and the largest increase in membership.     The American Legion, the Sons of The American Legion, and the American Legion Auxiliary form the "Legion Family." Our family boasts a combined total membership of nearly 4.2 million members.  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 average age of an S.A.L. member is estimated at 33 years of age.  The Sons of the American Legion have study programs recommended for younger members, however, this is not limited to just them. The program is called The Ten Ideals, patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence, and comradeship. Once completed, members may continue with another program called the Five-Point Program of Service. This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership, and legionism.        The Sons of The American Legion is more than just membership. On all levels, they have worked together with The American Legion to promote a wide variety of programs, including assissting the local posts in all activities, Veterans programs (VAVS), VA home and hospital volunteering, Children & Youth activities, and fund raising. Since 1988, the Sons of The American Legion have raised over a million dollars for The American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, including $181,000, in 1999. The members of S.A.L. have donated over 127,000 volunteer hours for 1999 in the Veterans Hospitals throughout the country and raised over $514,000 that has gone directly to the VA hospitals and VA homes for a variety of items including TVs, radios, medical equipment, and clothes for the patients.     Who is eligible? If your Father, Grand Father or Great Grandfather served on federal active duty in the armed forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving  or deceased ? you are eligible for membership in The Sons of the American Legion! *August 2, 1990 to today (Operation Desert Shield/Storm)   December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause - Panama)   August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada)   February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War)   June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korean War)   December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (World War II)   April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Merchant Marine eligible only from Dec. 7, 1941 to Aug. 16, 1945.  Legion. MEETINGS The Squadron meets at the Poolesville Library, Fisher Avenue, Poolesville, MD.  The meetings take place at 7pm on the 3rd Thursday of each month with the exception of Sept 2001 which will be on the 4th Thursday.  Interested parties welcome.
	Squardon Officers Tom Kaufman Commander Mark Kuhn Adjutant Bob Ouellette, Jr. 1stViceCommander Joe Ouellette 2ndVice Commander Tim Brown Treasurer Tony Kaufman Historian Justin Robillard Sergeant-at-Arms