Become a member
Join American Legion Post 36
Stand with fellow veterans. Serve your community. Honor those who came before.
Membership
Why Join Post 36?
American Legion Joseph B. Westnedge Post 36 has served the Kalamazoo community since 1919. As a member, you join a brotherhood of veterans dedicated to mutual support, community service, and the defense of the values we swore to uphold.
From legislative advocacy to local scholarships, from veterans assistance programs to camaraderie with those who understand your service — Post 36 gives your military experience a lasting purpose.
Veterans Assistance
Access to VA claims support, benefits counseling, and referrals to veterans services in Kalamazoo County.
Community & Camaraderie
Monthly meetings, social events, and a network of fellow veterans who share your values and experiences.
Legislative Advocacy
Your voice in state and national advocacy for veterans' rights, benefits, and military families.
Scholarships & Youth Programs
Support for local students through American Legion scholarships, Boys State, and youth programs.
Honor & Ceremony
Participate in Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and funeral honor guard ceremonies honoring those who served.
National Network
Membership in the largest veterans organization in the United States, with over 2 million members nationwide.
Eligibility
Who Is Eligible?
Membership in The American Legion is open to anyone who has served at least one day of federal active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and has been honorably discharged or is currently serving.
Service Requirement
At least one day of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces during the eligibility period — December 7, 1941 to the present — as established by the LEGION Act of 2019. Service does not need to be overseas or in a combat zone; location of active duty is not a factor.
National Guard & Reserve
Current and former members of the National Guard or Reserve are eligible if they were activated under Title 10 federal orders during a qualifying period. Service under Title 32 state orders, annual summer camps, or weekend drills alone do not qualify.
Discharge Status
Applicants must have an honorable discharge or discharge under honorable conditions, or be currently serving. Certain uncharacterized discharges due to medical reasons are considered honorable unless specified otherwise.
Proof of Service
Proof of service is typically provided via DD Form 214 or other official documentation of federal active duty.
Family Memberships
The American Legion family extends membership to qualifying relatives through two affiliated organizations.
American Legion Auxiliary
Open to women who are mothers, grandmothers, sisters, daughters, or spouses of eligible Legion members.
Sons of The American Legion
Open to male descendants — including stepsons and adopted sons — of eligible veterans.
Dues
Annual Dues
Annual dues are affordable and go directly toward supporting Post 36 programs, veterans services, and community initiatives.
Dues are collected at your first meeting or can be arranged in advance. Life membership options are also available through the national organization.
$45
per year
Process
How to Join
Confirm Your Eligibility
You must have served at least one day of federal active duty since December 7, 1941, with an honorable discharge or be currently serving.
Attend a Meeting
Come to any monthly meeting — held the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at 1920 East Kilgore Road, Portage, MI.
Complete Your Application
Fill out a short membership application and provide a copy of your DD Form 214 or other official documentation of federal active duty.
Welcome to Post 36
Pay your first year's dues and you're a member. Your American Legion card will arrive by mail from national headquarters.
Contact
Questions? We're Here.
Reach out to our membership officer or simply show up at the next meeting. We welcome all eligible veterans.