For American Legion Auxiliary members, many of us know about the five geographic divisions of the organization: Central, Eastern, Northwestern, Southern, and Western.
But what’s not as common knowledge is that the ALA has foreign units.
Auxiliary units can be chartered just about anywhere there is an American Legion post and people with the passion and desire to serve veterans, military, and their families — wherever they are.
We’ve had foreign units since the early founding years of our organization. In the first national Constitution & Bylaws, it stated there would be departments in each one of the territories and anywhere outside the territories, there would be units. At the ALA’s first National Convention, the Panama Canal Zone had five delegates.
The ALA has units tied to six foreign countries: Australia, Canada, China, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.
Tafline Ramos tours ALA National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Ind.
Tafline Ramos is an ALA member based in Australia.
How long have you been a member?
I officially became an ALA member in early 2024, though have long supported my veteran husband’s volunteering and support efforts over a number of years.
You are eligible for membership through your husband, correct?
Yes. My husband is a U.S. veteran, although I am not a U.S. citizen. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the 1990s.
What do you enjoy about being part of the American Legion Auxiliary?
Being an ALA member at a foreign post is a unique experience, as I am able to see some of the issues affecting America’s veterans abroad, which stateside-based veterans might not see. For example, the VA in recent years changed its policies on using educational benefits at foreign universities. Although some reforms have occurred, many of these reputable schools no longer provide educational partnerships with the VA, which in turn leaves student veterans living abroad with limited schooling options in using their earned GI Bill benefits, including veterans who have already commenced their studies. This can and has put many veterans abroad in a very difficult financial position. It’s been a really positive experience seeing my husband support such initiatives, and to see other issues that veterans face being so well supported by The American Legion and ALA.
Do you permanently live in Australia at the moment?
Yes, we live in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. Though we are hopeful that one day we’ll be able to move back to the U.S., when work and family commitments permit.
Michael Ramos and Tafline listen to NHQ Archivist Cathi Taylor during a tour of the National Headquarters building.
/>What unit are you in, and what city/town is it in?
My husband is an American Legion member, and I am an American Legion Auxiliary member. Both of us are attached to Post AU01, which is based in the city of Sydney in New South Wales.
Do you have any favorite projects or outreach your unit does to help veterans, military, and their families?
As I’m still fairly new to the ALA family, I’m learning as we go. My husband is very active in the Legion and all things veteran-related, so I pick up things here and there on the kinds of activities we can contribute to for veterans’ well-being. One of my favorite things I’ve participated in so far is signing petitions to lawmakers to ensure veterans’ benefits aren’t being decreased. Advocacy is critically important and requires everyone in The American Legion Family to contribute to protecting veterans’ benefits!
Many mainland ALA members have never met or been to our foreign units. What would you say about your unit in Australia? Your unit is just as important as the ones in the States!
I agree! Having ALA units in all regions of the globe is important for ensuring veterans and their families have an ability to connect, support one another, and contribute to veterans’ causes. It is important for ALA members stateside and overseas to get to know one another and communicate often. Technology like Zoom sessions can really help with that. I would also tell ALA’s stateside members to get your passport if you don’t have it already, and take the plunge to visit locations abroad, like our beautiful country of Australia. There are so many interesting places around the globe, and U.S. veterans live in so many different countries, so their stories and concerns are just as important as those belonging to veterans and their families stateside.
What are your thoughts on having ALA units around the world?
After seeing firsthand the great work performed by veterans service organizations here in Australia — such as the efforts of Post AU01 — I am convinced it is absolutely essential to establish groups like The American Legion and ALA in all parts of the globe. For instance, our post’s members proudly march in the annual ANZAC Day parade in Melbourne — which is like Australia’s version of Memorial Day — to honor those who gave their lives for our freedom. I believe that providing U.S. veterans and their families with an opportunity to connect, honor, and remember those who sacrificed so much is very healing, humbling, and rewarding. It is also a celebration of America’s commitment to partnering with its military allies — including Australia — which is also very strengthening for our allied countries.
