Guest blog post by 2026-2027 National Security Committee Chair Tracy Kinnick 

The purpose of the American Legion Auxiliary National Security Committee is to promote a strong national defense. If you are like me, you may be reading that statement thinking to yourself, That is great, but what does it mean exactly? Think of the word “promote” and our key statement word “support” — we support the quality of life for military families and servicemembers, and we support the legislative initiatives of The American Legion related to National Security. By supporting, we are also promoting a strong national defense by improving the lives of our servicemembers and their families.


Each November, the sitting United States president signs a proclamation declaring the month of November as National Military Family Month. This is a great opportunity for the American Legion Auxiliary to work alongside The American Legion Family to help recognize the military families and servicemembers around us.

With the unrest in the world around us today, we need to get out to advocate and support the military family. Many families are still facing separation — parents acting as a single parent trying to manage the household and the family — while always wondering how long they will be at one location before moving on to the next one. This is where we step up: Stock up military pantries, host dinners for military families, host military parents’ day out — there are many ways to recognize and support these families. You never know: You could be the fresh air they needed that day. Even if you don’t live by a military facility, I bet you have a recruiting station nearby! 

Don’t forget to nominate someone for the ALA Salute to Servicemembers Award and share your “Hero Spotlight” on the National Security Committee Facebook group. Both are great ways to recognize the sacrifices of our military families every day. Be sure to share in our Facebook group what you are doing to support our military families.