The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly 550,000 members, each bringing their own background to the organization’s work to support veterans, military, and their families. 
 
For the 4,900 ALA members we have data on who are veterans, that background includes their own military service. It’s a perspective one veteran and ALA member, Yvette Perry-Fancher of Unit 64 in Indiana, said fits perfectly with the Auxiliary’s mission of embracing Service Not Self.
 
“It’s just like the military: You don’t do this thing by yourself,” Perry-Fancher said. “It’s bigger than you. Everybody plays their roles and has a hand.”
 
Continuing service
Perry-Fancher’s service in the Army — from 1989 to 2011 — included assignments as a personnel manager, paralegal, and assistant inspector general working with servicemembers as they deployed to the Gulf War. She joined The American Legion more than 30 years ago, unaware at the time that her father, an Air Force veteran, also had been a member. 
 
It would be nearly 20 years before Perry-Fancher learned about the American Legion Auxiliary and her eligibility to join the organization. A fellow member of Legion Post 64 in Indianapolis asked her if she’d considered joining the Auxiliary. 
 
Once Perry-Fancher discovered the story behind the ALA and its founding members — women who wanted to continue their support for their family members who were servicemembers and veterans following World  War I — she realized it was a perfect way to use her Army experience.
 
“I never really ended my military service,” said Perry-Fancher, “because then I started helping veterans. I’m very proud of that.”

Encouraging stories
Stories like hers show the importance of recognizing the unique insights each member brings to their role in the ALA, Perry-Fancher said. 
 
To take advantage of the perspectives of each ALA member — including those who have served in the military themselves — Perry-Fancher recommended those in the Legion Family actively seek out ways to encourage new membership. After all, she noted, it was only after a member of the Legion approached her about joining the ALA that she began to understand the organization and its many activities and programs advancing its mission.
 
When people join the ALA, she suggested inviting them to share their stories about why they believe in the mission of supporting veterans, military, their families, and communities.
“Let people know about the different things they can do in the American Legion Auxiliary and The American Legion,” Perry-Fancher said. “Any person who’s a member of the military would love to be a part of it. It’s another opportunity to lend your time, your talent, and your treasure to help people.”
 
Valuing veterans’ role in the ALA
Army veteran Yvette Perry-Fancher said her story can provide insight into how the ALA can recognize the value veterans bring to the group. Tips for drawing on veterans’ experiences:
1. Ask if they’ve considered joining the American Legion Auxiliary.
2. Encourage them to share their stories with and in support of the military.
3. Celebrate each member’s unique background and military service.