Coming home may be the end of one journey for many of our veterans; it is also the beginning of a new journey to transition to a “new normal.” At the core of the purpose and service of the American Legion Auxiliary is helping them get there. Auxiliary members are passionate about providing care and comfort to our heroic U.S. servicemembers who are so highly deserving of everything we can possibly do for them.
At Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities, Auxiliary-sponsored gift shops and holiday parties have become a revered tradition and valued program. Members, units, and departments also purchase essential equipment and supplies for these facilities.
Purpose Statement
To initiate, sponsor, and participate in programs and services that assist and enhance the lives of veterans and their families, ensuring restoration and/or transition to normally functioning lives physically, mentally, socially, and vocationally.
National Veterans Creative Arts Festival
Art can be powerful medicine. More than a decade ago, the American Legion Auxiliary connected with an amazing event that assists veterans in healing from both their physical and psychological wounds through visual and performing arts.
The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) annually showcases the artistic achievements of veterans being treated at VA facilities across the country. More than 140 winners of art competitions at local VA facilities are invited to participate in the national festival, which includes a week of workshops and tours as well as a grand finale stage show for the singers, dancers, musicians, writers, and actors, and a public exhibition for the visual artists. The Auxiliary is a cosponsor of NVCAF, along with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Learn More
ALA Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation Statistics 2011-2012
Veteran/Military Support & Advocacy
- Hours volunteered in service to veterans: 3,534,463
- Dollars spent in service to veterans: $3,881,439
- Veterans assisted: 707,216
- Number of poppies distributed: 448,112,225
- Poppy dollars raised to support veterans: $1,714,916
- Number of veterans who made poppies: 61,138
- Hours volunteered for active-duty military: 311,947
- Number of U.S. servicemembers served: 190,675
Volunteer hours served: 6,500,347
Dollars raised or spent on veterans and military families: $17,494,557
Dollar value of Auxiliary members’ volunteer service: $1.4 Billion