National Security

Purpose: The purpose of the National Security Committee is to promote a strong national defense.

Key Program Statements:

• The ALA National Security program maintains and promotes a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military servicemembers and their families.
• Support active-duty military families by working with an installation Family Readiness Group (FRG). Contact the Family Readiness Center on your nearby military installation for more information.
• Raise awareness of POW/MIAs and the work being performed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the search for missing personnel

In today’s world, national security is a paramount concern for every American citizen. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our nation is not just the responsibility of the government and the armed forces; it also falls upon organizations like the American Legion Auxiliary (ALA). Among its many committees, the National Security Committee stands out as a dedicated group of individuals committed to safeguarding our country.

The American Legion Auxiliary National Security Committee plays a crucial role in supporting and promoting national security initiatives. Composed of passionate volunteers, veterans, and supporters of our armed forces, this committee is at the forefront of advocating for policies that enhance the security of our nation.

One of the primary objectives of the National Security Committee is to raise awareness about the importance of national security. Through various programs and initiatives, they educate communities about the challenges our country faces and the sacrifices made by our service members. By fostering a sense of patriotism and gratitude, they inspire Americans to support and appreciate the men and women in uniform.

Moreover, the committee actively engages with legislative bodies to advocate for policies that strengthen national security. This includes supporting veterans and their families, advocating for strong defense budgets, and promoting initiatives that improve the lives of those who have served.

Get Involved

The ALA National Security program maintains and promotes a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military servicemembers and their families.

• Support active-duty military families by working with an installation Family Readiness Group (FRG). Contact the Family Readiness Center on your nearby military installation for more information.
  • First, let’s demystify the lingo. FRG stands for “Family Readiness Group,” and it is the focal point of family readiness in the U.S. Navy
  • The U.S. Army FRG is now known as the Soldier and Family Readiness Group, or SFRG
  • In the U.S. Air Force, it’s known as the Key Spouse Program
  • The U.S. Marine Corps has the Family Readiness Program
  • The Coast Guard has the Work-Life Program
• Collaborate with other like-minded organizations that also support servicemembers and their families:
  • ASYMCA
    Donate to or volunteer at local Armed Services YMCA food pantries which support servicemembers and their families.
  • Blue Star Families
    Blue Star Welcome Week — Supporters
  • USO
    Volunteer with your local USO.
  • Quilts of Valor Foundation
    Award a Quilt of Valor — quilts = comfort and healing
  • Taking Care of Our People (defense.gov)

Raise awareness of POW/MIAs and the work being performed by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in the search for missing personnel.

• https://www.defense.gov/Multimedia/Experience/POW-MIA/
• Host events in honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day on the third Friday in September.
  • https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaFamWebPosters
• Post a POW/MIA flag at every meeting or event.
• If you or someone you know is related to a servicemember classified as Missing in Action, please consider donating mitochondrial DNA to assist identification processes. For more information, visit https://www.health.mil/Military-Health-Topics/Health-Readiness/AFMES?type=Articles.

Remember to support those families whose servicemembers made the ultimate sacrifice.

• Work with like-minded organizations to support the families of servicemembers who died during service to our country:
  • American Gold Star Mothers
  • American Gold Star Families
  • Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors
• Utilize Military OneSource resources to assist those you know in need.

Actively seek out service members to recognize with the Salute to Servicemembers Award.

• This award honors one enlisted servicemember (pay grade E1-E9) from each branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and Space Force) as well as the National Guard/Reserve. Recipients will be recognized at the American Legion Auxiliary National Convention and will be invited to attend the National Convention as guests of the Auxiliary.

Deadlines/Important Dates

• Unit Report due to Department Chair: April 15.
• Department Chairman Report due to National Committee: May 15.
• Unit Award: Most Outstanding Unit National Security Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1. Awards form available at National Awards Form.
• Department Award: Best Department National Security Program (per division) — submitted by 5 p.m. ET on June 1.
• Salute to Servicemembers Award Deadline: June 1. Eligibility information and application submission available at: https://www.legion-aux.org/Salute-to-Servicewomen-Award

Contact

Contact the Alaska Department of the American Legion Auxiliary or American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters to learn more.