Team 100: Why I joined and renew

“In 1960 my 5-year-old sister was diagnosed with an inoperable abdominal tumor. My father, who joined The American Legion in the 1950s, was self-employed and had no health insurance. Every penny he had went toward medical bills for my sister. That year my (three) siblings and I were not going to have a Christmas until the local Owosso Post 57 stepped up. They (the post and Auxiliary) provided us with a tree and all our gifts. During the early 1960s I got to know these men and women very well. They were and are my heroes. As a result of knowing these folks, immediately upon graduation from high school I enlisted in the U.S. Navy so that I could emulate my heroes and get closer to them. After my discharge the first thing I asked my father for was an application for (American Legion) membership. I now have 44 years with the Legion, am a Paid Up For Life member and currently hold the position of adjutant and finance officer (for over 15 years) in the very same Post 57. Most of those outstanding individuals are gone now, but I still have wonderful memories of them.  Even though my sister died shortly after that Christmas, I still consider Christmas 1960 as the best I ever had.”
– David L. Mogg, Owosso, Mich., Post 57

American Legion National Commander Brett Reistad wants to know your reasons of why you joined The American Legion. And, equally important, why you renew.
As part of his Team 100 campaign, the centennial commander is assembling the thoughts of American Legion members to use in promotional materials to increase membership.

Email dispatch@legion.org to provide your reason for joining and renewing.

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