Eligibility

Do you remember when your unit was under fire? You were scared. You didn't know whether you would ever get home again, see your family, your loved ones. And the only thing that you could count on in that instant was your buddy. And you knew he was counting on you too.

Perhaps you were one of the lucky ones who never saw combat. Do you remember the boredom? Do you remember the interminable hurry up and wait? Do you remember the inane make-work projects you were ordered to do? But your buddy was always there alongside you, making the wise-crack, helping you make it though each day, maybe even covering for you on occasion.

Do you still need your buddy?

Your buddy still needs you!

Maybe your buddy is in one of the VA hospitals; his war wounds and/or time have taken its toll on his body. Maybe he or she is a young veteran, just discharged from service in Iraq or Afghanistan and is having difficulty finding a civilian job. Maybe your buddy is just an ordinary guy or gal like yourself, wanting to share stories and comradeship with someone who was in a similar situation.

The American Legion is the place for you to help your buddy and for your buddy to help you. Founded in 1919, it is the largest veteran's organization in the United States with over 3 million members.

Post 16 was one of the charter posts of the American Legion. It was the first post formed in Lake County, Indiana. We are a group on men and women who perform service for the community, our state, and our nation.

We memorialize our comrades on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. We sponsor high school boys and girls to Boy's State and Girl's State where they learn to be better citizens and future leaders. We are active in the Oratorical and Flag Education programs for school children. We contribute money to worthy charities. We share our experiences and we have fun.

Finally, one last note: We don’t care if you have two “x” chromosomes; we don’t care what the pigment of your skin is; we don’t care if you served sixty years ago, or six months ago. We do care about you; we do want you!

We need you!

Won't you please join us, Post 16, "Where hospitality is host."

If you have served federal active duty in the armed forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving — you are eligible for membership in The American Legion:

*Because eligibility dates remain open, all members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion at this time, until the date of the end of hostilities as determined by the government of the United States.

Please print and fill out the Membership Form and send it with a copy of your DD-214 (or active duty ID) and your dues payment of $30 to

You may also qualify for SAL membership. SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership.