Oro Valley Post 132, an award winning recognized community force in the Oro Valley region now is forming a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) squadron. Membership in the SAL is for males of all ages whose parent or grandparent served in the U.S. armed forces. This affords non-veterans an opportunity to join an organization in the area that works on veteran, youth and other programs.
Legion Post 132 is recognized within the state of Arizona for its leadership in hands-on outreach programs with youth in the community, Guard and Reserve support, homeless and needy veteran support and other programs. This will be the third member of the Legion family in the Oro Valley region adding to the Post and its Auxiliary Unit 132.
Eligibility for the squadron is based on having a parent or grandparent who is a member of a Legion Post or, in case they are deceased, having served honorably during a war time period. A stepson or step grandson also is eligible. Veterans who are current Legion members may hold dual membership in a Sons Squadron and a Post.
The Sons of the American Legion has a long, proud history dating to its formation in September, 1932. Participation is guided by patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership and Legionism. Almost all large Legion Posts in the country have a Squadron. Posts exercise oversight of the unit although Squadrons elect their own officers, raise their own money and select their own projects.
On a national basis, SAL membership was at 356,170 in 2013 and members have donated 320,000 volunteer hours in Veterans Hospitals throughout the country. A steering committee consisting of Post 132 members currently is organizing the new Squadron and reaching out to the community. Anyone interested in joining should contact Chairman Bob Montgomery at 520-825-7422.
Volunteers who join now will become charter members of the new SAL.
Contact: Tony Plattner, 520-742-0228, 520-241-1616 (cell), [email protected]; Oro Valley Post 132, P.O. Box 69665, Oro Valley, Arizona 85737.