The American Legion, Department of Alaska

08/25/2026

Attention Post, Units, Squadrons and Chapters Social Media admins;

American Legion Policy on the Use of Official Logos and Generative AI explained;

The responsible use of modern technology, including generative artificial intelligence (AI), for creating promotional materials, social media graphics, flyers, posters and other communications. However, the use of AI does not change the rules governing The American Legion's protected emblems, brandmarks, wordmarks and other official identifying marks.

"Per the National Judge Advocate, the updated branding guidelines prohibit the use of generative AI to create/alter ANY American Legion branding or emblems, including all entities, programs, and the ALA. " August 10th, 2026

ALL information can be found here: www.legion.org/about/media-toolkits/brand-marks-guidelines

Official American Legion Marks Must Remain Official

The American Legion emblem, brandmark, wordmarks and associated program marks are legally protected property of The American Legion. This includes marks associated with:

The American Legion
Sons of The American Legion
American Legion Auxiliary
American Legion Riders
American Legion Family
American Legion Baseball
Be the One
Boys State and Boys Nation
Girls State and Girls Nation
Junior Shooting Sports
American Legion charities, programs and approved sub-branding

Generative AI tools may NOT be used to create, recreate, redraw, upscale, alter, stylize, modify or imitate these official symbols.

This includes asking an AI program to "make an American Legion logo," "clean up the Legion emblem," "make the logo sharper," "recreate this logo," "change the colors," or otherwise generate a new version of an official Legion mark. National Headquarters specifically states that generative AI tools of any kind may not be used to create, recreate, upscale or otherwise alter, stylize or modify official Legion symbols.

AI May Be Used to Create the Artwork, Not the Logo

AI may be used as a creative tool to develop backgrounds, illustrations, scenery, patriotic imagery and other original design elements for Legion communications.

For example, AI could be used to create an image containing:

An Alaska landscape
Veterans standing together
Military aircraft or ships
Community-service imagery
Patriotic backgrounds
Holiday or event artwork

However, the AI-generated artwork should be created without asking the AI system to reproduce The American Legion emblem or brandmark.

After the artwork is completed, an authorized, official American Legion logo file should be placed into the finished design separately.

The basic rule is:

Use AI to create the artwork.
Use the official Legion file for the logo.

Do not allow AI to draw, interpret or reconstruct the logo.

If AI Accidentally Generates a Legion-Like Logo

If an AI-generated image contains what appears to be an American Legion emblem, brandmark or imitation of one, that generated mark should not be used as the official logo.

Remove the AI-generated version and replace it with the approved artwork supplied by The American Legion.

Even if the AI-generated version looks almost identical, it is still an AI recreation and may contain subtle errors in lettering, proportions, colors, stars, borders or other protected design elements.

"Close enough" is not the standard for an organizational trademark.

Do Not Use AI to Fix the Official Logo

An official logo should not be sent through an AI image generator for:

Sharpening, Upscaling, Restoring, Redrawing, Changing colors, Adding effects, Converting it into another artistic style, Making it three-dimensional
Making it metallic, distressed, painted, embroidered or cartoon-like, Changing or reconstructing lettering, Combining it into a newly generated logo

Instead, obtain a proper high-resolution official file from The American Legion's approved branding resources. The Legion makes official emblem and brandmark files available specifically for this purpose. Possession of those files, however, does not automatically authorize every possible use.

Emblem vs. Brandmark

The traditional American Legion emblem and the newer American Legion brandmark serve different purposes.

The brandmark is generally intended for marketing and public-facing communications such as social media, advertising, fundraising, recruitment materials, community activities, sponsorships and event announcements.

The traditional emblem is generally reserved for official organizational communications, including official reports, legal and financial documents, policy statements, press releases, business cards and official letterhead.

Posts and Departments should use the appropriate mark for the communication being produced.

Post and Department Identification

AI should also not be used to invent a new Legion logo by combining the national emblem or brandmark with Post, District, Department or Squadron wording in a way that conflicts with The American Legion's approved sub-branding guidelines.

The American Legion has established specific sub-branding standards to ensure that Post, District and Department identification remains consistent with the national brand. Any treatment outside or conflicting with those guidelines may be considered unauthorized.

Permission Still Matters

The American Legion's marks are federally protected. Posts and Departments have authority to use approved marks for normal, legitimate Legion business such as publications, notices, posters, stationery and similar communications.

Other uses — particularly merchandise, commercial products, third-party production or uses involving financial transactions — may require authorization through Department Headquarters and National Headquarters.

Request Information can be found here: register.legion.org/emblem/request

No Post, Department, individual officer or member has authority to independently grant another party the right to manufacture or reproduce items bearing The American Legion's protected marks.

Recommended Two-Step AI Design Process

When creating Legion promotional material with AI:

STEP 1 — CREATE THE ART

Use the AI program to generate the desired background, illustration or supporting imagery without the American Legion emblem, brandmark or other protected Legion marks included in the AI prompt or generated artwork.

STEP 2 — ADD THE OFFICIAL MARK

After the AI artwork is finished, use a graphics or layout program to place the authorized, official American Legion emblem or brandmark file onto the design.

The official mark should remain unchanged and follow National Headquarters branding requirements for proportions, spacing, colors and presentation.

Simple Rule for Legion Members

AI can help create the picture.
AI CAN NOT create the Legion logo.

If the design needs an American Legion, SAL, Auxiliary, Riders, Be the One or other protected Legion Family mark, use the official artwork supplied by the organization and add it to the design after the AI-generated portion is complete.

This protects the integrity of our trademarks, maintains a consistent professional appearance and ensures that the symbols generations of veterans and Legion Family members recognize remain accurate and respected.

When in doubt: Generate the artwork, never generate the emblem.



**Keep an eye out for the next Department of Alaska ZOOM class for Social Media

08/24/2026

Need to know this week

Five stories. One quick way to start your week informed

Catch up on the latest developments impacting veterans, servicemembers and national security in this week’s 5 Things to Know.

Read the full roundup: https://www.legion.org/.../five-things-to-know-aug-24-2026

08/24/2026

Five stories. One quick way to start your week informed

Catch up on the latest developments impacting veterans, servicemembers and national security in this week’s 5 Things to Know.

Read the full roundup: https://www.legion.org/.../five-things-to-know-aug-24-2026

08/24/2026

The Samsung American Legion Scholarship online application process is now open. Use the link at the bottom of this page. Please read through the requirements of this page before applying.

www.legion.org/get-involved/scholarships/samsung-american-legion-scholarship

08/23/2026

There’s no telling what can happen during the course of an extended military career. There are many veterans who may have a long-term injury or need assistance in a way that they can’t receive at a typical medical facility.

This is especially important to get the proper care when that veteran becomes much older. It can help the family relax when they have access to a good VA hospital in Los Angeles. Also, it’ll prove better for the family, because they don’t have to worry about expensive bills that lead to tons of debt. Here are a few reasons people tend to pick this as an option.

Overall Better Coverage
Even when a senior gets to a certain age, Medicare may not cover all aspects of health. There could be some specific issues that may leave an elder to not receiving complete care. However, veterans have access to physical and other preventive care, dental care, long-term in-care, and nursing care for any type of situation they need to help them live a better life.

The copayments and deductibles are better than a typical medical facility. All of this helps to reduce costs on things such as: appointments, treatments, and even simple yearly checkups.

If an elder does receive Medicare or VA health care, they can still get some extra treatment depending on the facility they visit. They’ll have access to different pharmacies and other facilities that provide great service. Another reason is they give the most care to those that absolutely need it.

Care Is Based on Need
For a lot of other medical facilities, people may get immediate access due to their income or amount of coverage they have in their health insurance. However, the veterans here are sent to the top of the list due to their health condition and income level.

If both seem absolutely dire, they can get primary care right away. Of course, other veterans and those active still get great care, but the ones with the most severe situation supersede them as far as who gets first for medical service in this case. This is very beneficial for the veterans that are underserved or have been diagnosed with a major disability. The enrollment process is also another benefit.

Better Enrollment Process for Health Care
It’s absolutely free to enroll. The process is based on being in a priority group to see the amount of care available one is able to receive. Also, they can go online to sign up. If the veteran likes a more personal experience, they can always talk to a staff member on the phone to get an Application for Health Benefits mailed to them.

Get in contact with a good VA site to make this process faster.

These are a few reasons to get this type of care for an elder after their career in the armed forces.

08/22/2026

Obscure Military History of Alaska

The secret World War II tunnel at the port of Whittier, Alaska

Officially the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, was blasted through Maynard Mountain by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and completed in 1943 as a hidden military railroad link. Original wartime photos and historical archives can be explored via the Prince William Sound Museum or local historical groups.

History of the WWII Whittier Tunnel
Military Purpose: Built by the U.S. Army to create a secret, ice-free, and bomb-protected port and supply route during WWII.Original Design: Exclusively a single-track railroad tunnel (13,300 feet long) before being converted into a dual-use rail and highway passage in 2000.

Wartime Access: Troops and freight trains moved covertly through the mountain, while civilian cars historically had to load onto flatbed railcars to get through until the late 1990s.

08/21/2026

Follow-up Friday

NEWS BLAST: Post 29
New Mural at Post 29 with special thanks to the artist: Theresa Ritter

NEWS BLAST: Post 13
Official artwork now graces the front window of Post 13 announcing it is the "Home of the Tlingit Code Talkers" while paying tribute to the SE Alaska Code Talkers, the community and that Sitka is a USCG City. As tourist wander the streets they are encouraged to visit the post for a history lesson.

Welcome to Follow-up Friday, where we take a look at the amazing events, activities, and special moments happening across the Department.

From community service projects and youth programs to veteran outreach and fellowship, our American Legion Family continues to make a difference every day.
Take a moment to enjoy the photos and stories being shared.

If you find yourself in the area of one of these events, consider stopping by and joining in the fellowship. One of the greatest strengths of The American Legion Family is our connection to one another, and every visit helps strengthen those bonds.

Together, we continue to serve our veterans, our communities, and our nation. Thank you for being part of the American Legion Family!

08/20/2026

Triumphant Thursday : American Legion Post 57, Fairbanks, Alaska

This week’s Triumphant Thursday spotlight proudly recognizes The American Legion Post 57, Fairbanks, Alaska, a Post that truly understands that membership is about more than belonging to an organization. It is about connection, fellowship, recognition, and community.

Post 57 consistently takes the time to support and celebrate its members. Whether recognizing membership anniversaries, birthdays, special occasions, holidays, or important milestones, they make sure their Legion Family knows they are valued. Those small moments of recognition help build stronger relationships and remind members that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Their commitment extends well beyond the walls of the Post. Recently, Post 57 was honored with the North Star A.B.A.T.E. Top Sponsor Award, another example of their willingness to support organizations and efforts that strengthen the greater Fairbanks community.

What stands out most about Post 57 is their genuine connection with both their membership and their community. They understand that a successful American Legion Post is not simply measured by meetings or numbers—it is measured by the relationships created, the people supported, and the fellowship shared.

That commitment is truly above and beyond.

If your travels bring you to the Fairbanks area, make plans to stop by American Legion Post 57, introduce yourself, enjoy some fellowship, and experience firsthand the welcoming spirit of the Legion Family in Interior Alaska.

Congratulations to Post 57 for everything you continue to do for our veterans, our members, and your community.

That is what being Triumphant looks like.

Veterans Strengthening Veterans. Posts Strengthening Communities. Alaska Legion Family Strong.

08/20/2026

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced it has secured a record-high $10.44 billion in pharmaceutical price reductions so far in fiscal year 2026 – nearly double the value achieved in the last year of the Biden Administration.

VA reduces drug costs by $10B+ in pharmaceutical prices resulting in treatment of more Veterans

08/19/2026

Women Are Veterans Too

When a woman walks through the doors of an American Legion Post for the first time, never automatically assume she is there to join the Auxiliary. She may be the veteran.

Women have served our nation with courage, sacrifice, and distinction in every branch of our Armed Forces. They have deployed overseas, served in combat zones, led troops, cared for the wounded, maintained aircraft and ships, stood watch, raised their right hands, and worn the uniform proudly.

They earned the title Veteran just like every man who served.

Sometimes respect begins with something as simple as changing our assumptions. Instead of asking, “Are you here to join the Auxiliary?” start with:

“Welcome. Did you serve?”

And when the answer is yes, give her the recognition she has earned:

“Thank you for your service. Welcome to The American Legion.”

Our Posts should be places where every veteran immediately knows they belong.

Male or female. Young or old. Yesterday's veteran or today's.

A veteran is a veteran. Simple as that.