Sons of the American Legion, Detachment of Alaska

06/23/2026

Our hearts and prayers goes out to these Guardians and their families

UPDATE from the USCG:
We are incredibly relieved to report that all four Coast Guard crew members involved in today's helicopter crash in Sitka, Alaska, are safe and sustained only minor injuries.

At approximately 10:07 a.m., watchstanders at the Arctic District command center received the initial distress report after the aircrew’s personal locator beacon was activated.

By 11:00 a.m., Sitka Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and safely transported our crew members to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center for evaluation and care.

Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak is currently repositioning a helicopter and crews to Air Station Sitka. This will maintain operational readiness for the Southeast Alaska region.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Harbor Mountain is currently closed to all pedestrian and foot traffic. Thank you for your cooperation as emergency responders and investigators work in the area.

06/22/2026

Why I Belong to the Sons of the American Legion

We belong to the Sons of the American Legion because service did not end when our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, or family members hung up their uniforms. Their sacrifices created a legacy that deserves to be honored, remembered, and continued.

The Sons of the American Legion is more than an organization, it is a family. It is a place where patriotism, community service, and respect for our veterans come together. Through our programs, volunteer work, and fellowship, we ensure that the values of duty, honor, and country remain strong for future generations.

We belong because we believe veterans should never stand alone. Whether it is supporting veteran programs, assisting local communities, raising funds for children and youth, or simply being there for a fellow member in need, every act of service makes a difference.

We belong because I am proud of the legacy that was passed down to us. The sacrifices made by those who served gave us opportunities and freedoms that many take for granted. Being a Son of the American Legion allows me to give back in a meaningful way and to carry that legacy forward.

Most importantly, we belong because I have found purpose, friendship, and a mission larger than myself. Together, we honor the past, serve the present, and build a stronger future.

That is why we belong to the Sons of the American Legion.

Are there others that are eligible to join? Do you know them? Invite them down, share your reason and encourage them that it is their birthright to join. To belong to something bigger, something that will fill them with pride. It is your duty as a Son to ensure all that are elibgible are welcomed in.

Want it done, Get a SON!
Ask yourself; "Why I Belong" and share that message!

06/18/2026

As summer arrives and the days grow longer, many members of the Sons of the American Legion across Alaska will be doing what Alaskans do best - getting outdoors. Whether you're hiking a trail, fishing a favorite stream, berry picking, geocaching, camping, or simply enjoying the beauty of our great state, remember that we share this land with one of Alaska's most iconic residents: the bear.

Being "Bear Aware" is an important part of enjoying the outdoors safely. Before heading out, remember these simple but effective steps:

🐻 Make Noise – Talk, sing, or carry a bell when traveling through brushy or wooded areas to avoid surprising a bear.

🐻 Carry Bear Spray – Keep it accessible and know how to use it before you need it.

🐻 Travel in Groups – Bears are less likely to approach larger groups of people.

🐻 Keep a Clean Camp – Store food, trash, and scented items properly. Never leave food unattended.

🐻 Stay Alert – Watch for tracks, s**t, overturned logs, or other signs that bears may be nearby.

🐻 Give Bears Space – If you see a bear, do not approach it for photos. Back away slowly and calmly.

🐻 Know What to Do During an Encounter – Remain calm, avoid running, speak in a firm voice, and prepare your bear spray if necessary.

Alaska's wilderness is one of our greatest treasures, and with a little preparation, we can enjoy it safely while respecting the wildlife that calls it home. As you venture out this season, take care of yourselves, look out for your fellow members, and always be Bear Aware.

Have a safe and enjoyable Alaska summer!
For God and Country.

06/18/2026

06/17/2026

Be The One is ALL HANDS on Deck!

Youth in the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) can use the Buddy Check program to conduct wellness checks on veterans and Legion Family members through phone calls, in-person visits, or written communication. This helps combat isolation and loneliness by building connections and offering a social outlet, while also identifying those who may need additional support.

Youth-led Buddy Check initiatives
Create buddy-to-veteran pairings: Post leadership can pair youth members with specific veterans for calls and visits, which helps foster stronger intergenerational relationships.

Conduct phone calls: During National Buddy Check weeks (often in March and near Veterans Day), SAL youth can participate in a phone bank to contact veterans, expired members, and other Legion Family members.

Youth can use call scripts provided by The American Legion to guide conversations focused on well-being, sharing available resources, and inviting individuals to post events.

Make in-person visits: For local veterans who are elderly or homebound, SAL youth can make safe, supervised visits to check on them.

Youth can also leave custom door hangers to let veterans know they were thinking of them.

Utilize written communication: For a more personalized touch, youth can write letters and cards to veterans, especially those in assisted living facilities or those who prefer written correspondence. This is an accessible way for younger members to participate.

Offering assistance to veterans
Deliver needed items: In addition to conversation, youth members can assess if veterans need help getting groceries, medications, or other household items, and arrange for delivery.

Provide household help: Youth members can volunteer for simple tasks that may be difficult for some veterans, such as raking leaves, mowing lawns, or taking out the trash.

Offer transportation: Youth members who can drive can help coordinate or provide rides for veterans to medical appointments or post events.

Expanding Buddy Check to a broader mission
Identify community resources: SAL youth can compile a list of local resources like financial aid, food pantries, transportation services, and VA contacts to have on hand during Buddy Checks.

Run awareness campaigns: Youth can promote the Buddy Check program on social media and with local media outlets. This not only encourages veteran participation but also raises awareness about The American Legion's commitment to veterans' well-being.

Fundraise for veteran programs: Youth-led fundraisers can support Buddy Check efforts and other initiatives like su***de prevention under the "Be the One" campaign.

Connect with other Legion Family youth: By collaborating with American Legion Auxiliary Juniors, SAL youth can participate in joint service projects to reach more military and veteran families.

06/17/2026

The Millennium: A National Newsletter of the Sons of The American Legion

A few days later then normal, but the June 2026 Millennium is out!

Read on for lots of great info.

https://em.legion.org/files/amf_american_legion/project_32/2026/2026_June_Millennium_Final_Number_2.pdf

06/16/2026

Great article on American Legion Gaming and the community. But you know in American Legion Gaming - Alaska we have been on the cutting edge for years, thanks from trail blazers like Mike Downs, Vince Winter, Justin Mills and Henry Pagan?

Make sure you follow both Gaming Sites to stay informed and be on the cutting edge. Did you know it is also a way to boost membership?

Retired Air Force veteran Paul Evans knows how video games and the gaming community provide mental health benefits to veterans. For him, it’s helped with the PTSD he associates with his deployment to Afghanistan.
But he has also witnessed how gaming can be a lifeline for veterans who may be in crisis.
Read more at https://www.legion.org/information-center/news/be-the-one/2026/june/video-games-serve-as-a-conduit-for-saving-lives-growing-membership

06/15/2026

Supporting the Sons of the American Legion's Child Well-Being Foundation is one of the most meaningful ways a Squadron can live out the Children & Youth pillar of our organization. The foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations that improve the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of children across America. These grants help fund research, educational programs, youth activities, medical support initiatives, and resources that positively impact countless young lives.

For Sons of the American Legion members, supporting the Child Well-Being Foundation is more than a donation—it's a continuation of our commitment to service. Since 1988, SAL members have raised millions of dollars for the foundation, helping ensure that children facing challenges have access to programs and opportunities that can change their futures.

Every dollar contributed helps extend the reach of organizations dedicated to strengthening families, supporting youth development, and addressing the needs of children nationwide. The impact often reaches far beyond a single community, benefiting children across entire regions and, in many cases, the nation as a whole.

As Sons, we honor the legacy of those who served by investing in the next generation. When we support the Child Well-Being Foundation, we are helping build stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures for America's youth. It is a tangible way to ensure that our service today creates opportunities and hope for the children who will lead tomorrow.

06/14/2026

Per capita Banner CWF 2025-2026 coming soon.

Detachment of Alaska, let us prepare our Squadrons and invest in our Riders, Post and Units to achieve 100% across the board. Let us make Alaska 100% banner qualified. Start the conversations now with the Post and Squadron Commanders, Auxiliary President and the Riders Director to start this goal.

The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Child Welfare Foundation (CWF) 100% Per Capita Banner is an award for squadrons that donate at least $1 per member, based on their official membership total, during the award year (June 1 – May 31). It recognizes SAL squadrons for supporting projects that benefit the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual welfare of children.

Eligibility:
All SAL squadrons, as well as Legion posts, Auxiliary units, and Riders chapters, are eligible for this banner.

Donation Requirement:
To qualify, a squadron must donate a minimum of $1 for every member based on the official membership total, often set as of a specific date (e.g., June 1 of the award year).

Award Period:
The program year typically runs from June 1 to May 31 of the following year (e.g., June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026).

Recognition: Upon verification of the donation, the squadron receives a 100% per capita banner or streamer.

Purpose: Donations benefit the American Legion Child Well-Being Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofits that assist children in.

06/14/2026

As members of the Sons of the American Legion, we am proud to join our nation in celebrating the 251st Birthday of the United States Army. Today, we honor the generations of Soldiers who have answered the call to serve, defend our freedoms, and protect the values that make America strong.

Many of us in the Sons carry forward the Army family legacy of military service. We recognize that the opportunities we enjoy today were secured through the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who wore the Army uniform. Their commitment to duty has inspired countless Americans and continues to serve as a shining example of selfless service.

On this special day, we thank all Army veterans, active-duty Soldiers, and their families for their sacrifices. Happy 251st Birthday to the United States Army. Your legacy of honor and service will never be forgotten.