South Dakota American Legion Auxiliary
Service, Not Self
In the spirit of Service, Not Self, we support The American Legion and honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of veterans, military members, and their families — at home and abroad.
Our Mission
For God and Country
For God and Country, we advocate for veterans, educate our citizens, mentor youth, and promote patriotism, good citizenship, peace, and security. Every program we run traces back to one purpose: standing beside the people who served and the families who supported them.
Our Purposes
- Support and advocate for veterans, active military, and their families
- Support the initiatives and programs of The American Legion
- Foster patriotism and responsible citizenship
- Award scholarships and promote quality education and literacy
- Provide educational and leadership opportunities that uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy
- Deliver our mission through meaningful volunteer opportunities in our communities
- Empower our membership to achieve personal fulfillment through Service, Not Self
2026–2027 Department President
Meet Patrice Sorensen
Patrice Sorensen
2026–2027 Department President
Presidential Theme: “Focus”
- Family
- Organization for
- Community
- Unity and
- Service
Flowers
Blue Hydrangea & Red Poppy
Colors
Blue & Green
Spoken Word
“Ragged Old Flag” — Johnny Cash
Songs
“Black Sheep” — Ben Fuller
“Amazing Grace” — Ani DiFranco
Membership
Who Can Join
American Legion family members
Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct or adopted female descendants of members of The American Legion.
Family of those who died in service or were honorably discharged
Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct or adopted female descendants of U.S. citizens who served on active duty between April 6, 1917 and November 11, 1918, or at any time after December 7, 1941, and who died in the line of duty or after an honorable discharge.
Family of all who served during those eligibility periods
Grandmothers, mothers, sisters, spouses, and direct or adopted female descendants of anyone in the U.S. Armed Forces during either eligibility period who died in the line of duty or after an honorable discharge.
Women eligible for The American Legion in their own right
Women who are themselves eligible for American Legion membership may join the Auxiliary regardless of their own Legion membership status.
A woman eligible for American Legion membership in her own right may join the Auxiliary independently. Eligibility through a female relative (sister, mother, direct descendant) or spouse depends on that relative's own American Legion membership.
Ready to Join?
Download the membership application, fill it out, and submit it to get started.
Membership Application (PDF)Stay Connected
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