Valley Springs to launch Sons of American Legion chapter

Charles R. Doman American Legion Post 131 membership wants to start a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) squadron. And according to Post 131 Commander Rick Larsen, there is already interest to do so.

“I’ve personally had four people let me know they want to start a Sons of the American Legion program,” Larsen said. Three of the four, Larsen added, are current SAL members but have expressed they’d like to transfer their membership to the Valley Springs chapter. 

“Our goal is to charter this group and implement the program by the American Legion’s 100th birthday party in July,” Larsen said. To form a charter, a minimum of 10 members is needed. Dues are $10 for the first year and $15 in the years to follow.

“It was a neat thing that when we chartered in 1919, we have the complete list of all of the charter members. Whoever is a charter of The Sons of the American Legion, their name will live on as a charter member of that organization,” Larsen said.

A Sons of the American Legion organizational meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, May 3 at the Legion Hall in Valley Springs. Legionnaires will also be at the Hall from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, preparing for that evening’s soup supper. 

Interested SAL members may also call or text Larsen at (605) 553-5990. 

Larsen said The SAL functions as a branch of The American Legion, and holds separate meetings from the Legion Post. They do, however, work with the Legion members on various projects and events.

The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion. The SAL is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion. Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and The Sons of The American Legion make up what is known as The Legion Family. All three organizations place high importance on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for the nation’s children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship.

“With a little effort, this will be successful,” Larsen said. 

Sons have long assisted Legionnaires with Legion Family programs. The Legion Family boasts a combined total membership of nearly 4.2 million members, and this year, Sons attained an all-time high national membership of over 365,000. 

Just as each Legion post determines the extent of its service to the community, state and nation, each SAL squadron is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet its own needs. The SAL has study programs recommended for younger members. One such program, called “The Ten Ideals,” teaches the elements of patriotism, health, knowledge, training, honor, faith, helpfulness, courtesy, reverence and comradeship. If a member completes the Ten Ideals program, he is eligible to continue with another program called the “Five-Point Program of Service.” This program covers patriotism, citizenship, discipline, leadership and legionism.