Glossary -  Terminology you may come across on our pages.

AMERICAN LEGION (AL) - the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans. Members are referred to as Legionnaires. Local officers facilitate veterans seeking VA benefits by providing contacts.

AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS (ALR) - members must also be a member of AL, SAL or ALA, own a licensed/ registered motorcycle, and participate in local memorial ceremonies, commemorative events, and more.

AUXILIARY (ALA) - Originally, the women's organization supported military & veteran families in affiliation with a local Post. The Auxiliary is a separate non-profit from the American Legion. In 2019, men were permitted to join as a spouse to a Legionnaire.

BUILDING 331 - District 26 adopted this building at the VA facility in Menlo Park. We donate supplies & gifts, make visits, and serve special event meals.

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT - State-level administration within the American Legion Auxiliary. California is comprised of 30 Districts. CA Dept. Auxiliary News Hub newsletters.

COLMA VETERANS VILLAGE (CVV) - Managed by Mercy Housing, CVV provides housing for low-income veterans in San Bruno. 

DEPARTMENT - Refers to ALA's state-level management. 

DISTRICT 26 - Comprised of six San Mateo County Units: Coastside, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo, and a virtual unit based in the peninsula. A district refers to county level and oversees local Units.

ALA CALIFORNIA GIRLS STATE - Prestigious program of select high school rising seniors. Auxiliary Unit selects one student from a high school the Unit wishes to partner with. Students (~540) travel to Sacramento for an intense week of leadership training, citizenship education, model state government, empowerment, camaraderie, and lifelong connections.

PREAMBLE to ALA CONSTITUTION - Read at the opening of all meetings.

POLYTRAUMA UNIT - Building 500 at VA Hospital in Palo Alto. Units donate supplies, make visits, and decorate the facility for the holidays.

POST - American Legion location and/or body of veteran men & women members.

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION (SAL) - a program of the AL, founded to honor the service and sacrifice of Legionnaires. 

UNIT - Local Auxiliary body affiliated with a city.

VA - Veterans Administration, federal government agency charged with providing health care services. Two VA facilities which District 26 supports are Menlo Park and Palo Alto.

VA&R - Veterans Administration & Rehabilitation. The Auxiliary's VA&R deputy is the liaison between the Unit and the VA staff. D26 also has its own VA&R deputy who disseminates news to the Units.

VA&VS - Veterans Affairs & Veterans Services. Coalition of organizations that assist veterans (e.g., American Legion Auxiliary, Blue Star Moms, Lions Club, Red Cross, etc.).

VROC - College of San Mateo's Veterans Resource Opportunity Center. Administered by a veteran, the Center is a welcoming place for veteran students to study, use computers, lounge, enjoy snacks, seek counseling/services, and pick up toiletry supplies.

VSO - Veterans Service Officer. County official who guides veterans on navigating VA benefits.

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