New Members

New Membership

Welcome to the Richard H. Stewart, Jr. American Legion Post 543

We are honored to welcome you as a member of Post 543. As a Veteran of one of our nation’s six military services, you are part of a proud tradition of service, sacrifice, and community.

We hope you will consider becoming involved in one or more of the 70+ programs that Post 543 supports for Veterans, Active-Duty personnel, their families, and local youth.

As part of your membership, there is an annual dues of $45, which directly supports the National American Legion and its advocacy for veterans at the national level. For your convenience, you may pay dues through our secure online platform, GiveButter, which accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and more.

Step 1: Complete the Application

It’s easy to join. Please complete the application which will be submitted to 2nd Vice Commander Membership, Gary Purcell. If you have a question regarding membership or dues please contact Vice Commander-Membership, Gary Purcell at: grpurcello5@outlook.com

NC Post 543 New Member Application

    Prior Membership

    Previous Legion Membership?


    Personal Information

    Service Era

    Please Check All That Apply to Your Military Service:

    Military Service Verification


    Signature

    Step 2: Complete Payment – Annual Dues $45

    As part of your membership, there is an annual dues of $45, which directly supports the National American Legion and its advocacy for veterans at the national level. For your convenience, you may pay dues through our secure online platform, GiveButter, which accepts credit/debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, and more.

    To Complete Payment Transaction:
    • Select the $45 amount
    • Please ignore the Add Note / Comment & Give in honor / memory buttons
    • Select Payment Method

    Post 543 Most frequent questionS

    You join the Legion. You get to know your fellow veterans. You get to know the programs. In a matter of months, you have great ideas and brainstorm ways to serve veterans and their families, right there along with your local veterans community. Your level of involvement is up to you. We have members who live, eat, and breath The American Legion to the member who has chosen to be a card carrier. But, do remember our strength is our membership numbers when we report and testify to our elected officials on Veteran concerns. The American Legion, at its heart, is a way for you to continue the service you did in the military. You help your community and fellow veterans all while having a good time making difference with people who get you.

    Select the JOIN action button on the Post website for an application. Then contact our 2d Vice Commander, Al Lebiednik, to discuss how to complete the form and the membership process.

    Our organization was founded on the premise that all those serving in the U.S. Armed Forces during times of national crisis, regardless of place of service, are eligible to belong to The American Legion. Our membership is based on period of service, not place of service. Therefore, if you have served at least one day of active duty since Dec. 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged, you can become a member.

    Post 543 Service Officer, Steve Muir, is specially trained to provide information and assistance relating to the VA and other veteran’s issues. Steve and the Veterans Assistance Team (VAT) can assist you with all aspects of the claims process.

    Thanks to the LEGION Act (Let Everyone Get Involved In Opportunities for National Service Act), Congress expanded the current eligibility period to cover Dec. 7, 1941, to the present,  and includes the current war campaigns. Previously, there were seven declared war periods. Now there are two, the current war period dating back to World War II and another war era covering World War I. No other restrictions to American Legion membership changed.

    We Meet the Fourth Wednesday of the Month at the St. James Community Center. See the events page for more information.

    Most Veterans Now Able to join the american legion

    Legislation making almost all veterans eligible to join the American Legion was signed into law on July 30, 2019. The law, known as the “LEGION ACT” declares that the United States has been in a continuous state of war since December 7, 1941. LEGION is an acronym for “Let Everyone Get Involved in Opportunities for National Service Act.”

    Prior Legion rules said you could only become a member if you served during one of seven times of combat. Now there are only two times of declaired war: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 and December 7, 1941 to a time in the future to be determined by the Congress.

    The American Legion sought the declaration as a way to honor approximately 1,600 servicemembers who were killed or wounded during previously undeclared periods of war.

    The LEGION Act also opens the door for approximately 6 million beterans to access American Legion programs and benefits for which they had not been previously elibible.