By Sara Fowler
 
 
Pride in membership. Pride in those who make us eligible to be part of The American Legion Family. 
 
The American Legion Auxiliary has members throughout the country who have more than one membership in the Family: It could be ALA, Legion, Sons of The American Legion, and American Legion Riders. 
 
These members annually commit to more than one overlapping mission, giving our veterans, military, and their families the most support possible in a variety of ways through this level of involvement.  
 
This is part 4 in our American Legion Auxiliary membership series. 
 
Clifford Shingleton, Department of West Virginia 
Shingleton joined The American Legion through his own service in the U.S. Air Force. He joined the Auxiliary through his wife’s service in the Air Force and joined the Sons through his father’s Air Force service. He also joined the American Legion Riders to support all the other branches of the Family. 
 
What does your American Legion Family membership mean to you?
Being a part of The American Legion Family helps me to support in as many ways as I possibly can all the programs of The American Legion.
 
Why do you feel it’s important to commit to more than one part of the Family? 
I believe by joining multiple pieces of the Legion Family, you show much broader support for the pillars of The American Legion and increase the membership and voice.
 
What are some of the activities/events you are involved in?
Through my American Legion service, we are involved in veteran services fairs, preservation of local memorials, Americanism celebrations for holidays like Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, etc. We also assist veterans and preparing and submitting their requests for benefits to the VA. Our Legion hall also assists veterans with recycling and refurbishing used medical equipment and passing that on to other veterans. Through these and many other services, we try to teach community members what it means to be an American Legion member and support the Family and our veterans. 
 
Do you have any favorite activities/events?
Being an American Legion Rider, my favorite activities all revolve around doing something from the back of a motorcycle.
 
What advice would you give to others to join more than one part of The American Legion Family if they are eligible? 
Being a part of The American Legion Family and serving your community and fellow veterans allows you to continue to give service to your community, state, and nation well beyond your years of service in the United States military. It also enables connectedness to other veterans and their families to help them when they are struggling.