American Legion Santiam Post 51 in Lebanon, Oregon isn’t one organization — it’s four. The Legion itself, the Auxiliary, the Sons of The American Legion, and the Legion Riders each have their own eligibility rules, meeting schedules, and ways to get involved.
If you’re not sure which one fits you — or whether you qualify for any of them — this guide breaks down each path, what it takes to join, and exactly how to start the process at Post 51.
Four Ways to Belong to Post 51
Before diving into eligibility details, here’s the quick comparison. Every path connects back to the same Post at 480 South Main Street, Lebanon, Oregon, but who qualifies — and what membership looks like day to day — is different for each.
| Organization | Who’s Eligible | Typical Meeting | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| The American Legion (Post 51) | Veterans with at least 1 day of active duty since Dec. 7, 1941, honorably discharged (or currently serving honorably) | Per Post schedule | (541) 451-1351 |
| American Legion Auxiliary Unit #51 | Spouses (male or female), mothers, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of eligible veterans | Per Unit schedule | (541) 451-1351 |
| Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.) | Male descendants, adopted sons, and stepsons of eligible veterans | 1st Thursday, 6:00 PM (no meeting Jul/Aug/Dec) | (541) 451-1351 |
| Legion Riders | Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. members who own or ride a registered, insured motorcycle | Per chapter schedule | (541) 451-1351 |
The American Legion: Membership for Veterans
The Legion itself — distinct from other veteran groups like the VFW, which requires overseas combat service — is open to anyone who served at least one day of active U.S. military duty since December 7, 1941 — the day after Pearl Harbor — and was honorably discharged, or who is still honorably serving. According to The American Legion’s own national FAQ, that eligibility window has been extended to cover every conflict since, so most living veterans qualify regardless of whether they served in wartime or peacetime.
To apply at Post 51, you can call the Adjutant’s office at (541) 451-1351 or stop by the Post directly. You’ll typically need proof of service — a DD-214 or equivalent discharge paperwork — to confirm eligibility.
Why Join the Legion Locally Instead of Nationally?
- Local posts are where the actual community happens — bingo nights, Memorial Day observances, canteen meals, and the people you’ll actually see week to week.
- Dues support the Post directly, funding things like the Post’s community fundraising and local veteran services.
- You can transfer your membership to Post 51 even if you first signed up through national headquarters or a different post.
- Currently serving Guard and Reserve members are eligible too — and the Post is a useful place to ask about USERRA reemployment rights before a mobilization rather than after one.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #51
The Auxiliary is for the family members who’ve supported that same service — spouses, mothers, daughters, sisters, granddaughters, and great-granddaughters of veterans who meet Legion eligibility requirements. A 2019 bylaw change replaced “wife” with “spouse,” so husbands of women veterans are eligible too. You don’t have to be related to a Post 51 member specifically; the qualifying veteran can be living or deceased.
Unit #51 stays active through its officer corps and ongoing programs like the Poppy Day campaign — a Legion Auxiliary tradition supporting disabled veterans. If you think you qualify, the fastest way in is the same as everywhere else at Post 51: call (541) 451-1351.
Sons of The American Legion (S.A.L.)
S.A.L. is open to male descendants, adopted sons, and stepsons of veterans who meet the same Dec. 7, 1941 eligibility window as Legion membership. Squadron 51 holds its general meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM in the meeting room, with a summer and holiday break — no meetings in July, August, or December.
E-board meetings happen separately, called as needed by the Squadron Commander. New members can reach Squadron 51 directly at (541) 451-1351.
American Legion Riders
The Legion Riders aren’t a separate membership class — they’re a riding program open to people who already belong to the Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. Nationally, chapters typically require that riders (or their spouse, if the spouse is the registered owner) legally own or ride a registered, licensed, and insured motorcycle, and follow all state motor-vehicle laws.
Post 51’s Legion Riders chapter is organized under its own officers, including a Director and Ride Director who coordinate rides and events. If you’re already a Legion family member with a motorcycle, ask about the Riders program when you contact the Post.
| Requirement | Legion Riders |
|---|---|
| Base membership | Must already belong to the Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. |
| Motorcycle | Legally registered, in your name or your spouse’s |
| License & insurance | Valid motorcycle license and insurance per Oregon law |
| Structure | A riding association, not a motorcycle club — no MC rules or territory claims |
How to Apply: Step by Step
- Figure out which category fits. Use the comparison table above — most people qualify for exactly one of the four paths based on their own service or a family member’s.
- Gather your documentation. For Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. membership tied to a veteran’s service, have discharge paperwork (DD-214) or the relevant veteran’s information on hand if you can.
- Call or visit Post 51. Reach the Adjutant’s office at (541) 451-1351, or stop by 480 South Main Street, Lebanon, Oregon during posted hours.
- Ask about dues. Annual dues vary by membership type and change periodically — the Adjutant’s office has the current amount.
- Show up. New members are welcome to attend a bingo night or Post event first, no paperwork required, if you want to see the community before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a combat veteran to join the American Legion?
No. Any period of active duty since December 7, 1941, with an honorable discharge (or current honorable service) qualifies — wartime or peacetime.
Can I join the Auxiliary if my qualifying veteran has passed away?
Yes. Eligibility for the American Legion Auxiliary is based on your relationship to a veteran who met Legion eligibility requirements, whether they’re living or deceased.
Do Sons of The American Legion members have to be Post 51 veterans’ sons specifically?
No. Eligibility is based on descent from any veteran who meets the December 7, 1941 eligibility window, not specifically a Post 51 member.
Do I need a specific motorcycle to join the Legion Riders?
You need a legally registered, licensed, and insured motorcycle in your name (or your spouse’s, if they’re the registered owner), plus existing membership in the Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L.
How much are dues at Post 51?
Dues vary by membership category and are set by the Post and national organization, so they can change from year to year. Call (541) 451-1351 for the current amount.
Common Reasons People Wait — and Why They Don’t Need To
A lot of eligible veterans and family members put off joining for reasons that don’t actually hold them back. Here are the most common ones Post 51 hears, and the reality behind each.
- “I didn’t serve in a war.” Eligibility is based on active duty during the qualifying period, not combat service. Peacetime veterans qualify the same as wartime veterans.
- “I already joined a different post.” Legion membership can transfer. You can move your membership to Post 51 without starting over.
- “My veteran relative already passed away.” For the Auxiliary and S.A.L., the qualifying veteran doesn’t need to be living.
- “I don’t have my discharge papers handy.” The Adjutant’s office can usually help you work through documentation — it doesn’t need to be sorted out before you first call.
Ready to Join?
Whichever path fits — veteran, family member, descendant, or rider — the process starts the same way: a call to (541) 451-1351 or a visit to Post 51 at 480 South Main Street, Lebanon, Oregon. You can also learn more about Post 51’s history since 1926 before you decide, or read about a bingo night as a low-pressure first visit.