The Sons of the American Legion (S.A.L.) is the official male descendants' program affiliated with American Legion Herbert D. Gibb Post 259 in DeBary, FL. Founded to support veterans, active-duty service members, and the local community, S.A.L. members work alongside the main Legion post to run community projects, fundraise, and honor military family legacies.

Description & Role at Post 259

Members of Squadron 259 are non-veteran male family members who preserve the memory and service of their military ancestors. While operating as a distinct squadron within District 17 of the Sons of the American Legion Detachment of Florida, Squadron 259 actively participates in programs at the DeBary post home:

• Veterans Support & Rehabilitation: Assisting local veterans through community initiatives like Florida Legion's VetRelief, homeless veteran outreach, and supporting local VA initiatives.
• Youth & Community Programs: Sponsoring youth activities, law and order programs, JROTC/ROTC recognitions, and school medal programs.
• Post Events & Fundraising: Assisting in hosting post events, car/motorcycle shows, dinners, and community fundraisers at the post facility.

Membership Qualifications & Eligibility

To qualify for membership in S.A.L. Squadron 259, you must satisfy the following lineage, veteran status, and documentation requirements:

1. Direct Male Lineage

You must be a male descendant (biological son, grandson, great-grandson, adopted son, or stepson) of a qualifying military veteran.

2. Qualifying Ancestor's Service Requirements

The ancestor (parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent) through whom you are applying must meet one of these conditions:

• Living Veteran: The relative is currently a member in good standing of The American Legion.
• Deceased Veteran: The relative served on federal active duty during an eligible era (December 7, 1941 to present) and received an honorable discharge, or died while serving on active duty.

3. Eligible Service Eras

Under the LEGION Act, qualifying active-duty periods cover:

• World War I: April 6, 1917 – November 11, 1918
• World War II through Present Day: December 7, 1941 – Present (covers all active-duty periods following WWII)

4. Age Requirements

• No Age Limits: S.A.L. membership is open to males of all ages, from infants to adults, provided eligibility requirements are met.

Required Application Materials for Post 259

When applying through Squadron 259 in DeBary, you will need to submit:

1. S.A.L. Membership Application Form: Completed and signed.
2. Proof of Veteran's Eligibility:
   • If the relative is living: Their current American Legion Member ID card/number.
   • If the relative is deceased: A copy of their military discharge document (National Archives DD-214 Record Request) showing honorable discharge.
3. Proof of Lineage: Birth certificates or official records establishing your direct line to the veteran.
4. Annual Dues: Paid upon application submission (rates can be verified directly at the post home).

Local Post Contact & Location

• Post Home: Map

470 Summerhaven Dr, DeBary, FL 32713    Post Information

• Phone: (386) 753-1492
• Website: https://alp259fl.org/

Preamble to the S.A.L. National Constitution

Proud possessors of a priceless heritage, we male descendants of Veterans of the Great Wars, associate ourselves together as "Sons of The American Legion" for the following purposes:  To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; to maintain law and order; to foster and perpetuate a true spirit of Americanism; to preserve the memories of our former members and the associations of our members and our forefathers in the Great Wars; to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation; to combat the autocracy of both the classes and masses; to make right the master of might; to promote peace and good will on earth; to safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy; to consecrate and sanctify our friendship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness; to adopt in letter and spirit all of the great principles for which The American Legion stands; and to assist in carrying on for God and Country.

For more information: www.legion.org/sons.

Squadron Commander: Sabastion