I’d like to share some membership aging metrics that I believe are both revealing and important. While many of us already sense that our membership is aging, the gradual pace of change can obscure just how significant the shift has been. These numbers became more apparent as we began reviewing member birthdays to help personalize communications going forward.
Post 44 Birthday Distribution
- Born before 1940: 20%
- 1940 – 1960: 60%
- 1960 – 1990: 16%
- After 1980: 4%
A chart worth 1,000 words…

This trend isn’t unique to Post 44. Aging membership is a challenge faced across all American Legion posts. The average age of a Legion member is now 67, with over 400,000 members aged 80 or older, according to national data. Despite a rich history and strong member benefits, younger veterans simply aren’t joining in the numbers we need to sustain our future.
Here’s a broader look at the national landscape:
- Aging Membership:
The average member age is 67, with a significant portion of members over 80. - Fewer Younger Members:
Younger veterans are not joining at the same rate as previous generations. - Impact on Posts:
Many posts are struggling to remain active or are closing due to shrinking membership. - Efforts to Recruit Younger Veterans:
The American Legion is working hard to engage younger veterans by promoting key services such as assistance with medical claims, GI Bill benefits, and community programs. - Legacy of the Organization:
The American Legion has played a vital role in supporting veterans and our communities. Sustaining that legacy will require a proactive effort to grow and diversify our membership.
Our Membership Goals for 2025–2026
Like every Legion post, we must continue seeking new members to keep our mission going strong. Your executive board has set the following goals:
- Recruit 10 new members
- Retain ~90% of our current membership
We’re already off to a great start — three new members have joined in just the first few months! And here’s the truth: most veterans don’t join by accident. They join because someone they know — someone like you — talked up the value of our membership.
I joined the Legion because my father loved CA Post 271 in San Juan Capistrano. He introduced me to an incredible network of veterans, and I was hooked by the camaraderie, the service, and, yes, the storytelling.
Let’s continue sharing what makes Post 44 special, so others can experience it too.
Thank you for your support — and for helping make Post 44 the “best damn Post in the West!”