National Security

Purpose:“To maintain and promote a strong national defense by strengthening and supporting military servicemembers and their families.” National POA

Department	Chairman:	Carol Wert Walker

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs)

In times of emergency, professional responders are the BEST sources of assistance. But when they are not immediately available, people have the natural tendency of the need to help. People can be properly trained, so while responders are in route, skills can be safely used.

CERT programs educate people in disaster preparedness, training them in basic disaster response skills. Examples are: fire safety, light search and organization, and disaster medical operations. The program enables citizens to assist their families, neighborhoods, workplaces and communities in times of catastrophe.

For more information about CERT, please view/print the CERT flyer.

The Pearl Civil Preparedness (CERT) Plaque

It is a citation plaque presented to the Department having the greatest percentage of Units participating in civil preparedness. CERT, training dates and number of participants registering for the program and number completing. All entries must be postmarked by June 1, 2011. This is a project the Department of Pennsylvania can all pull together and accomplish.

Support Active Military & Their Families

There is a void left when a soldier or sailor is deployed. ALA Unit and members can step up to fill this void. Support can be shown with many opportunities that will benefit the family left behind.

The spouses and family of the military are a proud bunch. Many will not ask for help. Half the team is gone and things still need to be accomplished. The grass is getting high, the leaves are blowing all around and the snow is piling up – in an hour, all these can be caught up. Offer babysitting so a trip to the doctors or the market goes quickly. Father/Son, Mother/Daughter dinners, Scouting activities, even homework assistance – are all events happening. How about just stopping by with a cake or cookies to sit and visit? These are just a few of the many ways assistance can be given.

Then there are the homecomings- parades can be thrown, dinners served and parties attended. These are fantastic ways to show support for our men and women in the military.

ALA Units and members can show support in so many various ways. There are the Blue and/or Gold Star Banners for the families. Units can partner with USO groups. We can adopt a ROTC/JROTC unit at the local high school or college.

There are numerous ways to show appreciation and support.

Family Support Network

The American Legion offers various types of support. Family members can call Service Officers for assistance. They can be contacted toll free at 1-600-504-4098. They also can be reached at familysupport@legion.org . Auxiliary Units can work with the Legion to help families.