For nearly every man in World War I who endured the dangers and hardships of camp, shore and battlefront, there was a woman serving at home to help make possible America's victory - his wife, mother, sister, daughter, or granddaughter.

The war was won, and the men and women of the armed forces banded together in The American Legion to carry forward their services to the country in peace time. It was only natural that the women of their families should desire to continue to serve with them. The result was the American Legion Auxiliary, the largest and most influential women's organization of its kind in the world today.

The establishment of an Auxiliary to The American Legion was provided for by the first National Convention of The American Legion in 1919. By the time of the 1920 National Convention, 1,342 local Units of this Auxiliary had been formed; intensive organizational efforts were authorized. The first National Convention of the Auxiliary was held in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1921. At this time the name "American Legion Auxiliary" was adopted and the first national officers elected.

The Auxiliary grew from a first year enrollment of 121,000 to approximately 500,000 to the beginning of World War II. After the women of World War II families became eligible, the enrollment rose rapidly to a record of 1,001,545 in 1955, and since has remained well above the 900,000 mark. The number of local Units of the Auxiliary is approximately 10,000. The Auxiliary organization, i.e., Unit, District, State, National, parallels that of The American Legion. Auxiliary National Headquarters is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Department of West Virginia was first organized in Grafton, West Virginia in 1922. There were 14 Units with a total membership of 1011. The first Department Convention of West Virginia Auxiliary was held in Huntington West Virginia in 1923 lead by Department President Mrs. Archy S. Booker from Bluefield. Currently the Department of West Virginia has 76 Units and a membership of over 10,000.

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