Any person who served or is currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States of America at any time after September 15, 1940 is eligible for regular membership in AMVETS provided such service, when terminated by discharge or release from active duty, be by honorable discharge or honorable separation or general discharge under honorable conditions. Any American citizen, as an American citizen, who served in the Armed Forces of an allied nation of the United States at any time after September 15, 1940 and before May 8, 1975, is eligible for regular membership in AMVETS provided such service when terminated by discharge or release from active duty be by honorable discharge or separation.

No person who is a member of, or working for the overthrow of the United States Government by force, and no American citizen or permanent resident alien in the United States, one of its territories, possessions or the District of Columbia who refuses to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States shall be privileged to become, or continue to be a member of this organization.

Honorary membership shall not be granted after the adoption of this amendment. In lieu thereof, certificates of merit may be awarded by a suitably inscribed award given to those rendering distinct service to the community and to veterans. Such awards may be made by Posts, internal administrative groups, State departments, the national executive committee, or national convention. Awards by Posts and internal administrative groups must be approved by department executive committees.

No person shall be a member of more than one Post at any one time. No person expelled by one Post shall be eligible for membership in any other Post without the consent of the expelling Post or the consent of the Department Executive Committee after hearing an appeal.

Any member of AMVETS classified as a member-at-large may not hold an elected or appointed office at any level in the AMVETS organization.

Membership shall run from January 1 through December 31. All AMVETS subordinate organizations shall maintain the same calendar year for their membership. Eligibility for Membership and the rights and privileges of members shall be as provided in the Constitution and By-Laws and the terms of membership and requirements for holding office within AMVETS shall not be discriminatory on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Need a copy of your DD214 or other military papers? Go to this website: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/evetrecs/index.html