USC Chapter 225

in effect

36 U.S.C. § 22501 Organization

(a) Federal Charter.—American War Mothers (in this chapter, the “corporation”) is a federally chartered corporation. (b) Place of Incorporation.—The corporation is declared to be incorporated in the District of Columbia. (c) Period of Existence.—The corporation may continue to exist until there are no individuals who qualify for membership.

36 U.S.C. § 22502 Purposes

The purposes of the corporation are— (1) to keep alive and develop the spirit that promoted world service; (2) to maintain the ties of fellowship born of that service and to assist and further any patriotic work; (3) to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, State, and Nation; (4) to work for the welfare of the Army and Navy; (5) to assist, in any way in their power, men and women who served and were wounded or incapacitated in World War I; and (6) to foster and promote friendship and understanding between America and the Allies in World War I.

36 U.S.C. § 22503 Membership

Eligibility for membership in the corporation is limited to women— (1) who are citizens of the United States; and (2) whose natural son or daughter, legally adopted son or daughter, or stepson or stepdaughter—(A) served in the Armed Forces of the United States or its allies in World War I, World War II, the Korean conflict, or any subsequent war or conflict involving the United States; and (B) was honorably discharged from that service or continues in the service.

36 U.S.C. § 22504 Powers

The corporation may— (1) adopt a constitution, bylaws, and regulations; (2) adopt and alter a corporate seal; (3) adopt emblems and badges; (4) establish and maintain offices to conduct its activities; (5) establish State, territorial, and local subdivisions; (6) acquire, own, lease, encumber, and transfer property as necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation, subject to section 22506(b) of this title; (7) publish a magazine and other publications; (8) sue and be sued; and (9) do any other act necessary and proper to carry out its purposes.

36 U.S.C. § 22505 Exclusive right to name

The corporation and its State, territorial, and local subdivisions have the exclusive right to use the name “American War Mothers”.

36 U.S.C. § 22506 Restrictions

(a) General.—The corporation shall be nonprofit, nonpolitical, nonsectarian, and nonpartisan, and may not promote the candidacy of an individual seeking public office. (b) Ownership and Use of Property.—The corporation may not accept, own, or hold, directly or indirectly, any property not reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of the corporation.

36 U.S.C. § 22507 Tax-exempt status

The personal property and funds of the corporation, whether principal or income, so long as held or used only to carry out the purposes of the corporation, are exempt from taxation by the United States Government, the District of Columbia, and the territories and possessions of the United States.

36 U.S.C. § 22508 Meetings

The corporation may hold its meetings at any place the corporation decides.

36 U.S.C. § 22509 Service of process

As a condition to the exercise of any power or privilege granted by this chapter, the corporation shall file, with the secretary of state or other designated official of each State, the name and address of an agent in that State on whom legal process or demands against the corporation may be served.

36 U.S.C. § 22510 Annual report

Not later than January 1 of each year, the corporation shall submit a report to Congress on the activities of the corporation during the prior calendar year. The report may not be printed as a public document.