Geiger's vision now etched in stone
American Legion National Commander Fang A. Wong speaks at dedication of Past National Commander John H. Geiger Operations Center in Indianapolis. Photo by James V. Carroll

Geiger's vision now etched in stone

John H. Geiger served as national commander of The American Legion from 1971 to 1972. Nearly 30 years later, he was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Legion's facilities at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis.

This morning, Geiger's vision was recognized, as the facility that houses the Legion's Information Technology, Emblem Sales, Fundraising and Membership Services Divisions was renamed the John H. Geiger Operations Center. Geiger, a former architect, passed away Jan. 10.

"John had many visions - not only for this facility, but going back to his architectural experience and many changes in our Washington office and our Indianapolis office," said Past National Commander Jake Comer, a close friend of Geiger. "We are so fortunate ... we had someone like a John Geiger that could be there to handle our present and look to our future with his vision."

The well-attended ceremony also featured remarks from Department of New York Adjutant Dick Pedro, another close friend of Geiger. "He's looking down, and he's got to not only be very proud of this gathering, but of this facility," Pedro said.

Emblem Sales previously was housed in the National Headquarters building in downtown Indianapolis. It's now one of the four divisions located in the 64,500 square foot facility named for Geiger.

"This facility has proven to be what Mr. Geiger envisioned it to be," said Jeff Brown, executive director of the facility and the former director of Emblem Sales. "Past National Commander Geiger's handiwork, his vision, his thoughts and I believe his heart, are embedded in this facility. The staff is proud to now have Commander Geiger's name on this facility, and the staff will endeavor to make sure that Past National Commander John H. Geiger would be proud to have his name here."

"This Operations Center will be a testament to the logistical and organizational vision and talent of this great Legionnaire," National Commander Fang Wong added. "We all know that this magnificent center would not have been built without the support, leadership and vision of PNC Geiger."

Ellen Rosborough, one of Geiger's six children, attended the ceremony, along with her sister, Vivienne Hilderbrand. "Over the years we know how much the Legion meant to our father," Rosborough said. "We thank you very much."