Community awareness increases post membership

Community awareness increases post membership

The 2012-2013 theme for American Legion Post 5 in Nashville, Tenn., was "Serving Veterans and the Community with Pride and Excellence." The post members showed their commitment to the theme by increasing membership through participation in community activities.

Post 5 increased membership 20 percent by setting up its Legion tent at high-traffic areas — grocery stores, career fairs, community picnics and social events. At each event, post members discussed membership benefits, assisted veterans with their benefits claims questions, and provided information on youth programs. Post 5 started the year with 1,000 members and ended with 1,240 members.

"The post has had a tremendous year with an increase in membership and accountability," said Charles Harrison, the 2012-2013 Post 5 commander. "However, the most gratifying experience for me as commander was our post participating in many activities and events serving our veterans and their families."

Post members provided assistance to homeless veterans, fundraised for the local Fishers House and Honor Flight program, participated in the local Veterans Day parade and Memorial Day celebrations, brough fruit to veterans at Nashville’s VA medical center and more.