Legionnaire grows Texas post from 12 to 900 members

Walter Geraghty was asked to leave his home post of 1,200 members, which he helped grow, to revitalize one nearby that was on the brink of losing its chapter. Geraghty gladly accepted the challenge and has grown Post 336 in San Antonio from 12 members to nearly 900 in less than 10 years.

Geraghty, who has recruited more than 4,000 new Legion members during his 42-year membership, said to be a good recruiter you have to "be passionate and enthusiastic about The American Legion."

During his first year revitalizing Post 336, Geraghty set up 32 membership booths at places like Walmart, Sam’s Club and donut shops. "Anybody who would have me, I would sit there and promote the Legion," said Geraghty, a 10-time Gold Brigade recipient for recruiting 50 or more Legion members a year, and a member of the National Membership & Post Activities Committee. If Geraghty was ever home on a Sunday, his kids would question why. "My kids would say, ‘Dad, why are you home? You are always out recruiting members.’"

Geraghty keeps a membership application tucked in his wallet and Legion cap. "I don’t want to be caught without one," he said. "You have to have at least one application with you at all times."

For American Legion membership recruiting tips and tools, go online to: www.legion.org/membership.