Keep The American Legion in communities

The American Legion has nearly 13,000 active posts in communities across America. And while over the years posts have closed due to various reasons, there are veterans who see the need to bring The American Legion back into communities as a way to serve their fellow veterans, their families and community members. Such is the case for American Legion Laramore-Osborne Post 100 in Royse City, Texas.

A Legion post was once active in Royse City, which is about 45 minutes east of Dallas. The town is experiencing tremendous growth and veterans in Royse City saw this as an opportunity to revitalize a post again.

Post 100 received its charter on Dec. 4, but has been going full speed for the past year. Since its temporary charter was issued in January 2017, the post has focused on growing its membership, implementing Legion programs, volunteering in the community, participating in town festivals, joining the Chamber of Commerce and creating social media accounts.

With 59 active members, the post’s motto is “Every member matters.”

“We believe that The American Legion is a family. That means that no matter the age, gender or war ear of the veteran, every veteran is welcomed at our post,” said Post 100 Commander Jason Castleberry. “But more than that, members want to look after each other and help each other in their times of need. The post truly exemplifies a family first atmosphere.”

Castleberry said that from day one the post wanted to integrate itself into the community. And it has.

Post 100 members have helped local veterans find employment, supported food pantries, adopted a highway, visited veterans at the VA, helped homeless veterans receive assistance, and provided assistance with beautification projects throughout Royse City.

The post members also helped hand out 50 backpacks and more than $400 in school supplies during the town’s Back to School Bash; supported Texas Boys State and a local Scouting unit; participated in the Legion’s School Award program; and honored a high school graduate who left for basic combat training with The American Legion’s Military Commitment to Service certificate.

“The future feels bright for the new American Legion Post 100,” Castleberry said.

In 2017, more than 29 posts were chartered and 1,711 revitalized. This resulted in 166 new members and the transfer of 9,348 Direct Membership Solicitation program members into local posts.

If there are communities that do not have a post within it, post development is a great way for The American Legion to become an asset in the local community. There are times when membership in a local post has declined and interest in the programs is non-existent.

A revitalization effort can help re-energize and breathe life back into a post so the post can become viable once again.

The membership staff at the National Headquarters, with the help of department leadership, can help with any district wide or post development and revitalization efforts.

Contact your regional membership liaison at www.legion.org/membership/contactus to discuss ways to accomplish this task.