Kentucky's first post amateur radio club

Like a diamond, The American Legion has many facets. Amongst those is a mission to provide emergency communications support in our communities during natural disasters. Enabling that mission is the Legion’s policy to support amateur radio nationally (through The American Legion Amateur Radio Club (TALARC)) and at the post level.
As a “ham” for over 40 years, a TALARC member and post commander of Boyle Post 46 in Danville, Ky., I chose to offer aid to a local, experienced amateur radio club (founded in 1960) to further their support of local/national disasters. It is a desire naturally shared by post members, and executes Legion policy. An event of destiny: the radio club lost its home in a recently sold Red Cross building. As commander, I recognized the ability of my post to host this organization, gain membership and advance everyone’s mission. There were no losers, just winners. Inaction equated to dereliction of duty.
A subsequent club president/post commander conference resulted in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) allowing them to become a post-approved activity. With highly compatible by-laws and mission, they transitioned as an intact organization maintaining their important identity, officers, equipment and financial assets. Internally, new friendships abound and post activity is enhanced; the vast majority of the 29 members were eligible for, and have joined, one of the three Legion Family organizations. A valuable community asset was rescued and will now go forth as an American Legion post resource in providing emergency communications support during natural disasters for families, friends and community.