American Legion Post 141 in Howell, Mich., awarded appropriation after years of assisting and supporting others.
Devereaux American Legion Post 141 in Howell, Mich., for decades has supported its community. Most recently, that has included paying off school lunch debts for local families, hosting dances for users of The Arc of Livingston’s programs and hosting an annual children’s Christmas party.
The post also commemorates various veteran and patriotic observances and has raised awareness for Suicide Prevention Month by placing more than 600 white crosses on the post’s lawn. And when Hurricane Helene hit North Carolina more than a year ago, Post 141’s Legion Family sprang into action, making multiple trips to the state to deliver around $1 million in donations and supplies to Legion posts impacted.
Those efforts have not gone unnoticed.
Recently, the post was awarded a $1 million state grant that will be used to renovate the post, providing even more space and services for area veterans and the community. Post 141 Historian and Past Post Commander Bobby Brite wrote the grant request with the assistance of State Rep. Jason Woolford, who then advocated for the appropriation to be included in the state’s budget.
“I think it speaks to our members and what we’re involved with. We are everywhere,” Brite said. “Opening door for Little League Baseball, we’re there. We have members that will go over in the (school) cafeteria and eat lunch with the kids. We’re at the Arc dances. We’re everywhere we need to be. We are so visible. We are truly ambassadors for The American Legion.
“We are so ingrained in the community. We are an American Legion, but we’re also a community center. We’re a veteran-based and veteran-themed community center. We’re there for everybody that needs us at any time.”
Brite said the idea to apply for the grant came when “we were kicking around the idea how to raise money. The idea came up to attempt to write an appropriation, which we did,” Brite said. “I probably spent hours going back and forth with Jason’s staff until it was perfect. Once it was perfect, Jason took it, signed it and submitted it. It worked out real well for us.”
Brite ended up testifying before the state’s House Military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the Appropriations Committee. “Jason did carry the ball for us,” Brite said. “He certainly got this over the fence.”
In a press release, Woolford praised Post 141 for its impact on its community and the veterans living there. “Post 141 is more than a veterans' hall; it's a community hub,” said Woolford, noting the post provides event and meeting space for community theatre groups, quilting clubs, the firefighter’s union, Boy Scouts, and active-duty military for training and family events. “This grant ensures that everyone, regardless of military background, can continue to benefit from the services, resources and sense of community that Post 141 provides.
“We want to create a safe and welcoming place for veterans and families who are too often overlooked. This is a vital issue for many in our community, and with this funding we can serve more people, more often and more effectively.”
The grant will allow the post to expand the building’s main floor and basement. That will include a bigger kitchen and seating area – a benefit for a post that already has a very busy kitchen, including providing free meals to local residents on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, as well as community meals.
Brite encouraged other American Legion posts to reach out to their state representatives and senators to see about similar grant opportunities. He also credited The American Legion for helping him emotionally after his 26 years of military service when he was having trouble adjusting to transitioning to his civilian life.
“I can say that The American Legion turned my life around,” he said. “It put me back on the track I needed to be on by being around my people. Finding that place, I was able to make my way back to being a normal human being, instead of just constantly on edge. The American Legion is truly a place for us and our families.”
- Community