Petty Officers from NTAF Mid-South built a handicap ramp for disabled veterans last summer at the American Legion Post 1 in Memphis. The naval recruiters volunteered to renovate the Post 1, and thanks to their work, the organization has been able to grow and continue to support veterans and active service men and women here in Memphis.
The American Legion supports military veterans and active duty members nationwide, and the American Legion Post 1 in Memphis will host a ride to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the organization March 16.
Terry Adams has been a member of the American Legion for 33 years and was the past commander of the Post 1 in Memphis for three of those years. Â
“We’re about veterans and their families,†Adams said. “Locally, we’ve done things that people don’t hear about. We help a lot of people without trying to embarrass them. We do everything from helping those on active duty to helping the prior military receive their benefits.â€
The American Legion began in 1919 as a group devoted to helping patriotic veterans. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization and is built on four pillars: veteran affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism and the youth.
The Post 1 in Memphis is the oldest in the state. The post’s activities include burial honor ceremonies for fallen veterans as well as active duty members and they also retire worn, tattered or ripped American flags.
Their main objective is to serve as a support system by helping people get back on their feet after military service.
Brandon Morris is a navy recruiter in the Mid-South and a member of the American Legion. Last summer Morris organized a renovation of the Memphis Post 1 after Adams told him about the bad shape the post was in.
“The navy is very conscious of its community involvement and giving back,†Morris said. “Mr. Adams described that the post was in rough shape due to the age of the building. I grabbed about 15 other guys and girls who I work with and we tore the place apart.â€
Over just a couple of days, Morris and his fellow navy recruiters painted the walls, ripped up the carpet, built a handicap ramp and constructed a fire pit. Because of the renovation, the Memphis Post 1 has been able to flourish considerably and continue to give back to the community.
“It’s been marvelous,†Adams said. “We used to have to meet people at restaurants because we couldn’t get into the post to host our group sessions. Having meeting areas and offices to work from has made a huge difference, and because of that, our American Legion Post is growing.â€
The Post 1 has recently been able to support Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and the coast guard.
During the government shutdown, Adams and his fellow Post 1 members hosted a pot luck luncheon for members of the coast guard who were struggling to buy groceries. The Post 1 had nearly 50 people attend and they raised more than $800 for the coast guard workers and their families.
One of the four pillars that guide the American Legion’s service is children and youth. The Memphis Post 1 lived up to that expectation last Christmas when they rode to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital with 270 bikes and 274 toys for sick children.
“When we rode up to Le Bonheur, those kids were just screaming and hollering at all the bikes,†Adams said. “They just loved it.â€
The Post 1 will celebrate 100 years of the American Legion next month with an anniversary ride.
The ride will begin at the Memphis American Legion Post 1 and members will place wreaths at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery, National Cemetery and at Overton Park. They will then ride back to the Post 1 and enjoy some food that soldiers ate during World War I.
All of the post’s events are open to the public, including veterans and their supporters. Post 1 members encourage as many people to attend, especially because all their events are family-oriented.
