Sure, I knew that the American Legion New Liberty Post 212 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8682 shared a building up at the end of Veterans St. And I knew that it had something to do with military veterans. But I am not a veteran, nor do I come from a military family. So they really had nothing to do with me, did they? Well, I was wrong. As a community, we need to support these folks who train, work and fight to protect us. What they did was not easy and often left physical, mental and emotional scars. And we need to recognize their dedication to us and our community.

There are over 3800 veterans living in Union County today. That number surprised me. The Veterans of Foreign Wars unfortunately closed their doors on August 21, 2021. There simply were not enough participants to keep the organization going. The Union County American Legion New Liberty Post 212, founded in 1924, presently has 88 members. Although there are some members who are in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, the majority of these folks are in the 70-90 age range and many have some challenges with getting around. These folks have served in World War II, Vietnam, in the Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan wars as well as served stateside and in support positions. New Liberty Post 212 needs new, younger members to continue the support and community service work that they do.

So, just what is it that our American Legion members do? Glad you asked because I was pretty much impressed and amazed. Their first and foremost calling is to support any honorably discharged veteran. If there is a veteran in need, they strive to provide whatever support that person requires. Often it is a motorized wheelchair, walkers, ramps into their house, delivering food. According to Post Commander Darrell White (Air Force), Christmas is one of their busy times as they shop for food to fill large boxes at Christmas for around 40 vets. They put on a Christmas party for needy kids, many of whom might not have much of a Christmas, with food and presents for all. And they celebrated (pre-Covid) Christmas with Santa at Cherokee Head Start. Second Vice Commander TJ Stanley (Navy) helped Santa out by wearing his suit. (**shhh** don’t tell the kids!)

The American Legion has a proud tradition of supporting our nation’s youth. New Liberty Post 212 supports the football, baseball and basketball teams in all the Union County schools. They sponsor Cub Scout Pack 922, providing a place to hold meetings and events. Every Halloween the Post holds a party for any kids who want to attend. According to the national chapter, “American Legion Boy State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students”. And New Liberty Post 212 is sponsoring Union County High School student Christian Stallsworth to spend a week in Nashville with representative students from other states. During that week, students will have an opportunity to learn how our government works. Each student will give a speech and the winner will go on to the National competition. The student that wins that National Boys State competition, will get a full ride college scholarship! There is also an American Legion Auxiliary Girls State competition, but we have no entries this year. All high school students are encouraged to enter!

Stay tuned for Part II of the Union County American Legion New Liberty Post 212!