The American Legion

Ensuring the well-being of Servicemembers, Veterans, and their families

By Stephanie Thompson

Here at Liberty Life, we share an ongoing series about the many military and Veteran organizations that make up The Liberty Coast. The common denominator is their physical location on The Liberty Coast, each playing a role in defining the culture of this pro-military and Veteran-friendly community. For previous snapshots, visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Archives.

This month we highlight The American Legion, celebrating 102 years on March 15.

Four months after the end of WWI, a thousand officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) in Paris, France, held the first caucus of what was soon to be known as “The American Legion.”

The American Legion has had a deep impact on today’s Servicemembers and Veterans. It is because of this organization’s efforts that the Veterans Administration and the G.I. Bill exist, for instance.

Its influence has been strong in the community, as well. Boys Nation and the National High School Oratorical Contest are two programs The American Legion started. The organization is also to thank for the grant to The American Heart Association that initiated the study, prevention and treatment of rheumatic heart disease.

The mission of the American Legion revolves around one concept: well-being. Its aim is to improve the overall well-being of our communities by focusing on the needs and strengths of Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families. This is most clearly communicated in its motto: “Veterans Strengthening America.”

American Legion’s posts help Servicemembers more seamlessly transition into their civilian communities; they are proactive about educating and mentoring today’s youth; and they perpetually pay respect for military sacrifices, to ensure those sacrifices are never in vain.

There are 12 American Legion posts on The Liberty Coast, and chances are that you live near one. Reach out! Attend their next event, or volunteer your time to help local Veterans.

American Legion Posts on The Liberty Coast

Picketville—Post 9 6242 Soutel Ct. ALPost9FL@Gmail.com (904) 516-7717

Fernandina Beach—Post 54 626 S. Third St. Post54News@AOL.com (904) 269-7900

San Marco—Post 88 3662 Spring Park Rd. Commander@ALPost88Fl.org (904) 396-3754

Jacksonville Beach—Post 129 1151 S. Fourth St. (904) 249-2266

Lakeshore—Post 137 5443 San Juan Ave. Richard Lane, Commander@Post137.com (904) 387-3373

Royal Terrace—Post 197 2179 Benedict Rd. Joann Miller, MJoAnn396@Gmail.com

Ponte Vedra Beach—Post 233 560 N. Wilderness Trail Caroline Merillat, Commander@AL233Fl.org (904) 285-2484

Middleburg—Post 250 2608 Black Creek Dr. ALPost250@Yahoo.com (904) 282-3766

Arlington—Post 283 9459 Fort Caroline Rd. (904) 641-8111

Atlantic Beach—Post 316 1127 Atlantic Blvd. ALPost316@Bellsouth.net (904) 249-0202

Mandarin—Post 372 4280 Oldfield Crossing Dr. Barry Litski, BLitski@Comcast.net (904) 635-2693

Hilliard—Post 401 37405 Henry Smith Rd. CWHilliard401@Gmail.com

If you know or are part of an organization on The Liberty Coast that others should know about, let us know! We want to share your story and introduce you to the community. Visit LibertyLifeMedia.com/Submissions or email Editor@LibertyLifeMedia.com to learn more.

22 | LibertyLifeMedia.Com | FEBRUARY 24, 2021 VOL. 1 / ISSUE 13