I am Steven L Barnett, the Commander of Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249. I am truly honored to be the leader of this great and historic post family. The 75th Anniversary of this historic institution gives all of us in Indianapolis an opportunity to reflect on the fact that the veterans of Tillman H. Harpole Post 249 both men and women, and their families are still serving the community today. From our many charitable programs, to being a positive role model for our youth that are servicing our country, “We Rise”. Our commitment to the community, state and nation can only continue to serve notice that we will not be moved “Like a tree planted by the waters” and this historic organization will continue to be a Light of Hope, Freedom and Democracy in this great city of ours. In closing let me invite each and everyone of you too enjoy yourselves, particularly during our Anniversary celebration and may the experience encourage your continued support. If you or any of your family members have any ties to veterans come join us, as we would love to have you become a part of our Legion family. God Bless America and God Bless Tillman H Harpole, American Legion Post 249.
History of American Legion Tillman H. Harpole, Post 249 On July 9, 1936, a group of 15 Black Veterans of World War 1 finalized the organization of Tillman H. Harpole Post 249 of the American legion. Robert E. Skelton is credited with being the founder. Elected the first Commander of the Post in 1939, he served six terms. Tillman H. Harpole Post applied for their Temporary Charter on July 21, 1936, and for a Permanent Charter on January 11, 1937, and was granted the charter January 21, 1937. Dedicated officers and a core of active and committed members generated a substantial membership over a short period and, for the year 1937-1938, the Post was awarded the Floyd L. Young membership Trophy for the largest gain in members among all posts in Indiana. Tillman Harpole Drum and Bugle Corps, organized in 1937, drew National attention and place third in the State competition. The Color Guard was judged State Champions in 1939, and the Marching Unit was the pride of Indianapolis while Roy Smith was the Drum Major. The group purchased their first Post located at 2523 Northwestern Avenue in 1938. In 1954 that building was removed to build our second Post home, on the same lot. Edward Jefferson was post Commander at the time. Thus giving more history 44 years later as the current members on April 17, 1998, they cut the ribbons on their third generation home on the same property. Donald R. Lyles served as Commander. In 1998 Post Adjutant Duane Alexander received his first of five Gold Brigade Awards finishing fifth in the Nation that year. Legion year 2000-2001 Duane Alexander was elected the 11th District Commander, the first Black to hold that high office. In 2001 Tillman H. Harpole Post 249 was awarded the Richard S. Kaplan Award for the most new members (154) tops in the State. Legion year 2007-2008 Steven L. Barnett was elected the 11th District Commander continuing the leadership process developed by the previous Past Post Commanders. The Legion year 2008 Duane Alexander was appointed Department of Indiana Historian, an office he still holds. During the periods of 1998 to current the Post Leadership and members created several community based programs such as; Jazz In The Park, Blues In The Hood, Pearl Harbor Recognition, Avenue Of The Flags, Commander’s Ball, Isaac Threte Golf Tourney and Several Scholarship programs. During the same period eleven members of the Post has served on District, Department and National assignments. The current Post Commander Steven L. Barnett is serving his third term.
Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249 Congratulations on your 75th Anniversary. May you have many more years of success in providing support to our fellow service members and veterans. �Byron D. Ratcliffe Sr., Past Commander Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249
ATKINS SAW AMERICAN LEGION POST 355
On behalf of Atkins Saw American Legion Post 355. We congratulate Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249 for 75 years of service to the community and to the American Legion District 11th. May you have more years of success.
Past Commanders of Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249 Robert Skelton 1936-1942
King J. Reed 1983-1985
Bernard C. Martin 1942-1943
Robert C. Collins 1985-1986
James R. Bradford 1943 -1944
King J. Reed 1986-1987
McKinley Brewer 1944 -1948
James A. Edward 1987-1989
Marshall L. Peters 1948–1950
Roy E. Jones 1989-1990
Joseph E. Scott 1950-1951
Robert E. Butler 1990-1991
Edward B. Jefferson 1951-1956
Robert C. Collins 1991-1992
Herschel W. Blackwell, Sr. 1956-1957
Harold S. Burney 1992-1995
Flanoy Adams 1959-1960
Donald R. Lyles 1995-1998
Harry Thompson 1960-1962
James C. Cummings, Jr. 1998-1998
Roger Buford 1962-1964
Duane Alexander 1998-2000
Joseph E. Scott 1964-1965
Dr. Oliver W. Page, Jr. 2000-2002
Edgar Terry 1965-1968
Steven L. Barnett 2002-2004
King J. Reed 1968-1971
Trevor H. Bacon 2004-2005
Lilliard Boatright 1971-1973
John A. Thomas 2005-2007
King J. Reed 1973-1977
Byron L. Ratcliffe 2007-2008
Oscar L. Witfield 1977-1978
Trevor h. Bacon 2008-2011
Opal Tandy 1978-1980
Edward L. Harris, Jr. 2011-2012
Joseph A. Young 1980-1982
Steven L. Barnett 2012-2013
Tommy Ealy 1982-1983
In Loving Memory April 1, 1956 to April 12, 1883
U.S. Army
Thomas W. Fort, Jr.
“Forever in our hearts” Annie & Karen
In Loving Memory United States Marine Corps
Beloved Father And Proud Veteran
Private First Class Robert L. Hester, Sr.
Robin Rush
AMERICAN LEGION POST 276 BEECH GROVE INDIANA
Best Wishes & Congratulations on your 75th Anniversary Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249
Congratulations for Preserving and Continuing your honor and Dignity of those that served. -William “Duke� Oliver
Ta ny a
Marshall
John Sjon
Trevor Helen
Pat
Kay
His & Hers Social Club
Jeffery & Stephanie Bibbs Murray & Deloris Brooks Gonzales & Aletha Calloway John & Patricia Conner Curtis & Valerie Harmon Robert & Sherry Jackson Bryant & Vania Kelly John & Helen Thomas The His & Hers Social Club would like to congratulate Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249 for their accomplishments during their 75th Anniversary celebration.
Congratulations Tillman H. Harpole, American Legion Post 249 on your 75th Anniversary From: The Saturday One O’clock Golfers Of Frederick Douglas Golf Course The Saturday One O’clock Golfers from Frederick Douglas Golf Course, congratulates you for 75 years of service to the community. It is our wish that you continue to have a bright and successful future.
Some of our SAL Members! Front row, left to right: Byron D. Ratcliffe Sr., Ramone Cooper, Richard Lawrence, Merle Smith, Marshall Terrell Back row, left to right: Kenneth Madison, Walter Moore, Daryl Crenshaw, John Thomas, William Barnett, John Connors
In Memory of
John B. Harper January 27, 1937 to January 1, 2013
Tillman H. Harpole Patron’s List 75th Anniversary Ruth Ann Landers Robert Dale Frazier Anthony Dickerson Theresa Jolley Ella Muchin Florence Ann Frazier Anna Smith David Dale Frazier Ray Taylor Laurie Ann Landers Duane &Cindy Alexander
David and Zippore Russell Nancy Bluitt & Family Henry Carter SSG Dwight Anderson Annie M. Fort Tanya Terrell Don Talley Addison T. Simpson Richard Curry Desiree` A. Hobbs Rosalyn Maxwell
We recognize and commend Post 249 for 75 years of serving American service men and women, veterans and the community.
The Edmond Family Gregory, Barbara and Auston Edmond
ABC Barber and Beauty School Wants You as a student and a customer!! We are located at 2814 Westlane Rd (71st and Michigan Road) Indianapolis In., 46268. We accept Post 911 GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) , Survivor Benefits, TA. Unemployed veteran’s between the ages of 35-60 may qualify for special funding thru VRAP.
Call 317-299-2100 or 317-937-0093 for more info! VETERAN'S WITH APPROPRIATE ID RECEIVE A DISCOUNT ON ALL SERVICES.
Congratulations to Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249 & Tillman H. Harpole Auxiliary Unit 249 On Your 75th Anniversary Sylvia J. Glover Silvia L. (Sweet—Pea) Glover Elizabeth Glover