The American Legion Post 100 is celebrating the Fourth of July starting with the Redstone Parade, which includes a 21-gun salute, then hosts a party open to the public.
Post 100 was first chartered on Oct. 1, 1920. The Post we know today is located in the old train depot building, which, in 1969, was picked up and moved from next to the old railroad tracks to its current location across the street. The building was purchased for just $100.
There’s a coveted book, handwritten by a previous commander, Bob Schenck, that details the history of Post 100. Robin Perry had a long stint as commander, and recalled the days when families of members mingled and kids would be running around.
“We used to have swing sets and slides,” added David Jackson, who took over as commander after Perry. “But they all grew up.” Plus, “We did have a damn good baseball team,” Perry chimed in again, pointing to a cabinet he said is “filled with trophies.”
They want to get it back to that point and are recruiting new members. As a matter of fact, one doesn’t have to have been in the military to join. There’s the American Legion Auxiliary, which is made up of spouses and family members of service men and women. Secondly, one can join as a Son of the American Legion if someone in their family served before them. Jackson said that one member joined as a son whose ancestor fought in the Civil War. Both of his children are sons.
Post 100 also inducts social members with no military connection, although a current member has to vouch for them. American Legion Post 97 in Paonia opens its doors to registered social members, but is the only other post that allows such members.
The American Legion is known for the community service, particularly benefitting young people, and scholarships it provides. All proceeds generated, whether during fundraisers or from beer and pull-tabs sales, goes directly back to the community.
“It’s just a big family here,” said Jackson. “It really is.”
Brief profiles
Perry was raised in Carbondale. He, along with his parents, Bob and Diddy, and six siblings, lived on a ranch just west of the fish hatchery. He served in the Marine Corps from ‘61 to ‘65, based at Camp Pendleton and finishing up at the Lake Mead Naval Base. “It was a good thing to do, I thought,” Perry said. “Not just to say I was a Veteran, but I grew up a little bit.” He’s been a member of Post 100 for 52 years.
Jackson also grew up in Carbondale. He went into the Navy in ‘69 and got out in ‘73, serving on the USS Forrestal, an aircraft carrier, as a helmsman. “That’s just where I stood my watches,” he clarified. Otherwise, you’d find him where the anchor chains were dropped, working eight hours every other day.
“When you’re a kid, 18 years old, it’s pretty impressive to be on something like that — a floating airport — and being able to go to all of those countries,” Jackson shared. “It was alright.”
Mario Espinoza has been a member of Post 100 for about six months. He served from ‘90 to ‘96 in the Marines during Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield as an ammo tech, supplying ammunition from the base to the frontlines. “I turned 18 in boot camp,” he recalled. “I graduated and two days later I was in the Marines.” He said the service made him who he is.
Mario comes from a family of servicemembers, including his grandfather who fought during WWII. He followed in his father, Felix Espinoza’s, footsteps who served during Vietnam. Felix received a conscription notice, and rather than be drafted as infantryman he opted to join the Marine Corps.
“It opened a lot of doors for me,” Felix stated. Though he is not an American Legion member, Felix is part of Thornton’s chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The gentlemen agreed that more recent generations are less susceptible to having a good work ethic. Perry said that kids spend too much time on their phones and not enough learning history. If it’s not the military, then a ranching job could work as a substitute to manifest a strong work ethic, added Jackson.
They worry that American patriotism is fading and hope that people will choose to stand up for the National Anthem and put their hands to their hearts, no matter where it’s played.
Head on over to Post 100 for a Fourth of July celebration between 1 and 7pm. Folks are asked to bring a side dish. The Legion will provide the main course.
ANYONE interested in becoming a member can call 970-963-2381.