Legion to hold Vets Day membership drive
By CHUCK BALLARO
As with many veterans organizations, membership is down at the local American Legion Post 336, with many of its members from the World War II, Korean and Vietnam eras aging and passing away.
That’s why the post is looking to bring in newer, younger members, and why it’s going to hold a membership drive on Veterans Day to do just that.
The event will feature food, music, dancing, raffles, prizes and games of cornhole on the post’s new deck in the back of its building at 5770 Bayshore Road.
There will also be a flagfolding team that will conduct a ceremony where they fold the flags of each of the four major branches of the military.
Of course, those who are interested in joining or those who want to get their dues updated are welcome as well.
“We’re opening up the post to the public and the veterans and their families so people know what we’re doing and what we’re about,” said Cherise Hagemeyer, the post’s membership chairperson.
Hagemeyer said the goal is to bring in younger members to supplement an aging membership. While current membership is around 900, very few members have come from the more recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and most are transplants from up north.
“We want to get younger people into the post. The older ones are passing away and the organization is dwindling.” Hagemeyer said. “There are very few from Desert Storm and later. That’s the problem.”
Last year’s drive was very successful, as it reached its goal of 100 percent membership which helped the post win $5,000 from the Legion’s state office, Hagemeyer said.
This year, Hagemeyer said she has worked with all the area newspapers and is trying to get a local radio station to broadcast on location on Veterans Day to further the cause.
There also will be a poppy drive at both Winn-Dixies and at Publix, which will include flyers regarding what will happen that day.
“We’re not just a bunch of old men drinking. We hang out with the best of them and have a good time. Hopefully, we can get some people in,” Hagemeyer said.