Waitsburg’s Legion Looks to Grow

WAITSBURG - Though their numbers have declined over the years, the dedi- cation and patriotism of Waitsburg's American Le- gion members has not. Cur- rent club members, mostly World War II vets, are hop- ing younger generations of men and women will join them in their quest to support veterans and families.

One of Waitsburg's oldest service clubs, the Samuel W. Southard Post #35 was char- tered in August 1919. The post was named in honor of 23-year-old Samuel W. Southard, the first Waitsburg serviceman to make the supreme sacrifice in World War I, in 1918.

In 1921, a large group of Waitsburg citizens donated personal funds of $6,000 to buy a meeting place for the Legion. They purchased a hotel building that was located between Main and Coppei, near what is now the Waitsburg Business Cen- ter. After being destroyed by fire in 1928, the $5,000 insurance payout was used to build a new Hall on Main Street. The Legion leased that Hall to a Youth Group in 1972 and it was used as a Youth Center until 1976. In 1976, the Legion donated the Hall back to the community, and today it is known as Ye Towne Hall.

In addition to the Hall, the Legion acquired the Main Street building that now houses the Anchor bar, in 1945. That building became the Legion Club and was to three students to Girls' State each year; they host the Americanism Essay Contest; sponsor prizes for youth games at Days of Real Sport; and have purchased new doors and kitchen items for Towne Hall. They also give a Thanksgiving and Christmas basket to one veteran each year and provide help with funeral services for local servicemen.

The Auxiliary aids the Legion in placing Memo­rial Day flags and crosses on graves and organizing the annual Memorial Day Pro­gram. They developed the idea and design for the Vet­eran's Memorial Wall and ran fundraisers that provided the majority of the funding for the wall.

During the Columbia Complex Fire of 2006, the group prepared meals for the fire crews, receiving $10,000 in funds which they, "had fun spreading around," according to club secre­tary B.A. Keve. Portions of the proceeds were donated the Waitsburg Ambulance Service and the Waitsburg Fire Department. Additional monies went to the Lion's Club for the use of their facilities and the remainder was set aside for future maintenance and upkeep of the Memorial Wall.

The group honors and supports veterans through involvement with Walla Walla's Veteran's Hospital as well. Each year they help with the "Gift Shop", a pro­gram run by area Auxiliaries, where hospitalized veterans can shop for free and choose gifts to send to their fam­ily members. On more than one occasion, the group has banded with area Auxil­iary groups, writing letters to keep the Veteran's Hospital open, stressing its value to local veterans.

Auxiliary members also provide a big breakfast at Walla Walla's annual "Stand Down." At this event, veter­ans in need of help - many homeless - visit stations where they can receive cloth­ing, a haircut or shower, or assistance with benefits. Veterans are bused in from Seattle to attend the event and the Auxiliary usually feeds between 120 and 180 veterans.

Chuck Amerein of the Dayton's American Legion Post #42 recently shared with the group that it was once common practice to "mus­ter" enlistees out of town and "muster" them back upon return. The departing ser­vicemen and women were honored with a celebration and members of the Legion assembled to offer their "first salute". This is a practice the group is hoping to rekindle in the community.

Meredith Huwe, an Aux­iliary member for 25 years, recalls growing up during World War II, a very patriotic time in our country. "The Auxiliary is very dear to my heart," she said.

Huwe's daughter, Karen Mohney, remembers grow­ing up and watching her par­ents return home after a fun night at the Legion Club. She wanted in on the fun, and joined the Auxiliary so she could attend the club. "I went for the party, but after talk­ing with the men I learned about the need to support our vets," said Mohney, who is passionate about the need to support veterans. "I can have my opinions and say what I want because they bought me freedom of speech. I didn't do anything for that. They put it all on the line for me. Thank a serviceman. We can't do enough."

Current Auxiliary presi­dent Rose Engelbrite, who also joined because she "wanted to go to the Legion Club," has been active in the Auxiliary for 34 years, hold­ing some type of office the entire time. "We are always glad to have new members," said Engelbrite.

The American Legion Auxiliary meets monthly, taking the summer months off. Those interested in membership requirements or additional information may contact Rose Engelbrite at 509-337-8875 or email B.A. Keve at ikbakeve@charter.net.