Dayton American Legion sets sights for 2024

DAYTON-American Legion Frank E. Bauers Post No. 42 in Dayton is looking to begin a new chapter at a time when at least one in 10 persons living in Columbia County is a United States military veteran.

Post Commander Tim Hollingsworth of Waitsburg took over the role last fall. He served in the Washington Army National Guard for 20 years. His wife, Brandi, served eight years. She now serves as Treasurer of Post No. 42.

"We want this to be a time for reinvigorating our post," said Hollingsworth. "So, we've been talking about ways to do that. We know a lot of people are busy, and my generation doesn't like meetings, just sitting around and talking about things. So typically, we'll plan an event or activity, then reach out to our members and ask if they can help with one of these events."

Like many service organizations and fraternal clubs, Dayton's post has seen periods of decline during the last 20 years. According to Hollingsworth, who is in his 40s, Post No. 42 has about 50 members on the books, most of whom are older veterans.

"The challenge is to find a communication outlet that works for older and younger veterans," he said.

Hollingsworth describes the "Four Pillars" of the American Legion as Americanism, youth support and engagement, community service, and support of veterans. Veterans are served through Legion resources targeting homelessness and financial need. Post 42 utilizes resources from the Walla Walla Vet Center to address needs.

"We have plans to revitalize projects like community bingo at Easter time. I'd like to bring that back. That's a fundraising event that helps us with the upkeep of the memorial wall and the large flag that flies there."

The group has also completed a design for a veterans' columbarium to be placed at Pioneer Cemetery in Dayton. A columbarium is a structure containing niches for permanently placing inurned cremains. Hollingsworth says all military branches will be represented there, and it will feature an eternal flame.

Jeff McCann, a teacher at Dayton High School and a career Marine Corps veteran, serves as the post's school representative.

"We're not your daddy's American Legion," said McMann. "You know, drink beer and swap war stories. We want to be an active group with outreach and support for other veterans and reach out to our youth. It's crucial that we mentor future leaders of our country about what it means to give back."

McCann anticipates conversations with Dayton school administrators on how the Legion can actively engage students for projects, including the Memorial Day flag placement at Pioneer Cemetery. Since Dayton High School seniors must fulfill a certain number of community service hours for graduation, McCann will pursue ways the Legion can help students achieve it.

The post looks forward to recruiting students for Boys and Girls State, a leadership and citizenship program of the American Legion that helps students experience the mechanics and meaning of government involvement.

"We want our students to learn that when you do things for others, you get more out of it than the people you're serving," McCann says. "Nothing good happens when someone is living in a silo. We can all agree that we should work towards something that helps us be better versions of ourselves as a community."