New Iowa American Legion Post Continues to Grow | News, Sports, Vacancies

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO – Charles Horton American Legion Post 739, formed in 2022 at the Iowa Veterans Home and currently led by Commander Fred Oster (right), has nearly doubled its membership over the past two years.

Since its creation nearly two years ago, American Legion Post 739 of Charles Horton, which was formed by residents and staff of the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, has not only remained stable but has nearly doubled its membership while other chapters across the state have struggled for survival.

Commander Fred Oster, a Marine Corps veteran who has lived in Iowa since 1989 and is a former IVH kitchen worker, said the post’s membership has grown from 60 at its inception to 110 today, and it is actively seeking new people to join. Although it was formed by IVG residents and staff, any veteran is welcome.

“Our biggest need right now is for volunteers when we do events with veterans. Many of them are wheelchair bound or walker bound or have other issues, health issues, and we basically need volunteers and more members. And we want to continue to grow,” he said.

The mail meets on the first Tuesday of each month on the IVH campus. At a time when many veterans organizations across the country are grappling with declining numbers and questions about their long-term viability, Oster is glad he’s bucking the trend.

“Members of other American Legions came to our post, and after their first meeting with the veterans (at IVH), they were hooked. They register and become members of our post,” he said. “There are no residency requirements. You can live anywhere in the county or beyond. If you feel your local American Legion is disenfranchised and want more involvement, join ours.”

On October 19, a delegation of seven Charles Horton Post veterans traveled to Waverley for the fall conference and will also have a table at the upcoming IVH Craft Bazaar.

“It’s all about being involved in the community. We raise money for various scholarship events and things like that to give back to the community. And we just want to make these veterans’ final days (special) and give them a sense of purpose and service after their military career,” Oster said. “This is about patriotism and promoting patriotism and preserving American values ​​and ideals and the spirit of the American flag and brotherhood.”

To learn more, visit the American Legion Charles Horton Post 739 Facebook group.

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Contact Robert Mahary at 641-753-6611 ext. 255 or [email protected].