American Legion wants younger veterans, spouses to join
Published 1:13 am Thursday, October 27, 2016
The Andalusia American Legion is looking for a few good men (and women).
Commander James Grissett said the Legion has sorted through some issues over the last year and is ready to revamp and get back to being a strong leader in the community.
To do that, Grissett is hoping to get younger veterans and their spouses to join the Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary.
“We are on a membership drive to get our veterans to join and invite their spouses to become members of the Auxiliary,” he said.
Grissett said there are roughly 90 members of the Legion, but right now only about 20 participate.
“We are trying to get some younger veterans and get some new ideas,” he said. “The majority of our current members are older, and we hope that getting some younger ideas will help us to continue and grow.”
Grissett said there hasn’t been a ladies’ auxiliary in quite some time due to some conflicts, but that they had started that portion back up in the past few weeks.
Grissett said that over the years, the American Legion has given away more than $1 million in scholarships and the auxiliary has given away a large amount, as well.
Their primary fundraisers are bingo, which is held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, with an early bird round at 4:30 p.m., and regular bingo at 6.
Additionally, there is a family friendly dance for all ages from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturdays. Children under 12 are admitted free. There is a snack bar available and no alcohol is served.
Grissett said any veteran interested in joining may contact him at 488-3788 or the American Legion at 222-7131.
He said they will need to show proof of service such as the DD214.