American Legion Serves Community, Seeks More Members

For the past 75 years, the has serviced veterans from Clawson and surrounding areas. The post is a venue for veterans of war service to gather for social events and participate in various community service projects.

"We are here to help all veterans," post Cmdr. Bryan Soubliere said.

The veterans have an annual membership through the American Legion which allows them to join any post in the country. American Legion veterans must have served during war time, Soubliere said.

Even with all the events and service projects, the Clawson post has faced a decline in membership in the past few years. Soubliere said there are about 150 American Legion members at the post, compared to a decade ago when there were more than 300 members.

Soubliere credits this decline to the aging members who are passing away. Most of the veterans at the post served during World War II, Vietnam and the Korean War. Nationally, World War II veterans are dying at a rate of 740 per day with about 1.7 million veterans still alive, according to the U.S. Veterans Administration. There were about 16 million soldiers who served in World War II.

Soubliere said there are few members who have served during the wars in Iraq or Afghanistan and the Gulf War.

"I don't know if they think this is an old man's club or what," Soubliere said. "We are just having a hard time getting them in here."

Soubliere said younger veterans could still be struggling with the economy when they return from service. However, the post pays dues for veterans who are deployed again. The annual fee is $40, he said.  

The Clawson post also has a women's group for spouses or relatives of American Legion veterans as well as a group for the sons of veterans. There are about 100 members of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and 50 Sons of American Legion, Soubliere said. Both groups support the activities and projects at the post.  

Post offers fun, service

American Legion veterans such as Phil Dallocchio simply enjoy the camaraderie of hanging out at the post in Clawson. The post offers happy hours, karaoke nights, dinners, pool games and more.

"You meet your old friends there," said Dallacchio, 90, of Royal Oak. "It’s a good place to hang out."

Dallacchio served in the U.S. Army during World War II and joined the post 20 years ago, he said.

In addition to offering fun, the post also serves the community. It holds fundraisers for veterans organizations and will collect hats, coats and scarves for homeless veterans in late November. In September, the post raised $3,500 for wounded veterans in Michigan at a charity event.

Other service projects include volunteering at veterans hospitals, raising money to help the , organizing American Legion youth sports leagues and giving out scholarships to students.

On Saturday, the American Legion will host a White Elephant Sale from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. The event will include an indoor garage sale, craft sale and bake sale. Veterans Day is Nov. 11 and the post will celebrate with a potluck for its members.

If you're interested in joining the Clawson post, or would like to learn more, call 248-588-6626.