American Legion Post 131 Charge Officer Henry Powell received some long-awaited recognition at an event held on St. John. Organizers said Powell was supposed to be the honoree at the 2024 Veteran’s Day parade and ceremony but heavy rains led to a cancellation.
The weather was better on Saturday when Powell received a commemorative plaque and a slice of cake at the legion’s 106th anniversary party. Post Commander Harry Daniel praised the honoree as a legionnaire dedicated to the wellbeing of his fellow military vets.
Powell has served as the post’s charge officer for over five years. “He comes to meetings regularly; he goes to conventions to get information that brings back for the veterans, and then he makes phone calls to the veterans — some of them are stateside and quite a few of them are not responding. So we make body calls to make sure that they are up and going in conditions and status,” Daniel said.
Powell said he performs his duties for those in need of assistance and does so as a helpful volunteer. I’ve been instrumental in helping some of our veterans. I’ve helped different people get things done, even though I don’t have all the training,” he said.
More than a dozen legionnaires and members of the American Legion Auxiliary joined the gathering in the Bethany Moravian Church to mark the anniversary.
The American Legion got its start in 1919 in Paris as members of the American Expeditionary Forces. The organization was chartered by an act of Congress later that year. Its mission was to support veterans and their families by offering programs and services, and to focus on veteran’s affairs, American nationalism and national security in an apolitical and nonsectarian way.
Organizers also handed out pamphlets promoting membership in the legion. Daniel said the number of chapter members needs a boost and he asked those attending to help with outreach to military vets living on St. John.
