Today’s Spotlight Story features a combination of two incredible local organizations under the umbrella of The American Legion Family (comprised of The American Legion Post 53 & The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53).

Our local American Legion Post 53 is located at 402 E. Narramore Avenue, Buckeye, Arizona.

Let’s start by defining the difference between The American Legion Post 53 & The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53.

THE AMERICAN LEGION POST 53

The American Legion was founded by an Act of Congress, in 1919, after World War I.

The American Legion is based on 4 pillars of service: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children & Youth. (More on their programs below).

To be eligible for membership, a person must have served in the military during a specific time period with discharge under only honorable conditions.

The American Legion is the largest veterans organization in the United States, with more than 1.6 million members!

At the local level, The American Legion is designated as a “Post.”

Veterans Day Connection

World War I officially ended on November 11, 1918. Which is why Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11th - it marks the date of the armistice, or temporary ceasefire, that ended WWI. The American Legion was founded when World War I ended.

Veterans Day was originally referred to as the Armistice Day holiday which was officially marked as having taken place on November 11, 1918, at 11 AM - “the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.”

THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY UNIT 53

The American Legion Auxiliary (“ALA”) was also founded in 1919. The ALA aims to support The American Legion and is comprised of the male and female spouses, grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and direct (and adopted) female descendants of members of The American Legion.

At the local level, The ALA is designated as a “Unit.”

LOCAL BUCKEYE POST 53 & UNIT 53

A TRIBUTE

I can tell you right now as I sit down to write this, words can hardly capture the depth of dedication our local American Legion demonstrates each day. They are pillars in our community, steadfastly serving in countless ways.

FOR THE LOVE OF OUR COUNTRY

The Legion members represent a generation of patriots who embody a devotion to our country, that, sadly, we may never see again. Their commitment reminds us of an era defined by sacrifice and service.

THE HEART & SOUL OF BUCKEYE

The few interactions I have had with the these Legion members are, without a doubt, the most exceptional people in Buckeye. We’re fortunate to have them investing their hearts and efforts into our community.

I wish I had time to tell the personal story of every individual I have met there.

SUPPORTING THE LEGION

American Legion events at or hosted by Post 53, will always be listed in The Buckeye Buzz. Their gatherings are filled with laughter, warmth and camaraderie, and I encourage you to experience this firsthand.

Why not start this Saturday, with this special event they are hosting:

MY VISIT TO POST 53

A WARM WELCOME

Arriving late to my visit to The American Legion Post 53, I missed the main event (a talent show). Still, I was welcomed with open arms. The members were more than willing to answer my many questions and give me a tour, sharing stories I could’ve listened to for hours.

DISCOVERY THE HEART OF THE LEGION

Before visiting, I had only a vague idea of what The American Legion stood for - knowing they served veterans but not understanding the full scope. As someone with a family history deeply rooted in military service, this was a personal journey. Both of my grandfathers served in WWII, and the love of country and the sacrifices made by those in uniform are part of my family legacy.

GENERATIONAL IMPACT 

My grandfather James’s service in WWII left lasting marks on our family. His wife, my grandmother, Betty, carried the weight of those lonely years with her, and it shaped how she and, in turn, our family approached life. Holidays were never celebrated - “just another day,” as my grandmother would say, a sentiment that has echoed through our family. (Perhaps that’s where the term “generational trauma” originates.)

My grandfather, George, served as Ball Turret Gunner in WWII. His bravery is a family legend - his plane was shot down over Germany and he parachuted to safety, eating his map³ and crawling across enemy lines to survive. His small flight jacket, which none of us could fit into, is a family memento, symbolizing his courage. Among his many honors, he was awarded a Purple Heart and two Silver Stars.

A COMMITMENT TO HONOR OUR SERVICE MEMBERS

From the start of The Buckeye Buzz, I knew I wanted to dedicate space in every issue to honor those who serve and those who support them. This visit to The American Legion Post 53 reaffirmed my commitment to ensure they’re recognized, celebrated and their events publicized.

MY MISSION BEGINS

My visit that night to The American Legion Post 53 was the start of my mission for information about them to feature in The Buckeye Buzz. What I found, far exceeded my expectations and will provide me plenty to share about in future issues. Here’s the overview:

THE BUILDING

The American Legion Post 53 is responsible for the repairs, maintenance, and upkeep of the Post Home at The Buckeye Community Veterans Service Center. The building is completely operated by volunteers. If the doors are open, an event is being held, or the building is cleaned, it is volunteers making it happen. 

FUNDING

The American Legion is a non-partisan, not-for-profit 501(c)(19) organization. Any donations made to the organization are tax-deductible.¹  

As a whole, The American Legion relies on corporate support via sponsorships and donations, and also individual donations. The American Legion receives no money or grants from the federal government.²

THEIR PROGRAMS & OFFERINGS (YOUTH)

Boys State (via Post 53): Teaches operation of local, state and country governments to high school male juniors.

Girls State (via Unit 53): Teaches operation of local, state and country governments to high school female juniors.

American Legion Law Enforcement Career Academy (“ALLECA”): Education about police and military roles in safeguarding our community.

Oratorical Scholarship Program: Knowledge and appreciation of the US Constitution.

Americanism Essay Contest: Teaches students the value of patriotism and what is means to be an American.

American Legion Baseball: Teaches Americanism through sportsmanship.

History of the American Flag: Presentation about the flag’s history, how to fold the flag, and the meaning of the 13 folds.

American Flag Education: Post 53 veterans work with youth throughout the year to teach Flag Education and how to properly retire a flag.

THEIR PROGRAMS & OFFERINGS (ADULT & YOUTH)

Heal Her Art Veteran Outreach (via Unit 53): Arts & Crafts events dedicated to healing.

Mobility Aids for Veterans & the Community: Free use of wheel chairs, walkers and other equipment when needed for disability or injury. They completely refurbish electric wheelchairs, clean them, install a new battery, deliver and pick them up - all for FREE! The only caveat is, when no longer needed, the wheelchairs must be returned to them to regift.

Feed My Sheep (via Unit 53): Free meals for the community at The Post, twice a month (1st & 3rd Tuesday and always listed in The Buckeye Buzz). The cost of the meals on the 1st is donated by Post 53; the cost of meals on the 3rd is via community donations.

 Financial Aid: Financial aid provided to veterans.

Honor Guard (via Post 53): Yearly presentation at the Memorial Day Celebration at the Louise B. Hazelton Memorial Cemetery in Buckeye & at funeral services for veterans by request. The will also be present at upcoming Veterans Day ceremonies.

Fund Raisers: Hosts family-friendly dinners & events at the Buckeye Community Veterans Service Center throughout the year to support veterans, military families, youth and the community.

Parade Floats: Post & Unit 53 floats in Buckeye parades.

Games: Texas Hold’em card game events.

Post 53 Hall Rental: Available to rent for weddings, gatherings, meetings, etc.

BE THE CHANGE

It is my hope that this introduction to The American Legion Post & Unit 53 will inspire you to get involved in our community. After all, it is you, the people of Buckeye, who make this such a special and unique place. I feel so lucky to get to live here!

I am inspired and motivated daily by our community - like all the wonderful people at The American Legion Post 53 - who are being the change they wish to see in the world.

THANK YOU!

It has been an honor to meet you and share this… Thank you! 🇺🇲 

In gratitude for your service to our country,

Do you have a favorite person, place or thing you’d like to see featured here? Email me the details @ [email protected]

1  Please confirm any tax-related donation designation with your own tax professional.

2  While not connected to The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 53 referenced herein, I was happy to see this article on Page 15 in the November 6, 2024, edition of The West Valley View, stating that Cox Charities recently donated $5,000 to support the Arizona American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program. 

3  Correcting this after publication: Apparently, the way I remember the story as my grandpa told it to me, I must have misunderstood and took edible to mean that he ate it. I have now been corrected. The map was not eaten; it’s framed and hanging in my aunt’s house.