LEGION POST LIVES

Emporium's American Legion post will not fade into the history books.

On Tuesday, Jim Smith of Sterling Run volunteered to replace Max Narby as the organization's adjutant, ensuring the future of the Olkosky-Jessop Post 194. Narby and Commander Mick Fapore had announced that they were seeking successors to those two most critical positions.

The Rev. Gary Atkinson of Emporium has also volunteered to help. "I'll do anything that I need to do to make sure this organization carries on," Rev. Atkinson said.

Post 194 has been suffering from a decline in membership for many years. Rolls have dropped from a high of 614 in the 1940s to just over 100 today.

"That's a good membership number for a post that doesn't have a building," Commander Fapore pointed out. Monthly meetings are currently held at the VFW post in Emporium.

As with many other American Legion chapters, Post 194 has seen a drop-off of younger members.

"My hope and prayer is that there are people out there who will step up to the mantle and watch over our veterans," Narby said.

"One of our major problems is that people do not want to serve as officers," Fapore added. "We should have some turnaround in these positions so the same people don't have to do it year after year."

Tuesday's meeting was critical because the post needed to notify American Legion Headquarters of its leadership structure in order to retain its charter.

"The goal is to try to keep this thing going," said Fapore. "We're still looking for officers."

Post 194 was started by a group of local World War I vets. By August 1919, there were 64 members.

Legion membership is open to veterans who have served during wartime, defined as World War II (1940-45), Korea (1950-1955,) Vietnam (1961- 1975) Lebanon/Grenada (8/24/ 1982 to 7/31/1984), Panama (12/20/1989 to 1/31/1990) and Persian Gulf/Middle East, starting on Aug. 2, 1990.

Ramona Joyce from the American Legion's national headquarters told Endeavor News more local posts are using the Internet for camaraderie and even the conduct of business.

"There's now a 'virtual post' in Washington, D. C.," Joyce noted. "A lot of the younger veterans say that's more fitting to their lifestyles. They can join a virtual post with nothing more than a computer and Internet access."

Both Narby and Joyce pointed out the valuable service that the American Legion provides.

"There are so many programs available, including charities, benefits for disabled vets, medical insurance and death benefits for the families of deceased veterans," Joyce explained. "It's all about service to our veterans."