Rochester American Legion
Local veterans of the United States military have a new resource at hand now that American Legion Post 49 has opened in Rochester.
The post was awarded its temporary charter Feb. 3. Organizers are working hard to enroll new members and complete bylaws so that they can get on with their real mission of assisting veterans in need.
Bob Clark is Rochester’s post commander.
Clark, 50, previously worked with the Rainier Legion post. He has been involved with the American Legion in an off and on capacity since 1999.
“But I’ve obviously jumped in with two feet this time around,” Clark said.
Clark noted that the idea to found American Legion Post 49 came about after a review of requests received by local American Legion posts showed a disproportionate number of cases coming from the Rochester area.
With no local post at that time, veterans and their families were forced to travel to Centralia and Olympia in order to procure assistance. Now that Post 49 is open, that log jam has been cleared.
“We’re here and ready to help the veterans,” noted Clark.
In addition to assisting veterans with their affairs, Clark said that the Legion post is looking forward to sponsoring high school activities, local Boy Scouts and youth baseball teams. Mostly though, American Legion Post 49 is there to help veterans and their families with a wide array of issues.
“They’re from one extreme to the other,” said Clark, explaining the types of services the American Legion can provide. Clark started the list with lawn mowing and quickly moved along to helping with household bills, finding medical care and navigating the labyrinth of paperwork and procedures required to get help at the VA Hospital.
“We’ll help you find these resources,” Clark said.
Although a person must be a United States military veteran in order to join the American Legion, one does not need to be a member in order to receive services. In fact, spouses, including widows and children are eligible for assistance.
“All veterans, no matter what, we will help,” insisted Clark.
The new post commander added, “You’ve got to remember that the American Legion helped start the G.I. Bill and worked to get it passed in order to help all veterans.”
American Legion Post 49 holds meetings on the first Wednesday of every month from 6-8 p.m.
The first hour is reserved as a social hour with food and refreshments provided. The meetings are held at the Rochester Bus Barn in the driver’s lounge, located at 7505 183rd Ave SW, Rochester.
Currently, Post 49 has 22 members enrolled. Any members who register prior to April 1 will have their names added to the permanent charter roll. Most military veterans are eligible to join the American Legion, with a few exceptions set aside by Congress.
Clark encourages anyone with questions about eligibility or how to obtain services to reach out without hesitation.
“I may not always have the answers but I can certainly find them for you,” said Clark, who added that meetings are open to the public as well as children.
To contact the American Legion, send a letter to P.O. Box 984, Rochester, or contact Clark directly at rochesterpost49@gmail.com or (360) 584-5773.
