AmericanLegion137.com American Legion Pot 137 Lakeshore Jacksonville, Florida
Title
American Legion Lakeshore Post 137, Jacksonville Florida
The History of Post 137
A group of veterans working at the Naval Air Station, Jacksonville , met together in 1945 to form an American Legion Post. They held meetings on the base until the US Government decided there was some conflict of interest . That area was known as Yukon, so when they moved into a building across from the base, our first name was Yukon American Legion Post 137. Our Club is still doing business as Yukon Legion Club, Inc.
From Yukon, the Post moved into Cumberland Park Housing which was later razed to build Kent Campus of Florida Community College of Jacksonville, FCCJ . For a short time the Post met in the Boone Park Center. Ten outstanding local business men and doctors put up 200 dollars each to purchase the city block along San Juan Ave. from Lakeshore Blvd. to Cedar Creek — four acres for 2,000 dollars . Two Camp Blanding buildings were brought in to form one large building facing Lakeshore.
Under the supervision of Robert M. Lewis, our first Life Member, a volunteer crew erected our first Post Home. The cornerstone was laid at the dedication of our current Post home by Congressman Charles Edward Bennett in 1958 . An addition was built to our present home to house our business office and an executive business meeting room for the Post and Club. The business meeting room is named “The Spencer Room” after the first Commander, Albert I. Spencer, now deceased.
Programs Supported by Post 137
Post 137 maintains many programs for veterans and their families and descendants including, but not limited to:
Sons of The American Legion
The Sons of The American Legion was created in 1932 as an organization within The American Legion . The S.A.L. is made up of males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military and became eligible for membership in The American Legion . Together, members of The American Legion, The American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of The American Legion make up what is known as The Legion Family. All three organizations place high importance on preserving our American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and perhaps most importantly, teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship and patriotism. Sons have always assisted Legionnaires with Legion Family programs.
Auxilliary
The women of the American Legion Auxiliary make a difference in the lives of all Americans. They educate children, organize community events and help our nation's veterans through legislative action and volunteerism. The American Legion Auxiliary is the world's largest women's patriotic service organization with nearly 1 million members in 10,100 communities. Auxiliary members are a unique group of women, joined in the fellowship of volunteerism, patriotism and dedication to veterans, young people and communities.
Boys State
Boys State is a comprehensive one week program in state and local government developed to offer youth a better perspective of the practical operation of government and to show that the individual is responsible for the character and success of his government. Delegates who are selected to attend this program will “learn by doing” as they progress through the various phases of government. As such, it is an activity of high school educational value, born out of the need for youth training and practical citizenship.
Junior Shooting
It’s a three part program that combines the Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards, and Air Rifle Competition. During the past decade of this program’s continued fast growth, thousands of male and female junior shooters have participated, with a prefect safety record of no reported gun-related injuries. Participants in The American Legion Junior Shooting sports Program can be of any gender, through the age of 18. Handicapped youth are encouraged to participate.
Legion Baseball
Since 1925 , The American Legion has sponsored a nationwide youth baseball program. During these past eight decades, millions of young players have enjoyed playing baseball. The American Legion members have raised millions of dollars each year for players to learn the importance of teamwork, discipline, leadership and good sportsmanship.
Legion Riders
The American Legion Riders are members of The American Legion who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They can be found participating in parades, partaking in motorcycling events, and supporting the communities in which they live, work, and play.
ROTC / Junior ROTC
The top leaders in tomorrow’s United States will come from today’s high school and college students. Among them will be those who have increased their chances for success even more by enrolling in the Junior / Senior Reserve Officer Training Corps . They will gain the ability to lead and inspire others to follow. JROTC / ROTC develop these qualities. The American Legion has a challenge to encourage these young Americans to help their country, and to prepare themselves for positions of leadership. The American Legion ROTC Medal Awards were established by National Convention mandate as a way in which The American Legion can show support for JROTC / ROTC programs throughout the nation. It is another way in which the Legion and the schools can work together in the development of our young leaders. The Legion is committed to this worthwhile community service. These medals, recognizing Military and Scholastic Excellence, are available for the presentation to Army, Marines, Navy and Air Force ROTC cadets at any college, university and high school.
Website
Post 137 maintains a website, www.Post137.com. In December 2006 the site was recreated by Jonathan Robert Frank Cooke, Sergeant At Arms of Sons of The American Legion Squadron 137. Harold 'Hal' Helms is the Webmaster, and Adjutant of American Legion Post 137 as well retired US Air Force.
Contact
- Lakeshore Post 137
- 5443 San Juan Ave
- Jacksonville FL 32210 US
-
- (904) 387-3373
