Nestled just off Johnson Pond Road, in that weird area that might be Fuquay, Holly Springs, or Apex (somehow) sits a small group of unassuming buildings. The flag blows in the breeze. An old olive drab deuce and a half truck sits nestled behind an old marquee sign listing upcoming events. If you were to drive by you might assume there is nothing remarkable about them. How wrong you would be.
Stepping inside you will find walls covered with plaques, antiques, and memorabilia stretching back to World War II. A handful of men and women sit at the bar watching football or shooting a game of pool. Most are stoic, their memories of days gone by private. One look around and it becomes clear this is unlike any other place in our area. (For this author and veteran, it felt almost like coming home.)
American Legion Post 116 has been a staple of the greater community for years. It is a place where veterans and prior servicemembers can go to commiserate, remember old glories, share a beer, and still be part of something greater than themselves by continuing to serve the community. With just over 1000 members, Post 116 is a special place for many of Wake County’s estimated 85,000 veterans.
The American Legion was born in the aftermath of World War I. Chartered by Congress in 1919, organization was originally a private group for those returning from the grueling trenches of Europe. In the one hundred years since the American Legion has evolved into one of the most influential non-profit organizations in the country. There are currently over 2 million members spread across the country and a handful of international locations.
The founding members are some of the most influential of that generation, from former Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Roosevelt Jr, a host of soon to be Senators, Mayors, and businessmen, to the famed Sergeant Alvin C. York. Every President from Harry Truman to George W. Bush has been a member. The American Legion has also been home to notable actors of the time like Humphrey Bogart and Clark Gable. The current national command is from just up the road in Oxford, North Carolina.
The American Legion has gone well beyond its original intentions. Family members are encouraged to join through the Women’s Auxiliary or the Sons of the Legion group dedicated to anyone who’s parents or grandparents served. Every year the American Legion issues scholarships to deserving teens and comes to the aid of their local communities when necessary. The spirit of continued service is exemplified among its members. While efforts to improve the lives of our veterans and their families continue taking place in Washington D.C. at the national level it is the local posts who perform the greatest role.
Venture down to Post 116’s canteen and you will find someone from every walk of life. There is a family environment here that even guests can feel welcome. Most of you may know about the monthly fish fry, Wednesday bingo, or Christmas craft fare, but the men and women of Post 116 offer so much more to the community.
The youth baseball team is one of the best in the region. Each year Post 116 puts on a classic car show hosted by the Legion Cruisers and you can often hear the roar of engines at the Legion Riders set out on the open road for a long ride. Legion members can be found in the annual Christmas parades, providing a color guard for important events, and placing flowers on the graves of the fallen at the local veteran cemetery on Memorial Day.
Earlier this year Post 116 partnered with the South Wake Amateur Radio Club to host a series of amateur radio classes. This inaugural program was so successful the Post is already planning additional training once Covid restrictions are removed. Post 116 is one of 29 American Legion posts with an amateur radio station.
The scouting program is robust and dedicated to developing our youth. A family atmosphere permeates everyone with an inescapable sense of being part of something greater than self. Once a year the aroma of roasting pork fills the air as the annual Hog Cookoff gets underway. Not only is this a good time for all, but it is also a officially sanctioned BBQ event.
While much of the activity has been slowed or shut down thanks to Covid-19, Post 116 volunteers stepped up to offer a canteen grocery service to needy families as well as hold several blood drives. This is an important moment in our nation and giving back is what the American Legion does best.
The community mission of Post 116 is simple: Since our charter, our American Legion Post has been welcoming VETERANS from all branches of our Armed Forces. Today, we continue to welcome all military personnel serving our country. Joining our Post enables you to continue serving your God, Country and Community Our mission is to implement the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace, and blessings for our country, friends, and families embodied in our preamble.
To the wonderful patriotic citizens of the Fuquay-Varina community. Join our Post as a Booster or sponsor. 100% of the monies raised are given back to the community. Help us to continue sponsoring Scholarships for our children; give aid and assistance to our local needy Veterans and their families. Help us to continue to support financially worthy community programs and projects. Please contact us for more information.
There is a feeling of camaraderie here that many veterans struggle with finding after they leave service. From the gentle ribbing between service branches to the stories shared around the table, Post 116 is a home away from for many. This proud family combines every facet of our society while providing veterans and their family a place to relax, come together, and continue the bonds once established during their time in uniform.
