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American Family Legion- Post 280 Going Strong
Featured Apr 18, 2012
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Peter Douglas III is Post Commander - Photo by Terry Miller
American Family Legion- Post 280 Going Strong
-History Lives Here and Comes Alive Every Day
By Terry Miller
As Memorial Day rapidly approaches, I thought it time to focus on a few good men, and women, in Pasadena.
Recently, I got to know some remarkable people at the American Legion post 280 in Pasadena and tried to figure out what makes this place tick!
I’m not a veteran, nor am I an American citizen but I am a legal, resistered alien with a Green Card! Since I’m British, perhaps they cut me some slack as we are, after all, the strongest of allies. Nevertheless, these men and women welcomed me with open arms and I felt comfortable talking with these individuals , many of whom have not only served their country in many different operations from World War 11, Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, but hold a high reverence for their fellow man. These men and women personify respect.
The old adage of old veterans ( particularly men) sitting around drinking and telling war stories in a dark and dingy bar simply isn’t an accurate portrayal of the American Legion , Post 280 Member Vietnam Veteran Ric Johnson told me. Boy was he right!
The American Legion is a social and mutual-aid veterans’ organization which includes members of the United States armed forces. The organization was founded in 1919 by veterans returning from Europe after World War I, and was later chartered as an official American patriotic society under Title 36 of the United States Code. The organization is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, and also has offices in Washington, DC. The group has nearly 3 million members in over 14,000 Posts worldwide. In addition to organizing commemorative events and volunteer veteran support activities, the American Legion is active in issue oriented U.S. politics.
Its primary political activity is lobbying on behalf of the interests of veterans and service members, including support for veterans benefits such as pensions and the Veterans Affairs hospital system.
However this is a really cold, albeit antiseptic and somewhat clinical explanation of what the organization really is. To understand the Legion one has to get to know the people behind these doors and walls ; those behind the scenes and the people who cook up that wonderful Spaghetti dinner once a month…(All you can eat for $7….try to beat that!)
And no, this not really a private, exclusive club as I have been led to believe all these years. It’s open to anyone as a guest of a member ( i.e. someone needs to sponsor you) and the majority of events held at Post 280 are generally in their large hall and anyone can attend those, often at no charge.
Commander Douglass prepares a meal for retired JPL employees - Photo by Terry Miller
I was privilaged to sit in on one of Post 280’s Executive meetings recently and was very impressed how Commander Peter Douglas 111 conducted said meeting and the considerable thought and respect he gave to each issue raised regarding how the Post spends its limited resources. It should be noted that Commander Douglas served in the United States AirForce from 1968-1972.
A more thoughtful group of men you’d be hard pressed to find – anywhere.
This particular legion has been home, away from home for many a veteran but about anyone is welcome to pop in and experience the American Legion, find out more about the organization and perhaps even join. We caught up with Commander Douglas as he was cooking for 50 retired JPL employees on Wednesday morning.
Food and commraderie are a big part of the Legion’s daily activities. The Legion also puts on a great breakfast once a month and anyone is welcome to stop in for a real bargain and homecooking. Also don’t forget the famous Spaghetti Dinner which is also once a month.
I was truly delighted when I discovered a musical treasure trove last week. Commander Peter Douglass III invited me for dinner, for which I didn’t really have time, but made a casual mention of a Big Band outfit that played there every Thursday. I had to stay for a tune or two! I stayed for perhaps and hour and half.
Being a Jazz fan (as well as a drummer in one of my many other lives), I was intrigued and sat down to watch these seasoned men and women arrive at the legion Hall, set up and start playing one of the great standards. They don’t have roadies or groupies ( at least yet)
These guys are pros, they’ve been around the block and played with the top names in the business like Artie Shaw, and other greats including the Tonight Show Band when Johnny Carson was on the air.
Trumpets, flugelhorns, trombones, guitar , standup bass, a beautiful set of Gretsch drums , saxaphones, flutes and clarinets…wow…what an amazing sound suddenly filled the almost empty hall, dimly lit hall. The tightly executed compositions simply force your attention and get your hands clapping til they’re raw after each solo .
I couldn’t believe no one knew about these guys, I felt as if I had just discoved Count Basie or Glenn Miller.
Big Band every Thursday night courtesy of Ray Atwan and his amazing 15-16 piece big band. Ray’s group typically consists of seasoned musicians from some of the biggest names in music history. This well-kept secret has been going on for about two years Atwan tells me. I was stunned that I was one of a handful of people fortunate enough to witness such amazing talent last Thursday.
I’m coming back here next Thursday for some more of this incredible and group of musicians…they are one cool group of cats. On top of that, the Canteen serves Fat Tire beer, a rather nice and refreshing ale among other libations..
Ok, so it’s not the Ritz….it’s not trying to be, but the talent you’ll see here is better than anything you’ll see at fancy hotels or clubs, to this I can personally attest.
In addition to the great jazz on Thursdays, the Post will host the official Doo Dah Party coming up on April 28. With more great music, albeit of a different ilk.
On this particular Saturday April 28, post parade, you’ll find some legendary Pasadena musicians including Snotty Scotty, The Horses on Astroturf people and of course, lots of local rock star guests not to mention the endless stream of charcters who’ll be strolling in and out of costume throughout the day and evening the last Saturday in April.
Additionally the Canteen bookstore has books and VHS tapes for your enjoyment. A really cool lending library, where you don’t even need to return the items.
The Post also offers early morning movies….and apparently quite a selection.
In addition to being a good neighbor, these people also can offer their hall for rental when not in use. Give em a call for very commpetitive rates.
If I learn one thing in life, it is that human beings have a remarkable ability to be kind to fellow man, and in no place is this more abundantly clear than in the American Legion, Post 280.
To become a member:
If you have served federal active duty in the United States Armed Forces during any of the war eras listed below, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving — you are eligible for membership in The American Legion!
*August 2, 1990 to today(Operation Desert Shield/Storm)December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990(Operation Just Cause – Panama)August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984(Lebanon/Grenada)February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975(Vietnam)June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955(Korea)December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946(World War II)April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918(World War I)
There is also the American LegionAuxilliary:
Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has almost 1 million members from all walks of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is all accomplished with volunteers.
While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest women’s patriotic service organization. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and her ideals
For God and Country, the Legion and auxillary associates themselves together for the following purposes:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America; To maintain law and order; To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism; To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations during the Great Wars; To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation; To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses; To make right the master of might; To promote peace and goodwill on earth; To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy;
To participate in and contribute to the accomplishment of the aims and purposes of The American Legion;
To consecrate and sanctify our association by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Also if you are a son of a former military member, you could be eligible for the distinct honor of Sons of theAmerican Legion. Sons of The American Legion members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership.
They’ve been Chartered since 1922. See what you’ve been missing and learn a little history by visiting your local American Legion and talk to some of your fellow Americans …I’m glad we did.
POST 280 is located at 179 N Vinedo
Pasadena (626) 792-9938
