American Legion Post #332 corn boil sees record high attendance

A non-stop flow of friends, families, and community entered the Rockton Center (American Legion) on Sunday, Aug. 3, to support the great works of the Walter Graham American Legion Post #332 at the 2025 corn boil. An estimated 506 people were served in a little under four hours.
This year marked the 62nd year of this popular tradition brought to the public by the Legion's Rifle Squad.

Lively conversations were heard as everyone enjoyed all-you-can-eat sweet corn, pork chops or brats, and tomatoes, which were offered until they ran out.

Corn boil Co-chairs were Jim Griffin and Kary Krebs.

Behind the scenes, members of the American Legion Post #332 worked to ensure that this year’s corn boil was another great success.

A number of volunteers did prep work, starting with shucking corn.

Legion Auxiliary members helped the day before, cleaning and setting up tables. Numerous members prepared or served food at the event.

Local Boy Scout Troops made the event run even smoothly by continuing the tradition of volunteering in different capacities.

Co-Chair Kary Krebs kept the energy rolling as he announced raffle winners following the spin of the prize wheel.

Extra fun was had as a 50/50 raffle was held, along with ongoing prize raffles where winners won awesome items.

Many took a chance on winning one of the top three prizes in a Grand Prize drawing.

The First Place Grand prize raffle winner of $2,000 was Shanon Ungaro. Second and third place winners were Belinda Lawson and Magee from Beloit. Each won $500.

Money made from this event pays for uniforms. The Legion post pays for these to honor Veterans who have passed away.

Established on Oct. 13, 1932, The Rockton American Legion’s mission is stated as “The nation’s largest wartime Veterans service organization.”

The Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in communities while advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

The Walter Graham American Legion Post #332 serves year-round. They lead parades regularly.

The Legion gives out yearly scholarships to deserving Hononegah Community High School seniors.

During Honors Night at HCHS, American Legion Exchange students are presented with an American flag.

Boys and Girls State gives youth a unique chance to discover a deeper understanding of the political process and structure of state and local government through interactive simulations and learning experiences.

Various branches of the post make up a true family tree.
The sons of the Legion each have a father, or grandfather who have served our country.
The Riders are the motorcycle hub who generate funds that are used in different ways.
They donate money to help Veterans and support the food pantry by purchasing Christmas gifts to give to children who would not otherwise receive them.

Riders do rides, and benefits such as “Operation USA.”

Legionnaires, Sons of the Legion, the Riders and the ladies Auxiliary give back million dollars per year to honor the legacy, helping children go on to college who have lost a parent killed in action, or who are on active duty combat.

Students may also participate in the Legions essay program about our Government. Recipients from Illinois have won Nationals twice.

The Post supports Vets Roll by giving a generous donation each year.

The Legion family has given back to the RMF Foundation, set up in loving memory of Corporal Ryan Masters. The foundation was created to help assist Marines during their transition back to civilian life and to increase suicide awareness.

Special events have been held to honor all who are serving in or have served in Iraq or Afghanistan.

The Legion is also a strong supporter of the Special Olympics.

The Ladies Auxiliary is a service to our Military Veterans and their families on active duty.

The Auxiliary is a strong proponent of education.
They donate school supplies to Rockton Schools through the “Give 10 for Education” program. They have expanded support this year with financial donations and have made four backpacks full of supplies for either students in need or new students.

Additionally, the Auxiliary bought extra supplies to donate a bag to each school, plus an extra $30 gift certificate to Walmart to buy things the schools might need.

Nursing and educational scholarships have been awarded to students at Hononegah or South Beloit.

Past fundraisers done by the Auxiliary include “The Little Black Dress event, craft fairs, and last year organized a Murder Mystery Dinner.

Year round meat raffles are held on Sunday's.

The money that was raised from these events is used to assist veterans, families, and the community organizations that are oriented to helping veterans.

Lady Veterans in LaSalle Veterans Home have been given Christmas and Easter gifts, plus a catered meal once a year, per a donation from the Auxiliary. Three local nursing homes, or assisted living facilities, receive monetary gifts to be used for special occasions.

Anyone who has immediate family members who have served our country is welcome to join the American Legion. Yearly dues are paid after approval is given. Eligible members also may qualify to receive emergency funds.