Rockton American Legion plans fun fundraisers

The Walter Graham American Legion Post #332 raises money in many ways, to give back to veterans and the community. They are located at 221 W. Main St. Rockton, IL 61072.

The Legion invites the public to enjoy brunch on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024  from 8 - 11:30 a.m.

Plans are to have this event once a month, made with love by members of the Legion. Depending on popularity, brunch might become more frequent in the future.

Adults can eat for $15, if purchased  online ahead of the event or at the Legion bar. Kids ages 7-12 are $5, children 6 and under are free. If purchased the day of the brunch, the cost is $20 for adults, and $10 for children over the age of 6.

Established on Oct. 13, 1932, the Rockton American Legion is part of “the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization.” The Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring  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 stays true to this mission. The Auxiliary provides gifts for lady veterans in LaSalle Veterans home at Christmas and Easter time, plus a catered meal once a year. Three local nursing homes or assisted living facilities receive monetary gifts to be used for special occasions. Every year the Auxiliary “Gives 10 for Education.”

The Auxiliary invites everyone to bring your family and friends to an Old Hollywood-Whodunit Murder Mystery Dinner. Join the fun on Saturday evening, Sept. 14. 2024. The cost is $50 per person which includes cocktails starting at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and solving a mystery. Dress your best in evening wear and suits.

Tickets are still available at the American Legion at 221 W. Main St. in Rockton. All proceeds will be used to benefit veterans and deployed service personnel.

In early August, the Legion held its  annual Corn Boil, with food, raffles for prizes and a grand prize cash drawing. It's one of the ways the Legion generates funds to give back to veterans and the overall community. Money that is made on corn boils pays for uniforms, provided for veterans who have passed away.

At the Corn Boil, Kary Krebs announced raffle winners following the spin of the prize wheel. Cash prize winners were Rich Lewis ($2,000) as well as Gene Lynn and Jim Jewell ($500). He also expressed gratitude to all of the business who donated, the Sons of the Legion, Boy Scout Troop 619, the Rifle Squad, Scouts, various volunteers, and the Auxiliary.

Outside of fundraisers, the American Legion supports the community in many different ways.

On April 15 of each year, members of the American Legion Post #332 "Purple Up" in honor of military children.

The wearing of the color purple on this date indicates the color of all military branches combined: Army-Green, Marines-Red, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force-Blue.

Last year three local youth were chosen to receive “Good Deed Awards." These awards were established in 2002 by the Legion's national children and youth committee. Youth who earn this honor are recognized for their heroism and helpfulness.

Another program that is part of Children and Youth is called, “Kids of the Deployed Are Heroes Too.”

Dave and Sue  Johnson, State Chair for Children and Youth, along with the Post #332 Legion Auxiliary, are joined by the Sons, Riders and the Department President to help with summer and winter Special Olympics games in different ways. Legion members extend a helping hand through either monetary donations or snacks for the athletes. Every year the games have a different theme.

Legion member Gordy Justice Jr, donated “Good To Grow” cookies, each featuring different characters or super heroes to younger members.

Everyone is asked to wear red to “Remember Everyone Deployed” on Fridays.

The Sons of the Legion are one of a true family tree. Each has a father or grandfather who has served our country in the military.

The Riders are the motorcycle hub. They donate money to help veterans and support the Rockton Food Pantry by purchasing Christmas gifts to give to children who would not otherwise receive them.

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

The Legion gives out yearly scholarships to deserving Hononegah High School seniors, one of which is the Doc Loomis Scholarship.

Extra $1,000 scholarships are awarded to nursing  students in their junior or senior year of their program. In 2024 the Auxiliary awarded nursing scholarships to Hononegah Community High School graduates Elizabeth Acevedo ($1,000) and Teagan Kenney ($250).

Sophomores or juniors who are planning to teach special education may qualify for a $1,000 scholarship.

Students may also participate in the Legion's essay program on Americanism. Recipients from Illinois have won Nationals twice.

Girls State and Boys State programs also fall under the umbrella of Americanism. These programs allow youth to have the experience of holding an office, and to learn the process of how things work in levels of government and politics, and how laws are made, while working with others.

Students who participate might qualify to win a Samsung American Legion scholarship.

Every year Kary Krebs presents exchange students with an American flag.

Anyone who has any immediate family that has served our country in the military is welcome to join the American Legion. Yearly dues are paid after approval is given. Eligible members also may qualify to receive emergency funds to help cover expenses.