Brookfield American Legion Post Changing to Attract Members

There was a time when almost every veteran came back from service and joined the local American Legion post or Veterans of Foreign Wars group.

But with the passing of World War II veterans, and the aging of Korean and Vietnam vets, these organizations are looking for new blood. 

David Latimer, commander of American Legion Post 449 in Brookfield, said his organization is feeling the loss of the older veterans. Currently, the post has 793 members, most of them representing the Korean and Vietnam wars. 

"The guys and gals coming back now (from the Middle East) are more interested in resuming their education, getting jobs and reconnecting with family," Latimer said. 

But he is not giving up. He has a two-pronged plan of attack to increase the rolls of Post 449. 

His first action point is to spread the word that the veteran's benefits currently available to discharged military are a result of the hard work from the American Legion. 

"We pressured the legislators to get the post-service benefits we all enjoy," he said. "And we're working to keep them. I spend a lot of time enlightening new vets about our lobbying efforts." 

While many of the newl returning veterans are not concerned about long-term medical or aging benefits, those items will become a priority for them soon enough. 

In addition to his own work, Latimer has pressed into service the Marine and Army recruiters who are member of the post to pass the message along. 

He is also working to change the image of the Legion from one of boring meetings and a place to drink with friends to a spot for a unique night out. 

"I invite all veterans to come to a function, not a meeting. They will find out we're not a bunch of old dudes sitting around sharing war stories," Latimer said.

Not that an occasional tale of battle doesn't come up; it is just that Post 449 has more to offer. 

Latimer is most proud of the newly instituted "Saturday Night Live" dance party. Each week, the post is transformed into a dance hall with bands and music relevant to today's vet. 

"We get started around 7:30 or 8 p.m.," Latimer said. "There's no cover charge and everybody has a great time. Plus, I'm 73 years old and I'm always the first one out there dancing."

The dances will kick off in 2012 on Jan. 8. 

Other functions held at the post include Taco Thursdays from 4 to 8 p.m., the Friday fish fry and a Saturday lunch. These events along with the post's lounge provide many opportunities for veterans and the public to interact.

And the money raised by the events goes toward keeping the post open and spreading the word.

"We go into schools to teach the kids the importance of our military," Latimer said. "We partner with Dryhootch (an Milwaukee-based organization that helps veterans with alcohol and dependency issues) and Fischer House (which provides housing for families while a veteran is at the VA hospital) to provide services to our members."

Latimer realizes that the American Legion can't be everything to everyone, but he knows the Legion can add to a veteran's life.

"We have a new member who just finished three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said. "He came in at Christmas and told me he has his one family at home and his other family here at the Legion."