Welcome
Welcome to the internet home of the Gilbert C. Grafton American Legion Post 2 of Fargo, North Dakota. Here, you will find all the latest information on the happenings of Post 2 located in historic downtown Fargo. The post is alive and well and contributing to the community!
American Legion Department Convention
Grand Inn, Minot, North Dakota
June 23-25, 2017
to see the most up to date schedule of events for the Department Convention taking place in Minot!
The 164th Infantry Regiment World War II Memorial Rededicated on Flag Day
American Legion Post 2 performed a rededication ceremony for the 164th Infantry Regiment World War II Memorial on Flag Day at Lindenwood Park. Post 2 Commander, Christopher Hanson of Fargo officiated over the ceremony. The event featured remarks by Dave Piepkorn (Fargo City Commissioner), Sylvan Melroe (Memorial Relocation Lead), Joel Vettel (Fargo Parks Director), and Vern Fetch (President of the 164th Infantry Association). Speeches were followed by a rededication of the monument and honors to all 164th Infantry Soldiers who have passed over the years.
The 164th Infantry Monument was originally erected on the northeast corner of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street in Fargo on a plot provided by Gilbert C. Grafton American Legion Post 2, in front of their building in downtown Fargo. The granite monument recognized 216 men who were called to active duty in 1941. The men were assigned to Bravo Company and Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 164th Infantry Regiment, North Dakota National Guard. During over four and a half years of activation, these Soldiers proved that on the fields of international conflict, a citizen Soldier could excel and could meet the best the enemy had to offer and could prevail. They served North Dakota and the United States with distinction and honor. And they provided North Dakota and its military with an unequaled record of accomplishment.
The 164th Infantry Regiment was an outstanding military organization that accumulated over 600 days of jungle combat in numerous locations and battles, most notably Guadalcanal in October of 1942. Among their many decorations were five Distinguished Service Crosses and a Navy Cross. They suffered an astounding 50% casualty rate including 325 who did not return.
The monument was originally dedicated by Major General Alexander P. McDonald, the North Dakota Adjutant General at that time, on October 24th of 1987. The monument served as a reminder to the community of the young men who assembled in North Dakota on a cold February of 1941 and set off to serve in World War II.
After nearly 30 years calling the intersection of 3rd Avenue and 5th Street its home, a decision to move the monument was made. Post 2 had sold their downtown building and was in the process of moving to their new home. The choice was made to seek out a new appropriate home where all could continue to view and admire this beautiful monument. Under the supervision of Adjutant Sylvan Melroe and with the cooperation of Fargo Parks, arrangements were made and agreed upon to move the monument to Lindenwood Park. And through generous donations by L. Gnoinsky Concrete/Construction, Inc. Aggregate Industries of Fargo-Moorhead, and Dakota Moument Company with cooperation and coordination with the Fargo Park District, the monument was removed from downtown, given a good cleaning, and placed at Lindenwood Park in early November of 2016.
Military Night at the RedHawks
The RedHawks will host a Military Night on Thursday, June 29th! CLICK HERE for more information!
And as an added bonus, Post 2 members Christopher Hanson, James Landman, and Steven Fraase will be singing the National Anthem at this game!
Installation of Officers
American Legion Post 2 nstalled their 2017-2018 officers during their regular Post Meeting this past Tuesday, June 6th at the Hector Business Park. District 1 Commander, Larry Reed of West Fargo officiated over the ceremony.
The incoming officers for Post 2 include: Commander- Sylvan Melroe, First Vice Commander- Larry Lein, Second Vice Commander- David Johnston, Adjutant- Christopher Hanson, Finance Officer- Tommy Tolman, Sergeant at Arms- Jeff Hett, Assistant Sergeant at Arms- James Torkildson, Historian- John Chatelain, and Chaplain- Wayne Wermager. Executive Committee members are: Brad Aune, Hank Deyle, Lynn Forde, Michele Olson, and Ron Matthews.
The newly installed officers will begin their terms on July 1st.
Location Change for Post Meetings
All Post Meetings beginning with our June meeting will take place at the Hector Airport Business Park (the old Hector Terminal located at 1801 23rd Avenue North, Fargo). Going forward, this site will be the permanent meeting space for American Legion Post 2.
Meetings and events had been occurring at the Fargo Air Museum for the past six months, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the location for events and meetings has officially changed back to the Hector Airport Business Park.
Post 2 at the Fargo Marathon
Post 2 Executive Committee members Larry Lein (left) and Dave Johnston (right) along with Sergeant at Arms Jeff Hett (center) represented the American Legion at the Fargo Marathon during the the 5K Heroes Run and Walk yesterday! The trio of racers were representing the Post 2 Color Guard. Outstanding job, gentlemen!
Air Force JROTC Awards
Congratulations to Dakotah Hoselton and Brooklyn Klein of AFJROTC, Fargo Public Schools! Dakotah received the American Legion JROTC Military Excellence Medal while Brooklyn received the American Legion JROTC Scholastic Excellence Medal! Both awards were sponsored by Post 2 with Past Commander Michele Olson presenting the awards!
Bison Battalion ROTC Awards
Check out some photos of Post Commander Christopher Hanson and Adjutant Sylvan Melroe presenting ROTC Awards to the Bison Battalion back on February 11th!
The following awards were presented that evening:
Military Excellence Medal- Cadet Andrew Johnson and Cadet Gregory Groesbeck
Scholastic Excellence Medal- Cadet Seguy Tchakounte and Cadet Devin Bykonen
American Legion Post 2 Outstanding Cadet Saber- Cadet Kyle Bogart
Almost Sunrise Documentary
Please take some time to learn about the Almost Sunrise Documentary.
Their passage is one of redemption, an outer transformation and inner awakening brought on by a rediscovery of the power of community, bringing these young men out of their battered psyches and into a renewed sense of relationship with the people and world around them.
Learn more here by visiting these Almost Sunrise Documentary websites: www.sunrisedocumentary.com, www.pbs.org/pov/almostsunrise/
First Vice Commander Mike Haugen, Commander Christopher Hanson, and Eastern Region Vice Commander Larry Lein tie up some loose ends at the of their first Post Meeting at the Fargo Air Museum.
Our First Post Meeting at the Fargo Air Museum
Last night, we conducted our first meeting, hopefully of many, at the Fargo Air Museum! We were pleased with the atmosphere and setting of the location and we're excited to build on this as we head into the future.
Post 2 enjoyed several decades of meetings at the old downtown location, and we want to build over time the same feeling and comfort here at the Fargo Air Museum that many Legion members past and present felt over the years prior. We are confident that this new meeting space will fit the bill and we hope that it will attract more of our Post 2 members to attend a meeting to learn what's new in Post business and activities.
Remember, we meet the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 at the Fargo Air Museum. Mark it on your calendars and we'll see you next month!
Christopher Hanson
American Legion Post 2
Post Commander, 2015-2017
Veterans Service Officer Tom Webb (left) observes as Veterans Service Officer Supervisor Bryan Watters (center) accepts a donation from Commander Christopher Hanson (right).
Post 2 Presents a Check to the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
Last night at the February Post Meeting, Commander Christopher Hanson presented a check for $850.87 to the North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs to to go into the North Dakota Support Our Veterans Fund! This fund was the Commander's Project for his 2015-2016 membership year. Present to accept the check was NDDVA Veterans Service Officer Supervisor Bryan Watters (also a Post 2 member) and Veterans Service Officer Tom Webb.
The North Dakota Support our Veterans Fund was established to provide resources for emergency needs of North Dakota veterans and their eligible dependents. Emergency needs of veterans may include but are not limited to dental care, vision, hearing, housing, transportation for medical treatment and other special needs as approved by the Fund Advisors.
We're happy to know that this money will be put to good use aiding veterans and their families and hope to make a donation sometime again in the near future!
News
New District 1 Leadership for Membership Year 2018
Post 2 is proud to announce that two of their members were selected tonight to serve as the incoming leadership of District 1! Christopher Hanson was selected as District Vice Commander (Elect) and Michele Olson was selected as District Commander (Elect) for membership year 2018!
From the National Commander
CLICK HERE to read the latest from our National Commander Charles Schmidt.
Post 2 Baseball
Be sure to get outside this summer and take in a Post 2 American Legion Baseball game at beautiful Jack Williams Stadium! CLICK HERE to see their schedule!
A Story Under Each Headstone
Legion Family and USAA leaders remember the fallen at Brittany American Cemetery. CLICK HERE to read more on this story.
Who Will Fill Our Shoes?
American Legion national commanders asks members of the NEC who is going to carry the organization into the next century. CLICK HERE to read on.
National Poppy Day Supports Veterans, Honors the Fallen
The American Legion Family leads the effort to keep all who served front and center. CLICK HERE to read more.
Playing Patriotism
World War II veteran and Legionnaire Bruce Benson sounds taps every night at sunset to honor his late wife and fellow military veterans. CLICK HERE to read the rest of this story.
Hawaii Fights to Save WWI Memorial
The Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium has fallen into disrepair. Now the Legion and preservationists are trying to save it from being torn down. CLICK HERE to read more.
Purple Heart Lie Results in Six Guilty Verdicts
A former Holly Springs police officer was found guilty Tuesday of falsely claiming he was a Purple Heart recipient four years after an investigation showed he lied about his military affiliation. CLICK HERE to read more.
Vietnam Veterans Day: An Unforgettable Medal of Honor Message
The President signed legislation honoring Vietnam Veterans Day, and a speech about coming home- CLICK HERE for more.
An "Ideal Setting" to Honor a Veteran
Post 27 in New Hampshire hosted a ceremony for a World War II veteran who received medals earned decades earlier. CLICK HERE to read on.
"They Served Each Other"
At a World War I centennial event, our American Legion national commander praised the generation that fought the Great War and founded The American Legion. CLICK HERE to read more.
Seabees Celebrate 75 Years of Successes
The Seabees have played a role in every U.S. conflict since World War II, providing national security, alleviating humanitarian crises and responding to natural disasters. CLICK HERE to read more.
America's Military is Losing Its Technology Edge
The global war on terrorism and reduced defense spending have taken their toll, even as rival nations are modernizing their forces. CLICK HERE to read on.
National Commander Used Legion Legacy to Advance Legislative Agenda
National Commander Schmidt testifies before joint session of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs committees. CLICK HERE to learn more!
OMW Delivers Largest Grant to a VA Facility in Two Years
The New Mexico VA Health Care System in Albuquerque received $10,000 for the purchase of needed items for its veterans. CLICK HERE to read more!
The 9/11 Never Forget Exhibit
We're working to help in the efforts to bring this incredible exhibit to West Fargo at the Red River Valley Fair this summer. Stay tuned for more details. But, for now, go check out the information on the 9/11 Never Forget Exhibit. It's worth your time. CLICK HERE to learn more!
VALOR at NDSU
VALOR (Veteran Alliance Organization) was created to improve the campus climate for military and veteran students at North Dakota State University. The concept is to create a network of ADVOCATES made up of staff, faculty, and administrators at NDSU who are identified to our veteran students as people that they can go to for guidance and direction.
VALOR materials and training opportunities provide:
- An understanding of military culture.
- An understanding of potential issues student veterans face.
- An awareness of the resources available to student veterans on and off our campus.
VALOR is sponsored by American Legion Post 400 and an Advisory Board that provides guidance and oversight.
Questions on the program can be directed to Commander Christopher Hanson or Past Commander Brad Aune, both who are Advisory Board members of VALOR.
New Mexico Man Admits Stolen Valor Charge
Anthony Gambino, 43, has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and violating the Stolen Valor Act. CLICK HERE to read more.
Department of Maryland Legionnaires Attend a Sendoff Ceremony
Department of Maryland members show support to 200 National Guard troops headed to the Middle East for nine months. CLICK HERE to read more!
Legion Assessing Damage in Storm-Ravaged Georgia
Tornadoes killed at least 15 in state, caused $100 million in damage. CLICK HERE to read more.
"We're Saving Lives"
After a brutal cold spell hit Portland and caused multiple deaths, Legion Post 134 set up a warming shelter that has housed more than 20 area residents each night. CLICK HERE to read more.
Appeals Modernization, Choice Program, Cannabis Research
New American Legion Legislative Director Matthew Shuman talks key issues facing veterans on Capitol Hill. CLICK HERE to read more.
Why Join the Legion?
Looking for good reasons to join or convince someone to join the American Legion? Wondering if it would be worth it to start up again after letting your membership lapse? CLICK HERE to read more about why you should join us in our mission and cause!
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