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LOCK HAVEN -- American Legion Post 131 is in need of young members.
As time goes on, the Lock Haven American Legion is in a state of limbo. As most members are a part of older generations, a growing concern for its future is at stake.
However, new Post Commander Jae Gettig is optimistic in rebuilding the post to its glory days. He is a retired first sergeant with 37 years of military experience and has been a legion member for just as long. He has also been vice president and president of the labor organization in Pittsburgh and Johnstown.
"I have been around the block," he joked. "I have been on the board of directors for the chapter in Johnstown. I have been to Washington D.C. more times than I can count."
Since his enactment as post commander, it has been a prerogative of his to improve the reputation of Legion Post 131.
"This post has had a bad reputation for years," said David Shadle, the District 16 Commander and vice-commander for The Sons of the American Legion. "We have had a rough go in the past, so it really hit the public that this is the place they want to stay away from. With Jae coming on board, Dori (Schenck) is back in it, the auxiliary is strong again. We are working as one as a legion family, trying to bring us back to what it used to be and trying to get the recognition back in."
In order to help bring back current members and bring in new ones, it begins with cosmetics. Gettig is attempting to rebuild the legion up to its glory days -- adding more outdoor seating, smoking spots, landscaping the grounds and improving the exterior looks of the building.
"It's just little cosmetic things you have got to take care of outside before you take care of the inside, too," Gettig said.
From there, he plans on renovating the interior, improving the looks inside -- adding more flags, new ceiling tiles, new walls and more.
According to Shadle, post members of legions are becoming less and less. Without new and younger members, the post will cease to exist. It is becoming a common reality today that legions are closing due to low membership and younger interest, current members say.
"The big thing with it is, your post members of legions, they are a dying breed," Shadle said. "They’re not getting any young people to back the post and if you don't have the post, you will lose your Sons and auxiliary because we charter underneath them. If we can't get new people, especially military or retired military, it crushes legions every other day."
Members of the post do not necessarily have to be currently in service or a veteran. Family members of service men and women are allowed to join. For those interested, the post holds its meetings every second Tuesday of the month.
"We are here and we are trying to move forward in making things better. We have a lot of up and coming ventures going on," Gettig expressed.
The American Legion will be holding a blood drive on Jan. 29 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Donors must be 16 years or older and must show two forms of ID.
For more information about The American Legion or if interested in becoming a member, visit their Facebook at Lock Haven American Legion Post 131 or call them at 570-748-7414. They are open daily from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.