One
evening, soon after our arrival in Independence, I was invited by Walt
Turner to attend an American Legion meeting. I went and liked the fellows
I met and the programs of the American Legion. I joined Mt. Whitney Post
No. 265. This began many years of interesting work in the American Legion.
Besides the other Post sponsored community activities, I was particularly
interested in the Boys’ State and School Awards programs.
I
became involved in the activities of Mt. Whitney Post. Nina joined the Mt.
Whitney Auxiliary and later served as Unit President. In 1958 I served as
Post commander. By this time I was getting involved in the activities of
the 27th district of the American Legion. The district includes the Posts
of Mono and Inyo counties and the Posts in that portion of Kern county
east of the Tehachapi mountains. I served as 27th district commander in
1965, and the following year I served as 3rd area commander. Each year
since 1966 1 have served on a state or national commission of the American
Legion. The work has been enjoyable and the time and effort has been
rewarding.
Ray
Lusher sponsored me as a member of Inyo-Mono Voiture No. 1165 of the 40 et
8, an honorary organization of the American Legion. Inyo-Mono Voiture owns
the best 40 et 8 train in the state. It consists of a “locomotive”
with tender, a gondola, box car and caboose. When assembled it is over 90
feet long, and when on the highway, no more than two units can be hauled
together. We haul the others with our pickups. It has been a big
attraction in many parades. Our train has traveled as far away as Los
Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Reno and many smaller
places. In parades it carries large pictures on the sides of the train
showing some of the beautiful scenic country of Inyo and Mono counties and
we pass out folders of descriptive literature. This train has taken many
prizes throughout the state. I have served as Chef de Gare of our Voiture
and as Grand Conducteur in the state organization.
In
1964. the World War I veterans of the United States organized to improve
conditions for all World War I veterans. As only those who served in World
War I can belong to this organization, our membership grows less each year.
Many of these veterans are “forgotten men” in hospitals. nursing homes
and many live in substandard conditions. Many are lonely, without
families, needing companionship and care. Two Barracks of World War I
Veterans were organized in lnyo county, the Big Pine-Bishop and the Lone
Pine-Independence Barracks. I joined the Lone Pine-Independence Barracks
No. 415. The function of our Barracks, is largely social and looking after
the needs and welfare of our Buddies. We meet in the daytime, in the homes
of members, and each meeting is followed with light refreshments and
companionship. The average age of our membership. now, is above 80 years.
I am one of the youngest and am currently the commander.
{*Copied without permission from Saga of Inyo County
©1977 by Chapter 183, Southern Inyo American Association of Retired
Persons.}
