Post 148 Thomas F. Bevins Van Horne American Legion, has for many years supported the mission to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and the community by devotion to mutual helpfulness.Post 148 has existed as an organization for 100 years. During the last 50 years Post 148 has organized meetings, supported community events and fund-raising meals at its current facility located on main street Van Horne.

Recent discussions by current Legion membership has identified major infrastructure needs for the current facility. To guarantee safe use of facility by patrons and legion membership it will be important to address these improvements in the short term.

Annually Post 148 has hosted fish fry dinners to address fund-raising needs. These meals provide funding for many necessary updates to the facility, community sponsorships, and general maintenance of facility. In addition Post 148 Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion have hosted meals and activities in efforts to enhance funding consistency.

With the 50-year mark now near for the current facility two major facility needs have been identified; front facility brick tuck pointing and exterior wall overlay. These enhancements to

the facility will provide for a secure building envelope and more energy efficiency to current utilities. By addressing these needs it would be recognized that improved monthly utilities expense can be better managed. Recent work on the roof of the facility has been completed to prevent further water damage and building degradation.

Post 148 has identified a fund raising threshold of $25,000 dollars to address infrastructure improvements necessary to be able to continue use of current facility for community meals and meetings. This funding threshold amount is necessary to enhance patron attendance, and conduct legion activities in a safe environment.

Please consider attending upcoming Winter Fish Fry Dinners, or Son’s Sandwich Dinners with future dates to be posted. Noteworthy upcoming events include the annual Veteran’s Day Program at the Benton Community MS/HS starting at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, 2023, and Post 148 Legion Auxiliary Soup and Sandwich Luncheon to follow at 11 a.m. at the Van Horne Community Room.

Post 148 will also host a “Fifty Year Facility Celebration” on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, starting at 4 p.m. Legion Hall main street Van Horne, light meal to be provided and cash bar available.

If you are unable to attend a future fund-raising event and would like to donate to the Post 148 Facility Fund please use the self-addressed envelope provided to mail your contribution. Your future attendance at the meals or general donation are very much appreciated! Your continued support will enhance the legion’s devotion to Van Horne Community activities/programs, ability to fund annual Scholarships, and provide for necessary annual facility maintenance.

Post 148 Thomas F. Bevins Van Horne American Legion supports the commitment to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, and promoting strong national security.