Overview
The American Legion is the nation’s largest and most influential, congressionally chartered, non-profit Veterans Service Organization (VSO). Today, it counts nearly 2 million members worldwide who support their communities in more than 13,000 Posts. These Posts are located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, the Philippines, Guam, Mexico and France. Since its founding in 1919, The American Legion has been a staunch advocate for veterans, military members, their families and the communities in which they reside. Its operations are centered around four Pillars of Service: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children and Youth.
Nationally, this includes Final Respects for deceased veterans, help for homeless veterans, helping veterans with VA benefits claims, conducting patriotic and memorial ceremonies, help with community disaster preparedness, awards for high school students, first responders and outstanding community members, high school Oratorical Scholarship Competition, Boys and Girls State educational programs, American Legion Baseball, support for Scouting, Youth Cadet Law Enforcement and Junior Shooting Sports, U.S. Flag protection and education, emergency financial relief for military members and veterans in need thru its National Emergency Fund and Temporary Financial Assistance programs and more. The American Legion’s operations are funded thru member dues and donations. More information can be found on The American Legion’s post 248 website at https://galegionpost248.org/.
American Legion Post 248 was originally chartered in McCaysville in 2002 and later moved to Blue Ridge. It now shares the Veterans Conference Center at 4584 Veterans Memorial Highway with two other VSOs – the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The Post is small, as are the other two VSOs, with approximately 120 members. Its focus is on service to veterans and the community rather than operating a club, restaurant or bar like some other Posts.
In some instances, the VSOs pool their resources to provide support. Examples include:
- The formation of the North Georgia Honor Guard that provides full military honors for deceased veterans including a 21-gun rifle salute, TAPS, and U.S. Flag presentation and conducts ceremonies for national holidays (Memorial Day, 911
- Remembrance, Veterans Day, Independence Day etc.) at the Fannin County Veterans Memorial Park.
- Support for veterans in need (VA claims, emergency funds, medical devices, transportation, home/property maintenance).
- Participation in parades, festivals and other community events.
Flag Etiquette classes, Flag Retirement Ceremonies and Gravesite Placement of Flags. - Nursing home visits and social events for veterans (and other residents), including funding for holiday programs.
- Support for youth programs and activities (FFA, JROTC, Scouting).
To continue these and other services, the Post relies on donations from the community. Any individual, business or organization wishing to donate should contact one of the Post Officers below or simply send their donation via the U.S. Mail. Donations can also be made with debit or credit cards by clicking here.
Post monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. Any veteran or military member wishing to join is welcome to attend. To be eligible for membership, you must have served on federal active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces since December 7, 1941 and have an honorable discharge or are still serving on active duty.
Anyone with questions should contact one of the Post Officers below:
- James C. "Jim" Callender, Commander, 404-216-9491 (cell)
- Charles Yannis, Senior Vice Commander, 702-413-4884 (cell)
- Chris McKee, Adjutant, 386-965-2118 (cell)
Mailing Address for the Post is:
American Legion Post 248
P.O. Box 1154
Blue Ridge, GA 30513