Seeking recruits for Coon Rapids Legion post

Jeff Wheeler, Star Tribune

Ed Carpenter sat at the bar Thursday afternoon in the newly refurbished American Legion Post 334 in Coon Rapids.

A rejuvenated American Legion Post in Coon Rapids beckons younger veterans.

By MARIA ELENA BACA, Star Tribune

Last update: November 10, 2009 - 5:23 PM

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GRAND RE-OPENING

11 a.m.-9 p.m., today, at American Legion Post 334,

11640 Crooked Lake Blvd., Coon Rapids. Lunch, dinner and drink specials, and live entertainment starting at 5 p.m.

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Coon Rapids veterans are hoping a facelift at the American Legion Post will get a new generation to take another look.

At today's "Re-Grand Opening" of Post No. 334, all veterans will get their first drink free. As an added bonus, people who bring in a veteran of the Gulf War, the Iraq war or the war in Afghanistan can get a second drink if their guest becomes a member.

Volunteers have been working to put the finishing touches on a remodeled lounge area, with new paint and refurbished floors and ceilings in time for today's event.

The post saved up more than $4,000 earned over a couple of years of rummage sales, flea markets and other dedicated events. It also had an infusion from the ladies' auxiliary. All of the labor was done by volunteers.

"Generally, it looked really bad," Post Cmdr. Bruce Sanders said of the '80s vintage lounge. "It was to the point where if I had not been a member, I would not have stopped in for a drink."

Now that the project is nearing completion, the hope is not only to stop an outflow of current members, but to make the post a welcoming home for young veterans returning from conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, said Sanders, a Vietnam-era veteran who also is a Coon Rapids City Council member.

"We are an aging group, and we are not attracting the younger veterans as I think we should," he said.

At this point, marketing is all-important, as the post is reeling from several factors, including the effects of the smoking ban and a poor economy. Sanders noted that he testified to the Legislature in favor of the smoking ban, but that the restriction and other factors have had an impact on the post's business.

In addition to the remodeling project, Sanders said the post is looking at other changes to make membership more attractive to young members and their families.

But he said he hopes also to be of service to men and women fresh from military service, either in or out of combat.

"We do see there are young folks who come in and will talk to the old folks like myself, and we can relate," Sanders said. "And there certainly are folks that can talk to them and say, I did the same thing, and here's what I did, to try to help them adjust."

Sanders mused on the friendships he's formed, including one with George Bauman, a Korean War veteran.

"We've got an informal support system at the post, and I guess I'm part of that," Sanders said. "We want to be inviting. That's what this thing is all about."

Maria Elena Baca • 612-673-4409

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