American Legion continues service to the community, with food and more
After serving their country in the armed services, members of Bloomington's American Legion Burton Woolery Post 18 are still serving — lunch and dinner — to members as well as the public.
The Legion, at 1800 W. Third St., is the state's largest post. The generosity of the members ranges from truckloads of food and snacks to the USO to sponsoring a local children’s orchestra to fly to Normandy, France. They give back to the Bloomington community.
Walking into the Legion, patrons experience a warm welcome, delicious smells, and an expansive deck where you can eat affordably. From dedicated staff, regulars who served in Vietnam and volunteers, the Legion runs generous lunch and dinner specials open to the public. Families are welcome on the deck and in the restaurant. The establishment is smoke-free indoors. You can get a glass of wine for $3 and beer on special for as little as $1.50.
Supporting the American Legion
Like many posts across the country, the veterans who come for comradery are aging.
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Workers at the American Legion serve more than food; they give back to veterans who protected our nation.
The menu is smaller than before COVID-19 and manageable during a busy lunch rush. Lunch — from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tueday through Friday — is open to the community, as are most special events, including Sunday bingo and weekend deck barbecues from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Dinner, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, is open to members and guests. The most popular dishes include fried chicken, a prime rib special and a half rack of ribs. The large tenderloin and taco salad are recommended.
Other events at the Legion
Other groups use the Legion’s large venue, including Cub Scout packs and people taking dance lessons. The Cub Scouts learn survival skills and military concepts from the experienced team at American Legion Post 18.
Dance lessons are offered by Sara Dobrin, www.joyofdancestudio.net, for $10 per student for a session. Learn to waltz in October or get instruction on the East Coast Swing next month, Nov. 1, 8, 22, 29. Dobrin also teaches differently-abled dance (Joyful Movers) at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays. For more information, email dance4joySara@outlook.com. The Legion also supports other community groups off-site, including the USO at Camp Atterbury.
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Leaders — Post commander Mike Farris and chairman of the board of trustees Bill Born, USAF retired — discussed the need to recruit the next generations of veterans to become part of the local post. As the members age, it becomes logistically difficult to recruit enough volunteers for the Honor Guard, which partners with Amvets and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 604.
They are open to suggestions regarding events that might attract new members, especially more diverse veterans and women.
Anyone who wants to help support Post 18 and area veterans, can apply for one of open positions in the kitchen, join the Post, or come in for lunch Tuesday through Friday and get to know some of the heroes living in our community.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: American Legion Burton Woolery Post 18 serves community with food, more
