Founded in 1944, Mason’s American Legion Joe Barr Post 194 provides a dedicated space for veterans and their families to connect.
“We recognize the unique experiences veterans and their families have had,” former Post Commander John Looker tells us. “Having a physical space where we can gather allows us to support one another.”
Post 194 includes the Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders, who help supply items to support veterans in VA facilities. They also offer Americanism programs, including the Buckeye Girls and Boys State, where rising high school juniors spend a week learning how to run city and state governments through hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, they support TOPPS Soccer, Mason All-Stars Basketball, Challenger League Baseball and offer families post-secondary scholarships.
“Veterans and their families have a unique shared experience of service and sacrifice,” John explains. “The connection we experience during our time of service is difficult to replicate, and our American Legion Post gives us that opportunity to share those bonds in service to one another and our community.”
Veterans service and program funds are raised through annual events like Halloween parties, Super Bowl gatherings, Commander's Dinners and the monthly Sons of the American Legion Breakfast (open to the public). The Auxiliary also holds a garage sale twice a year to support their programs.
“We became Auxiliary members by having a veteran in our family,” explains Marsha Giehls, president of Joe Barr American Legion Auxiliary Unit 194. “We are here to volunteer, work to honor veterans’ service and support each other in the events that we have.”
The Auxiliary will participate in this year’s Veterans Day Program at the Mason Municipal Building. Every year on the evening of Veterans Day, the Post has a ceremony and guest speaker at the city building.
The Post has a long-standing partnership with the City of Mason, joining forces for many public events throughout the years. Mason has a history of supporting veteran community members, dedicating the Mason Veterans Memorial in 2003 and becoming a Purple Heart City in 2020.
“Visiting the Mason Veterans Memorial is a great way of supporting the local veteran community,” John says.
Beyond their many community services, members are most thankful for the rare sense of camaraderie Post 194 offers.
“What I enjoy most about being part of Post 194 is the membership community and the lifelong friendships that have been built,” current Post Commander Patrick Strausbaugh shares. “I appreciate the way we all pull together to create greater experiences for the membership and the public we serve.”
Community members can inquire about eligibility for membership in the Legion, Auxiliary, or Sons of the American Legion. Other ways to offer support include attending their monthly breakfast, donating items for their garage sales and donating to veterans at the VA Hospital or retirement facilities.
“Having a physical space where we can gather allows us to support one another.” - Former Post Commander John Looker
“I appreciate the way we all pull together to create greater experiences for the membership and the public we serve.” - Post Commander Patrick Strausbaugh