Veterans are a growing population in North Augusta.
American Legion Post 71 has 442 active members alone, said Ron Price, the membership chairman for the Post.
Many times the upcoming Nov. 11 celebration of Veterans Day is regarded as a time to celebrate the seniors who have served our country. The same concept goes for military organizations when it comes to recruiting the young.
The term "veteran" refers to those who have served, including active duty military. It's the young active duty crowd that groups like American Legion tries to get involved in their organizations.
Price said military groups get a reputation for being an older crowd, but that's not the image they prefer.
While the average age of a Post 71 member is 63 years old, their youngest member is 30, he said.
"My goal every year is to at least get 10 new members," said Price.
He said he'd like to have more than 10 but that goal is not always met and recruiting is difficult.
"We've had a steady growth in new members, but our overall numbers haven't changed much," he said, stating that they have lost many of their World War II veterans to "Post Everlasting" in recent years.
Post Commander Bob Ramsey said there are about 100 WWII veterans with the Post who are the "real heart" of the organization.
"In past years they have contributed untold hours of service to our Post and to our community. However, due to age and physical frailties, many of these dear members are no longer able to participate fully in many of our activities," Ramsey said. "Post 71 has intensified its efforts to recruit younger members to pick up the load of community service that can no longer be done by our senior members."
Through job fairs and pushing the community service aspect of the organization the Post tries to recruit younger veterans, Ramsey said.
Price said he's not worried about membership to the Post in future years because the now young crowd will join as they get older, but that it would be great if more joined at an early age.
"American Legion is a lobbyist group for our military retirees and active duty. Like any lobbyist group you're only as strong as your numbers. So obviously the stronger or larger population we have with the American Legion, the louder voice it gives the American Legion in making sure our benefits are taken care of," Price said. "
Price said younger veterans near their early 20s are more carefree than older veterans, but joining a military organization doesn't require a lot of their time and gives them an outlet to serve the community and their predecessors.
"It's easy to take, but it's always better to give back," Price said.
Reach Crystal Garcia at crystal.garcia@northaugustatoday.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Veterans Day Celebration
WHEN: 11 a.m. Nov. 11
WHERE: Wade Hampton Park on Georgia Avenue
WHAT: Keynote speaker will be John Curry, the deputy to the garrison commander at Ft. Gordon; presentation by the North Augusta High School Navy JROTC drill team; and music by the Ft. Gordon Navy/Marine Choir and the North Augusta High choir
