The American Legion was established in 1919 by Congress as an organization for veterans. It started as a group of veterans from World War I and grew into one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in the United States. The Legion’s main focus is on serving veterans, servicemembers, and communities.
At the Arcata Veterans Memorial Building, established in 1930, Arcata Post 247 of The American Legion seeks to build a strong community within Humboldt County that assists Veterans in reintegrating, and reestablishing themselves into the civilian world. Our intent is to enrich the community and surrounding environment through positive actions by creating connections between Veterans and our neighbors. We support and uphold the importance of civil good-faith dialogue between parties of different opinions and perspectives. We honor and welcome the opportunity to learn from persons of all backgrounds and to engage meaningfully with all in building common ground. Through outreach, education, and mentoring, we wish to honor Veterans and the community by expressing American values defined by our beautiful and diverse county!
We are a 501(c)19 veteran-owned non-profit organization led by executive and apppointed officers.
Post 274 Officers
Phillip Nicklas
Mark Wriggle
Richard Jordan
Heather Kilgore
Dan Wilkinson
Vacant
Heather Kilgore
Tom Lukins
John Mitchell
Executive Officer Duties
Post Commander
The Commander is the Chief Executive Officer of the Post and shall supervise, lead and manage the Post and its Officers.
First Vice Commander
The First Vice-Commander holds the position of the Chair of the Membership Committee. They are responsible for taking on the role and responsibilities of the Commander when the Commander is not available to perform their duties.
Second Vice Commander
The Second Vice-Commander is responsible for temporarily assuming the duties of the First Vice-Commander or Commander.
Finance Officer
The Finance Officer shall be the Chair of the Finance Committee, and responsible for overseeing the financial records of the Post.
Sergeant-at-Arms
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall preserve order at all meetings and shall perform such others duties as may be from time to time assigned to him by the Commander.
Chaplain
The Chaplain shall be charged with the spiritual welfare of Post members and will offer divine but non-sectarian service in the event of dedications, funerals, public functions, etc., and adhere to such ceremonial rituals as are recommended by the National or Department Headquarters.
Appointed Officer Duties
Adjutant
The Adjutant is responsible for supporting the post with administrative duties, keeping a full and correct records of all proceedings and all meetings, preparing necessary reports for the Post, and under the direction of the Post Commander handle all correspondence of the Post.
Judge Advocate
The Judge Advocate shall advise the post officers on all legal matters including the construction and interpretation of the Post Constitution and By-Laws, and to perform such other duties as are usually incident to the office.
Service Officer
The Service Officer duties shall be generally that of: coordinating all Post veteran’s assistance programs; assist in processing veteran’s claims; and protecting the rights and privileges of all veterans, their dependents and survivors.
Guiding Documents
Preamble
The American Legion (National)
FOR GOD AND COUNTRY WE ASSOCIATE OURSELVES TOGETHER FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:
To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America;
To maintain law and order;
To foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism;
To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;
To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;
To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
To make right the master of might;
To promote peace and goodwill on earth;
To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Arcata Veterans Hall 