AMERICAN LEGION POST 1758 MANNY BACON

American Legion Boys State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys State was founded in 1935.

At Boys State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Our American Legion post select high school juniors in the top 50% of their school class to attend the program. Expenses are paid by our post.

Venturing is an effective coed young-adult program
designed to improve character, citizenship,
and fitness. Venturers exercise leadership, citizenship, fitness, social, outdoor, and community service.
endeavors. Venturing provides a variety of challenging activities to teach young people ages 14–20 the real-world
meaning of values, ethical decision making,
and life
skills. Venturing teaches leadership and problemsolving
skills to help youths mature into confident,
successful adults. Venturing crews organize around
a special vocation or interest of the youth members.
The specialty clusters include outdoors, sports, arts/
hobbies, youth ministry, and Sea Scouting.

The American Legion supports the Boy Scouts of American Eagle Scout program with certificates of honor.

The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship.

Operation Comfort Warriors is a program dedicated to meeting the needs of wounded, injured or ill military personnel by providing them with comfort items not usually supplied by the government. OCW ensures that patients at U.S. military hospitals and warrior transition units are given items like sweat suits, DVDs, puzzles, electronic devices, books, calling cards and more. OCW also provides larger items such as ping pong tables, entertainment centers, computers, kayaks and other recreational goods for use by wounded warriors in common areas.

Members of our post collect donations in support of St. Judes Childrens Hospital.
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In 2016 the post collected over $2,000 in donations.

The American Legion Junior Shooting Sports Program is a gun safety education and marksmanship program that encompasses the basic elements of safety, education, enjoyment and competition. Junior Shooting Sports is a three-part program that combines the Basic Marksmanship Course, Qualification Awards and Air Rifle Competition into a well-rounded activity. Our post's marksmanship instructor was an US Army National Match Team member and NRA certified.

The Preamble to The American Legion Constitution sums up the theme of the National Endowment Fund, "... devotion to mutual helpfulness." This phrase is more than just mere words on paper; it's our pledge of support to Legionnaires and their family members. Since the early 1920s, The American Legion has been actively involved in meeting the needs of both the community and individual Legion Family members in the wake of disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and wildfires.

American Legion Auxiliary Girls State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government. At Girls State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Girls State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs. Our American Legion post in conjunction with the American Legion Auxiliary selects a high school female junior in the top 50% of their school class to attend the program. Expenses are paid by our post.