The American Legion
Reviews and Complaints

I was given a paid for life member card about 10 yerrs ago. the commander sent a letter that they will no longer continue to honor

I have been a member for 43 years .

post 490 Castle Shannon Pa. 15234

my id # [protected]

another ref. # that I have sent requests for help 3 times and no response

90598

Thanks Ron Holmes

[protected] me my phone is hard to answer

[protected] Peggy always answers

Due to life events, I let my membership laps. When I renewed, I was unable to join the 472 due to a post suspension. After investigating, I learned that the old Commander has allegedly stolen membership money. We get no help from National, Department or District. Department placed the woman responsible for the suspension in charge. Please help 472 get its standing back. We have voted out the personnel responsible for the issues. Someone of authority needs to reach out to our new Post Commander elect. There were threats made that if the membership voted out the old commander, District would make sure to shut down our post. They kept their promise and shut us down without regard to the rules set forth by Department.

March 22, 2023 9:30pm American Legion Post 461

I have been working on a new honor roll for the 3 months. This particular officer has been harassing me with his negative opinions outside of the meetings and bringing my personal family into it. This evening, he again started on me and I told him NO MORE! He called me an [censored] very loudly which everyone including the bartender heard. I walked away and ignored him. As he left, I followed him outside the bar and I asked him to please stop talking about my family and take his opinions and concerns to the meeting. He got heated again and that’s when the bartender came outside, grabbed me and said I attacked an officer. I never touched him at all. He continued to call me an [censored] again! She told me to leave, I have since been banned from this legion. I have spoke to the President and he acts like it’s no big deal says he will talk to the bartender, that I’m not banned. What kind of establishment allows an officer to degrade members, other veterans, and the bartender to attack the members? I’m doing an upgrade to an honor roll for veterans and the local Legion has officers like this? I look forward to advise on this matter.

Harry Ollrich American Legion Post 4 - Mt Clemans MI

I attended one the weekly euchre tournaments held at this post. Been there a few times over the past 5 yrs. I play in weekly tournaments all over metro Detroit, I am an avid euchre player. While playing the last game of the tournament, the 7th District commander named August Miele (Augie) verbally accosted me. (I am a female, age 44) It was in a disagreement over whether or not they euchred me and my partner. I said they didn't. He was adamant they did. But all the cards/books had been collected and he was shuffling by then. We called over the person in charge of the tournament and he said to re-play the hand. He was shouting and attempting to be very intimidating to me (works with most of the crowd there) and by this time I had lost patience. I shouted over him and said "well I disagree!" He said he will bar me and pointed to the exit. Told me to get out! He said he was second in command there! I said I don't care! I refused to leave and we continued to play the rest of the game. At the end of the game I went over to my fiancé and was talking to him and he from across the room shouted to me to GET OUT! I refused to leave until the payouts from the tournament were completed. He approached me in a very intimidating way, in my face and said he will call the cops. I said go ahead, I am not leaving until the end of the tournament. He stomped over to the bar and shouted for the bartender to call the cops. After the results were announced I left. It was not only 5 mins after he demanded the cops be called. So he wasted the police time...

Also, I am not the only euchre player to be thrown out of this post. I know of 2 others that are in the metro Detroit euchre circuit that have been barred as well.

For such a highly ranked official his behavior and conduct was appalling. He brings shame to the American legion.

I have been a member since December 2021. Since joining, I have experienced sexual harassment from one particular member who is famous for his frequent, constant attempts to get with the women in the post. He is a loud, blatant, 77 year old white man and makes it no secret he wants sex. Another member has been verbally abusing me trying to force me into a confrontation. He has publicly referred to me as less than a woman and other degrading comments and behavior. In November 2022, he called me a Stripper in front of other members. I have filed 3 written sexual harassment complaints against both men. I did nothing to encourage this behavior. I was performing well as a member by volunteering, serving on boards, producing events and trying to bring positivity to the post besides it being a "do drop in" for horny old men (Black or White) who want a drink and possibly sexual opportunities. I was enjoying my membership. I was a proud member where I wore my legionnaire cap to events and activities with a beaming smile on my face. Now that I will not succumb to these men, "I" am the [censored], the slut, the female member that is pointed out as "the stripper." I submitted my sexual harassment reports all the way to the National office. At each level, I am told the post can do what ever they want to do and these levels have no control over it. That was a major shock to me when there is an article featured online where the American Legion partnered with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand to go after the military for their mishandling or ignoring sexual harassment complaints. How is that possibgle? The American Legion goes into someone else's house and tell them to clean up their act when they themselves are the poster child for sexual harassment against its female members and forcing them out of the organization if they don't comply. Not only was I a member, but two of my sons joined through my recommendation. The post constantly complained of low membership and not only did I bring in members, I brought talent. One son offered to update and enhance their social media presence (for free), my other son has already done some photography work for them (for free) and was willing to come on board and be the post photographer, and I was already demonstrating my excellent administrative skills by typing contracts, creating business flyers for recruitment events, etc. (for free). I had been offering my services to help them write policies, job descriptions and even meet any administrative needs the post had (for free). None of that was welcomed... just sex. Expectedly, both my sons have quit the post because they want no affiliation with an operation that abuses their mom or women in general, especially Black women. I believe the post was trying to encourage a confrontation from my sons in hopes they could add their names to the horrible things they were saying and calling me. My offenders are bragging about how they got away with it. I cannot go back to my beloved post and serve. I am heartbroken because my Post Commander and Executive Committee did not keep me safe. One of my abusers lied to the District using the "Bro Code" and convinced him to ignore my complaint and not take any action on either complaint. The State level was very angry with me for bothering them with my issue and told me that it is not within their level to get involved but also told me to expect retaliation if I decide to go back. In my reports, I have submitted a Statement of Charges against the most of agressive of the two abusers. The document has been ignored at all levels (District, State of Georgia and National). I have been forbidden not to reach out to the National office by the State Adjutant and I considered that a threat based on the way he told me. Everyone in the decision-making process has been males. There is not one female in the entire American Legion that would support me on this matter. I am 67 years old and I weigh less than 140 pounds. I must be prepared to physically fight one of those men if I go back there. The National level got very angry and accused me of forcing them to break the law by asking them to intervene. I have now had to step away from an environment that I loved, enjoyed and cared about. I was progressing... doing what I do so well, bring positive actiivties to the post. They were not interested in anything I could contribute except my body. Women, especially Black women, are not welcome at the American Legion. Sexual harassment is very strong and it represents the culture of the American Legion. Throughout my fighting this matter every man has said (offline) that had the man who called me a Stripper done that to his woman, there would be no need for a complaint. He would have taken care of it himself. Well, I am a single woman and I needed that same protection from all the "big talking, behind his back" men who would not be willing to stand up for a loyal female member. It goes without saying that had I responded with the viciousness that many (Black) women are known for, those men would have been able to justify their own vengeful reactions by lying convincingly to their superiors that I was at fault just by my reaction. I am not that kind of woman. I have remained quiet and fearful of all parties concerned because they have done some outrageous activity against me since I filed my report(s). They are defending the abusers which is giving them strength to come after me even more. Anyway, I miss my post but I am no longer welcome there because I properly challenged the sexual harassment culture in writing and through the channels. Unfortunately, the complaints were adjudicated by men who, they themselves, have done the same thing to other women so they see no harm done. I hope a hungry lawyer reads this post.

Was at queen of hearts at post 601 in parish ny they had yellow tickets and run out started selling blue tickets a legion member came in and bought

Blue tickets and then his grandson pulled the tickets it was a three card night and pulled all blue tickets after his grandfather told him to pull a blue one! They have been letting this 5 year old kid pull the tickets for the entire game I don’t feel a kid should be pulling the tickets

This legion has become more of a neighborhood bar than an American legion as it’s not for all veterans anymore only the ones who are regularly drinking there and civilians. I had a bartender sandy attacked me verbally when I disagreed about the politics she was putting out. I’m not republican or democrat but I’m a twenty year disabled veteran and I didn’t agree and when I did she kicked me out of the establishment. I don’t think we should have anyone there serving who attacks veterans they have no place there. This is not the first complaint I’ve heard from this place she was also drinking which should not be allowed.

We are in 2022 heading for 2023 yet racism is still existing within the American Legions and Auxiliaries. Here in NC there are A units and B units which are understood to be White (A) or Black (B) this is the reason why so many veterans are not receiving the services that they deserve after release or during transition. In addition the women within are not friendly and are not welcoming which is also why so many younger propel are not joining. I have brought this complaint to the county and state with no response. I have also contacted national twice once again with no response. Dues are paid yearly but veterans are not being helped as they should. I am not impressed at all by this organization.

My family rented a hall at the American Legion 18 in Lockport Illinois.

The commander and staff were extremely rude during communication at all times. Words that were spoken to myself, family and guests were insulting and harmful.

We were threatened by the commander Mike Myers if we complained he would retaliate against us as he screamed this across the parking lot with guests leaving, as we were locked out of the hall at 11:00 promptly as we were trying to clean up. We were told that we needed everyone and everything out of the hall at exactly 11:00.

There was miscommunication with setting up times. We were told to wait in the outside hall until they opened the door and my mom had huge bags of balloons and supplies. The hall was empty.

I was humiliated as the bartender made horrific comments to my guest who was unaware the bar turned to cash bar.

My family was uncomfortable throughout this event and we are all disheartened in the treatment of the staff and commander most of all.

As American Legion represents our service members, we should all be treated equally and with respect at all times.

I have been appointed to the Finance Committee of a well established Post, gross income runs around a half million annually with assets exceeding 3 million.

Out of approximately 500 members, I am the only degreed accountant with a finance background.

The issue is a lack of financial controls, there is no operations manual, no employee guides for bar staff, no proper budget, financial conditions presented to members over the past 4 years are not in an accounting format, rather shown by colored graphs lacking any detail.

The post applied for and obtained "PPP" loans due to Covid, the loans were based and presented to the bank as providing for employee payroll. Since then all employees have left employment, none of them reported receiving any pay from the Post or from loan proceeds. This is apparent bank fraud.

The current Commander and Finance Officer avoid speaking about any financial matters. There are no internal controls and very little separation of duties. Financial statements handed out appear to be fabricated to balance.

Direct communication with Board members or officers falls on deaf ears and it is obvious that they are not interested in financial controls being implemented.

Rumors include known theft of funds by a past Commander, recently, $5,000 in cash was found in a cooler without explanation and another Commander intentionally over buying from a vendor who he had a personal relationship with.

Why is it that those of us who are either Vets, Sons, or Auxillary, have to pay our dues to get in to our clubs, but others who are not members, or current unpaid up to date members are allowed to be buzzed in without a card, or accompanied by a paid member? Riff Raff are buzzed into our Legion and they may get water or by a soda, all the while not in any way supporting our Legion. Thought you had to be a Veteran or have a Veteran Ancester with a valid DD214 for eligible entry?

Hello

I have work for American Legion Post 52 for almost 4 yrs. When I found out that I had cancer I changed a little but that is no excuse to accused me of being drunk after I got off work because I was not. I notice a background check tells me I cannot work there ever again. The true story is that I can tell you almost step by step what happen the night in question, I found out through an officer that it was set up to get me fired. Months before the incident I put in a complaint about an employee who knew I was allergic to perfume would pour it on thick. I went to the manager whom I seen sober once in a while to put a stop to it and nothing was done. I went to the commander, and she still didn't stop. I called someone and it finally stop but I knew then that They would find a way to get rid of me. Everyone there are close friends, and it is thick. I could not talk to the manager she was always drunk.

Faultily Accused

My ex boyfriend had an argument with a man on the outside of the post. The guy attacked him from behind. He hit my ex boyfriend in the back of the head with a bottle. (Just a reminder. I was not outside when this happened. I was inside of the post). On Friday June 3, 2022! This altercation has nothing to do with me. I am an active member since 2015. I am over the education department. I went back to the post on June 4, 2022 and was told I am barred from the post because my boyfriend had an altercation on the outside of the post. That argument had nothing to do with me. I should not be held accountable for something that had nothing to do with me. Who do I talk to about this situation?

The American Legion claims to be non-prejudice yet at Post 159 in Venice, Florida prejudice, conservative Fox news is the only "news" station on their TVs. All veterans and AL members are NOT republican or conservative. Many are independent or Democratic. Fox news, which is wholly a Republican propaganda station, aires lies and hatred for Democrats. This is intolerable and unacceptable and besides lower membership it could lead to violence and lawsuits.

I'm a 30 year SAL member and recently transferred to Post 261 in Cedar Lake, IN. The Legion bar trustee was asked to provide his DD-214 to prove his status and has refused to do so since July, 2020. He signed off on a Legion land sale and conspired to keep the adjutant unaware of the sale which, when discovered invalidated the transaction. He is widely believed to have been dishonorably discharged but he has a lot of friends and the adjutant stands alone in her request for his documentation. He also brags about his purple heart but he is not listed in the purple heart registry. The adjutant bumped the matter up to district but they said handle it in house, I've spent the last 2 years volunteering on the property, clearing woods and building a 20 hole disc golf course with the permission of the E-board. The course has attracted over 30 new members and was self funded yet he is doing his best to destroy all my hard work. The above story tells me I shouldn't expect a response from the National Headquarters. Doesn't anyone care ?!?

It's been ongoing Unethical Behavior with the members against guest(s) at post 65 in Phoenix, AZ. I was jumped by the owner of All About Foods and her employee in 03/2021.
I was sucker punched by a member (same employee that jumped me 03/2021) and another member followed me around in Post 65 and set me up to get sucker punch. Both members and along with other member has slander my name by rumors and gossip of a sexual nature. I have brought this to the Adjutant attention on 12/15/2021 and have not heard anything back from her. However, she had the "judge advocate" reached out to me to schedule a meeting who has been bias during many events. (I found out by the Arizona Department of Veterans their judge advocate was not point of contact for post 65)

Male member has spread rumors because I would not have intercourse with him or date him.
To the point his father and him paid bartenders to write letters and say my fiancé had a gun inside post 65 which was untrue. I had to beg the "Judge Advocate" to pull CCTV to show it was untrue. Once I prove his innocence, no apologies and members were not held accountable for their actions.
I have attached pictures. A meeting is scheduled for Saturday, January 8th at 2pm at Post 65. I do not feel comfortable going to the meeting, Post 65 is an unsafe environment. I do have a written statement, but I am unable to attached. Please provide me with an email address.

Erica Whitehead
whitehead.[protected]@gmail.com

My mother is 76 years old and is a wife of a deceased Lt Kernal. We have been going to the American legion post 174 for the past 14 years. Never had a problem before till now. A fairly new bartender has been overcharging my mother, who, my mother, never said anything about it. One day they asked her if her bill was ok. She said no, she had 2 chips, and was charged for the 2 drinks she had chips for. She has been harassed ever since. The letter that I am attaching was written by that bartender. First of all,. My mother did not [censored] like the bartender said. And I did not get upset about the last drink in the bottle. I simply asked her if the last shot was free, because in the past, it has been. This lady refuses to wait on my mother when she goes in there. My mother would tip her, if she earned it. I am also being harassed. I was in there one evening for about 15 min. A bartender gave me and my friend a nasty look as soon as we walked in. She asked me to leave, apparently for talking. I started out the door, and she started coming after me. I told her about 5 times to not touch me, and to stay away. I was leaving like she asked. Legally she has no right to come after me. Everything is one sided. They never ask the other side of the story.

Hello, I sent my dues check of $47 to Legion Post 0089, Vestal NY on [protected]. They cashed the check [protected] . But they never sent my Legion card. I called them 5X and left messages with my phone number but the never returned my calls. I attempted to go to the new and old locations but no one is there. They are in the process of moving. The phone seems to be active, because it allows messages. But they don't return my calls. I have images of the check with their endorsement and cash date. Ed miner
[protected]@stny.rr.com Phone [protected]
Edward Miner mem ID [protected] 23 yrs member

A brick was paid for in advance 4 years ago to honor a Vietnam veteran who has 2 Purple Hearts and numerous other awards……to this day it has never been engraved and placed in the walk in front of our local American legion here in Lynchburg Virginia POST 16 as promised ! I have spoken to the person in charge repeatedly and they just keep stalling and saying they need to sell a few more bricks.

I ordered two flag poles and flags from the American Legion Pamphlet. After waiting over a month I attempted to find out why I had not yet received my flag pole while the flag and a golf ball had already been received. As for the flag pole and flag sent to my son in Halletsville TX. Nothing had been received as yet.

Ok let's take my son's flag, flag pole, etc order. When I first called Emblem Sales, Customer Service (Customer Service) at 888-453-4466. That first call I was told I had to track down the shipment as it had been received in Halletsville but nothing after that. When I called UPS, I was told only the shipper could get this information. A second call to Customer Service revealed that this 16-ft flag pole had become destroyed during shipping and was thrown away. A third call later in the week revealed nothing had been done about replacing this shipment, it seemed to me everyone was waiting for me to do something, but what? No one would talk to me or call me back about replacing this flag-pole and flag. Fourth call, I am still waiting after being told they were shipping out a new flag-pole and flag. Again, no one could call me and provide any sort of shipping data, tracking number, etc...

As for the 25-ft flag pole, identified to me as being back-ordered when I received the golf ball and 4x6 flag. Later I received water damaged box that was taped up on both ends and several places in between that supposedly contained my flag pole. When I opened the package, I found a 25-ft flag pole inserted into itself and a warranty card, nothing more. No instructions, no white PVC insert as shown on the picture. It was obvious that the weather damaged box had failed open and several items were lost. Exactly what I have no idea, since no one has an inventory of what was supposedly sent with the pole. So I have no idea if my pole has all the associated plastic pieces and parts that I was supposedly to receive. After numerous calls, finally on 20 Aug 2021 I receive a telephone number of the flag pole manufacturer at UnCommon-USA. They state they have no record of this shipment. They have no idea who American Legion Emblem Sales is nor do they have any record of any shipments for them...?

Now in my attempt to get some sort of confirmation of replacement parts, pieces, etc. I have been laughed at, snickered at, and humiliated by persons (yes - plural) at Americasn Legion and Uncommon USA. I was treated by just about everything a disabled veteran likes to hear.

So now what is the excuse I will be hearing next. How about refunding my money, since you can not be trusted to deliver on your promises. If you don't like this option, then tell me what do you propose to do about these two orders? Again, if you'd like we can proceed to letting a Judge get involved but the added cost of pain and suffering get tossed into the flag pole purchase. Oh yes, I guess I should say I use the Caption Call Phone system and saved the comments and laughter from my calls to American Legion, Emblem Sales, UncommonUSA.

John Fening
2817 Trenton Ave
Bremerton, WA 98310
[protected]

PS I can send PDF files but not pictures so I could not attach the box labels.