Mineola’s American Legion Post 296 is living for a new day. In actions undertaken last Thursday under the oversight of American Legion District Commander Kim McCarthy, four new officers stepped forward to ward off closure.

Legion members Colin Cater, Ed Shadbolt, Chris Macellaro and Larry Pruitt were sworn-in as officers, thus meeting a mandate from the American Legion organization which kept the post viable. 

Only six of the 39 dues-paying Post 296 members were present at Thursday’s meeting.

McCarthy stepped through the closure procedures and shared her perspective on what it will take to rebuild the post.

Post Commanders from Lindale and Tyler were also present to share their perspectives. 

What will follow, under Post Commander Cater’s leadership, will be communications with each active member to request their presence for a meeting to determine the disposition of the American Legion hall on East Hwy. 80. The date is not yet scheduled. 

Given that the post does not carry insurance on the hall, the Legion will cease all use of the building immediately. The disposition of the hall will be decided at the next meeting with a two-thirds majority vote of present members.  

As was pointed out at the meeting, a Legion Post does not require its own hall to remain viable. Rather, it is a healthy and growing membership roster and efforts to realize the charter of the Legion which define a post. 

The American Legion has a three-fold mission: veteran’s care, youth education and community involvement. In addition to scholarships, one of the most widely-known services is the conduct of the annual Boys’ State and Girls’ State leadership camps.

In what could be a harbinger of good news, registration was taken on three new members who had heard of the post’s plight and came in support.