American Legion Post 1288 Marks 40th Year, Hopes to Recruit Younger Vets

Seeing a need, 15 Bolingbrook veterans began the temporary charter for American Legion Bolingbrook Post 1288 in January 1972.

Now, four decades later, the organization boasts nearly 150 members.

“Most of them are Vietnam veterans,” said member Leroy Rheubottom, himself a Vietnam vet.

Members also include a few World War II and Korean veterans.

The Post is hoping to surpass last year’s membership of 143, as well as encourage younger veterans to get involved.

“We have a few from Iraq and Afghanistan but we want more,” Rheubottom said.

He said many veterans do not know the benefits they have available to them, such as public aid and social security disability for those who qualify.

“We try to inform them of those,” he said.

In its 40 years, members of Bolingbrook Post 1288 have kept busy, sponsoring Cub Scout packs, baseball and bowling teams, and installing the flag pole at the back of Boardman Cemetery. Members also provided Honor Guards for patriotic events, and were instrumental in helping fund and erect the Bolingbrook Veterans Memorial, among other endeavors.

Rheubottom can sum up what he enjoys about being a part of the Post in one word.

“Camaraderie,” he said.

He also enjoys the volunteer work the Post takes on, including sponsoring Bingo events at the Manteo Veterans Home and Hines Blind Center, conducting patriotic educational observances at public schools, and providing financial assistance to veterans in need.

Regular meetings for Bolingbrook Post 1288 are held at 7:30 p.m. on the third Monday of each month, at the .