-FOR GOD AND COUNTRY-
POST 186
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-FOR GOD AND COUNTRY- POST 186 |
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POST HISTORY |
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How do you start a Post? Ours began with the desire of one veteran, who inspired a few more. And the efforts of a small, dedicated group of veterans laid the foundation for the Charter of North Strand Post 186. The creation of a new American Legion Post for the North Grand Strand was spearheaded by the original efforts of Ken McNutt, formally from Pittsburg, PA, and Harry Scheib from Ohio. They felt the need because of the large influx of retired Legionnaires mainly from the north and other areas. These transplants wanted to keep their Legion interest active and a Post was the way to go. This thinking started during 1994. A group of approximately 30 Veterans agreed to start a new Post. The group contacted the National Headquarters of the Legion in Indianapolis and were advised that there was no minimum requirement as to member number or financial requirements. The group met at the bowling alley in North Myrtle Beach. In addition, they contacted the Post in Murrells Inlet and received a great deal of advice for which they were grateful. Also realizing that original seed money would be required, the following people offered the same: Pete Zebrowski, Lori Simpson, Jack Moriarity, Ken McNutt, Ed LaLonde, Bob Alexander, John Carlson, Nate Overturf, Jack Inscoe, Harry Scheib and Fred Swanda. These people proffered over $9000. The Post then organized. A Certificate of Incorporation as a Membership Corporation was filed with the state and the official incorporation became effective April 24, 1995, thus AMERICAN LEGION GRAND STRAND POST #186 was born. The first Commander elected was Ken McNutt and Harry Scheib was elected the first Adjutant. At the same time, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed with the first President being Betty Frost. By this time, the membership had grown to over 60 members who are the Charter Members and their names appear on the Charter on display in the foyer of the Post. Needing its new first premises, a lease was assumed of a former restaurant at 501 Hwy 17 N Plaza. The Post further purchased personal property in the space, paying with cash and giving an Installment Sales Agreement. All this was done in 1995 and the Post opened its doors to the membership and was financially viable from the beginning. During this time, the membership rapidly increased and Post 186 became an important part of the area. In addition, the Post did so well financially that the members who gave the start-up money were all paid back in full. A great part of the Post’s financial success was because of video poker. However, matters occurred which moved Post thinking. First, the state outlawed video poker and, second, the plaza owners informed the Post that all leases would be allowed to expire and any renewals would be at another rental figure because they were going to remodel the entire plaza. The Post became aware of this problem and started looking for another location. One of our Vice Commanders, Bob Alexander, found the vacant land available on Pine Drive in Little River. This would require extensive financing for not only land purchase but required new construction needs. The Membership took a vote and the decision was made to purchase the land. Al Ford, a retired New York State attorney who was the Post Financial Officer, suggested the following: That the Post create a class of subordinated debentures to be treated as equity and secondly, help support necessary bank financing to meet the two requirements. He led a committee and negotiated adequate bank financing with Coastal Federal Bank in North Myrtle Beach. At the same time, the sale of debentures began with the Post membership, which proved very successful. A contract to purchase the property was executed, the contract was met, title passed to the Post on February 24, 2000, and a construction contract was made with Bobby O. McClenny, who built the VFW building. Also at that time, another Post Vice Commander, Jerry Groneke, who was friendly with the plaza owners, had arranged a temporary occupancy agreement until our new home was completed. Between the members’ bond purchases and bank financing of approximately $400,000, our Post moved ahead. Our Commander at the time, Tom Teyssier, led a very successful business-like construction and moving ahead program, while exercising outstanding leadership. The Post moved into its new facility in 2002. Without the volunteer contributions of the members who gave unbelievable sweat equity and additional personal financial help, the Post would not have been created and further progressed. Every talent, which included all the trades and many other capabilities, was available from the membership and freely given. That as a result, the Post is the product of this energy and devotion. These Legionnaires and their Ladies Auxiliary contributed willingly. Also, at the same time, thanks to Harry Rosensteel, the Sons were reinvigorated and became a vital part of the Post. There are many other Members who contributed to the success of our new home and we thank them for their help. Commander Tom Teyssier, who led the entire project; Dick Haggerty, who as Commander, got the ball rolling; John Calain, a former Commander who served as the contract person between the Post and the contractor; Linda Clark, our first Canteen Manager, who was paid a pittance for her duty and energy in moving the Canteen through its infant stage; Ken McNutt, now deceased, our first Commander and Harry Scheib, our first Adjutant, who unselfishly gave of their time and money to bring the dream of an American Legion Post to reality; Les Elis, a professional accountant, who, as the second Adjutant, gave and continues to give needed professional service and talent in managing the Canteen. And many more Legionnaires who all served the Post admirably. And here we are. Our facility continues to be improved and our Membership continues to grow. Our Members move here from northern Posts and others come here as Snowbirds. We are pleased and honored to say that our Members are located in SC, NC, NY, NJ, VA, MD, PA, TN, FL, WV, CT, NE, OH, GA, ME, IL, MA, and ONT (Canada). For more of our history, take a moment to view the documents that are displayed in our foyer. On the walls are our Charters, Past Officers and license plates from Legionnaires who transferred here from other Posts. To all the aforementioned Legionnaires, whose inspiration and dedication created this Post 186: Thank You! We will continue with the same devotion that you have instilled in us. God bless our troops! God bless America! 10/2007 |
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