Norwich University – American Legion Post #1819
Post 1819 was Chartered in September of 2014. Post 1819 was established to serve as a support network for the student veterans attending Norwich University, the private Vermont university, as well as give Norwich University graduates scattered throughout the world a post they can call their own, and of course serving our Veterans at large around the state and beyond. For the most part, we are a “Virtual Post” (the first ever authorized by the American Legion) where we focus on supporting our Veteran community as a whole.
Read more about our beginning at this post article and follow the link to the American Legion HQ’s article about us!
Long term goals of Post 1819:
Post 1819 shall/will …
1. Provide a venue for camaraderie, networking, fellowship, and service toward NU veterans.
2. Be a source of information on veteran’s issues for members and, when required, assist them in enrolling in the VA system, applying for disability, and using education and other benefits which they have earned and are entitled to. (maintaining email list is the how on this one)
3. Provide financial support for children and youth programs that are held at NU or sponsored by NU, such as Future Leader’s Camp, Scouting events on campus, Boy’s State, Girl’s State, etc.
4. Support the American Legion award at the NU Tri Service Award Ceremony.
5. Develop a scholarship fund for attendance at NU.
6. Develop a Commander’s Fund for use at the Commander’s discretion in direct aid to Post members and NU veterans in need of financial assistance.
Mission of the American Legion itself:
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
Post 1819 Officers:
Commander – Brett Nelson
1st Vice Cdr. – Landers Symes
2nd Vice Cdr. – Tom DiTomasso
Adjutant – Tim Schaal
Ass’t Adjutant – Shawn LoPorto
Finance Officer – Craig Lamarche
Chaplain – John Kehoe
Judge Advocate – Ron Merolli
Service Officer – Mick Wabrek
SGT-at-Arms – Raymond Quigley
Post Historian – Jonathan Finn
Member At Large #1 – Kirk Allen
Member At Large #2 – Mark Ciero
Member At Large #3 – Kevin Hawley
Member At Large #4 – AJ Diaz
Member At Large #5 – Bill McCollough
Webmaster – Shawn LoPorto