WALTON — Membership in Delaware County’s American Legion posts is dwindling, with only two active posts remaining - in Walton and Sidney. According to Mark Dunlop, Delaware County’s Director of Veterans Services, younger veterans are increasingly choosing not to join traditional veterans’ organizations, leaving an aging group of Legion members struggling to sustain the posts.
“Younger veterans aren’t joining, not just here but across various community organizations,” said Mel Woodin, Walton Truman C. Tobey Post #32 Legion member said.
American Legion District Three Commander Harold Patching, who was in Walton Oct. 26 to “inspect” the local legion’s books, agreed. Other groups, like fire departments and even local churches, face similar recruitment challenges, he said. The sentiment was echoed by other Walton Legion members who describe their post as “a dying breed.”
Patching attributes the decline in membership to younger generations’ lack of interest in military service or membership in social or fraternal organizations. People are extremely busy these days, he said, and many simply don’t have time to devote to other interests outside of family and work.
To stay relevant and increase their visibility, Woodin said Walton Post members have been focusing on the community through events and fundraisers, hoping to attract more veterans with an inclusive, family-friendly approach. Deborah Walach, a Walton Post member and Marine Corps veteran, said the post has monthly meetings that include a meal, aiming to make gatherings more welcoming.
Currently, the Walton Post maintains around 50 members, though only 8 to 10 typically attend meetings. Despite the challenges, post members are determined to keep the organization active.
For more information call the Post at 607-865-8094.
