Post History
(By Jim Beattie, Post 28 Commander)
In the early spring of 1983, a group of men, 31 in all, decided it was time for the American Legion to come to the Millsboro, DE area. These men filed the application to bring a Post to the area known as Oak Orchard Riverdale. The Charter was approved on March 2, 1983 and as the saying goes, the rest is history.
In a small trailer, Post 28 had its beginning. It was in this trailer that the mission of Post 28 was developed and to this day is carried out with the same zeal and vigor as it was 38 years ago. That mission is the care and welfare of our veterans. Today Post 28 continues with that mission and does everything it can to provide the care and welfare that is needed to support and care for our veterans.
Many of those early members are gone, but a new generation of veterans has picked up the torch and has carried it forward. Today Post #28 is the fifth largest Post in the country and also in the world. What an accomplishment! The membership roles have grown from those 31 members to approximately 2,500 members.
Today the trailer is gone and in its place is a beautiful facility that reflects the dedication and commitment of the members of Post 28 to carry out its mission. To help the Legion with its mission is the Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders. These four groups, working together with the same dedication and commitment, have made Post #28 what it is today; the largest Post throughout the State and the Nation to emulate. These four groups make up the Post 28 Family.
While we celebrate these 39 years, we must also look forward to the next 39 years. We are now looking at new veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. We will be prepared to provide care and welfare to these veterans and those who follow, that is our mission.
Post Founders
This is a picture of some of the original Post 28 founders which was taken in October 1983.
Listed in the picture from left to right are:
Scott Walls, Jack Gede, Don Addor (Post Commander), Bill Kohn, Gordon Galloway, Don Orth (Dept. Commander), Fred Averill, Earl Ferguson, and Gordon Edward.
Don Addor, First Post 28 Commander
