Learn About the American Legion at an Open House on Friday

The is an organization with local roots, designed to serve local veterans and the community.

On Friday, the public has the opportunity to learn more about what the organization does and how to get involved at its open house—and they can enjoy at the same time.

Many people are eligible for membership in one of the groups at the post. The American Legion Post 196 is made up of the American Legion, which is for veterans of a declared conflict, the Auxiliary, which is for relatives of a veteran, and the Sons of the American Legion, which is for descendants of a veteran. Current members of the service and their families are also eligible. The Brecksville post has about 340 members in all three groups now.

Commander Gordon Greene said the group isn’t a political one—their goal is simply to support veterans’ interests.

And those interests aren’t just social or just charitable, said Rhonda Janowski, the Auxiliary secretary—they’re both. The groups hold a variety of fundraisers each year, such as selling Memorial Day poppies or hosting a Super Bowl party, and then find ways to give back.

Tony Borrelli, manager and service officer of the Sons of the American Legion, said his group donates a lot of money locally, such as the police department’s “Shop with a Cop” program.

“We try to keep that money in the community,” Borrelli said.

During Friday’s open house, applications will be available, and members will be present to answer any questions.

• What: American Legion open house and fish fry
• How much: The fish fry is $5.
• Where:
• When: 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. on March 30