New Officers Inducted to Lead American Legion Post 25 in Continued Community Service
May 29, 2024
American Legion Post 25, one of the first posts established in South Carolina in 1919, recently celebrated the induction of its new officers for the 2024/2025 term. Under the leadership of Post Commander Kevin Farnsworth, the officers are set to continue their dedicated service to the community and veterans.
The new officers are:
- Commander: Kevin Farnsworth
- 1st Vice Commander: Leah Mazza
- 2nd Vice Commander: David Leabeater
- Financial Officer: Bruce Prather
- Adjutant: John Reeder
- Chaplain: Phil Wyatt
- Sergeant at Arms: Brian Colip
- Sergeant at Arms: Braxton Esuary
- Member at Large: Henry Noyes
“We are trying to get the younger members in a position to take over the post in the future,” said Commander Kevin Farnsworth.
Post 25 has a rich history, having been established in 1919, but it saw a decline in the 1960s due to an aging membership. In 2012, with only 15 members, Kevin Farnsworth and Jim Peterson joined the group and worked together to revitalize the post. Their efforts have been successful, focusing on growth in membership and increased community service.
A significant milestone for Post 25 is the recent acquisition of property at 19 Choctaw Street in Laurens, where they are building their own facility. Their new home will serve as a place for members to gather and support their mission of community service and veteran care. In a few short months, members have cleared and graded the land, constructed a 40×80 ft pavilion, built an outdoor fireplace, and are working now on an outdoor prep area and ADA-compliant restrooms. The pavilion will host events open to the public, further strengthening their ties with the community.
Post 25 is well-known for its biannual boot drives held on Memorial Day weekend and the weekend closest to Veterans Day, raising funds for local charity projects. The support from the community has been overwhelming, creating a circle of mutual benefit and appreciation.
Next month, Post 25 will hold their annual golf tournament on June 7th at Lakeside Country Club where they will honor Randy Stevens, a community leader and significant supporter of the Post and the community, who recently passed away.
Commander Farnsworth expressed his gratitude for the community’s support and emphasized the importance of the work they do, saying, “The community support we receive and the work we do are intertwined – we couldn’t do the work we do in support of our mission to better the community without the generous support of individuals and businesses in the community. Together we are making a difference.”
American Legion Post 25 continues to be a pillar of support for veterans and the local community, driven by a dedicated group of officers and members committed to making a positive impact. The community is grateful for all that they do.
