OSMOND — Changes are coming for the Osmond American Legion.
Legion Post 326, as well as its fellow service groups, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7838 and the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Squadron 326, and the Legion Auxiliary will be moving to a building in the main business district — the former Ashburn Funeral Home building.
The decision to purchase the building was made fairly quickly. Once it was brought to their attention that the building was for sale, a large group of Legion and SAL members met and the vote to make the purchase, and the move, was unanimous.
Legion treasurer Dean Stueckrath explained, “This building came up for sale and we felt like this was an opportunity and things lined up. We have a progressive American Legion and we are always looking for ways to better the legion and community.” He commented that the Legion will compliment the downtown business district as well as promote the goodwill of the Legion, Sons, Auxiliary and VFW’s community efforts.
Jim Schmit, a member of the SAL, stated that Osmond has a strong Legion and Sons of theAmerican Legion presence and said, “These guys deserve it, with everything they’ve done for our country and our community.
The building will provide a newer modern upscale facility once completed for the public to rent… It’s really a building for the community to enjoy.”
Stueckrath complimented the SAL group, saying “Ron Aschoff was very active with Legion activities. One of his best achievements was to coordinate the organization of the Osmond Sons of theAmerican Legion group 10 years ago. We would be lost without all their support.”
Legion’s History
Osmond’s American Legion Post had its beginnings shortly after the end of World War I. The group organized in 1922 and met in a couple different buildings before purchasing the current Legion hall in 1945.
That building had served a number of uses in the past, including as a movie theatre and as an ice house.After World War II ended and with their numbers growing, remodeling of the building began in earnest. A new roof was added and the first floor was partially
reconstructed, and bowling lanes were added in the basement. A new oak floor was added several years later.
Fundraising to Be Done
Legion members, Sons of the American Legion, VFW and Legion Auxiliary will be doing some fundraising in the next few months.
Closing on the sale will wait 90 days, as the owner is working with the groups to give them some time.
A bank account under the name “Legion Building Fund” has been set up at Security Bank for donations, which will be accepted and appreciated. The bank will keep track of donations, however, they can also be made anonymously. Donations may also be given to Dean Stueckrath, (402) 649-7803, or Dave Kruse, (402) 6400127, or any Legion or SAL member.
Please watch this newspaper for announcements on upcoming fundraisers.
The move to the new building will take place sometime in the future, as the decision to make the purchase is fairly new and some remodeling will need to be done. In the meantime, meetings will continue to be held in the current building.
Plans for the old Legion building are being explored.
