SPRINGFIELD – Commander Nick Gillaspie helped raise the American flag at the new location of the American Legion Post #40 building on May 21.
Members of the Legion, their families, Springfield Chamber members, and city officials, including Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon and Lane County Commissioner David Loveall, gathered to celebrate the relocation from 344 8th Street to 219 42nd Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The military veteran service organization consists of members who served the country during periods of conflict. The Legion advocates for veterans, service members, and military families, while promoting patriotism, justice, freedom, and democracy. With over 1.8 million members nationwide, the organization focuses on supporting veterans and families, and strengthening communities through various programs and initiatives.
The new meeting space helps further the Legion’s mission by providing greater exposure to its services, said Gillaspie, an Air Force veteran. He said the previous space did not provide adequate exposure.
“We were in the middle of a neighborhood. Here, 15,000 cars drive by each day. We’re hoping that it gets the word out and is a little bit better at reaching veterans,” he said.
After years at the corner of 8th and C streets, the Legion moved into what was once an office building. The building required extensive renovations, including removing walls and part of the roof. Although the building is about half the size of the old one, the meeting space is larger, and the location is much more visible.
Gillaspie said members have welcomed the new building, many anticipating the move for quite some time, and said the only frustration has been the wait. Construction took around two years.
Service officer Joe Cioffi said he will offer services to help veterans connect with the resources they need, such as housing assistance and health care.
“I’ll be down here regularly during the week, and we’ll put an open sign for veterans to come in and sit down, and we can help them,” Cioffi said.
The American Legion Post #40 meets regularly on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.
“I’m looking forward to reaching veterans. That’s what we’re here for, that’s our biggest thing,” Gillaspie said.
