2023 Press Kit

What is the mission / vision of your organization?

In 1919, The American Legion was founded on four pillars: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit our nation’s veterans, its servicemembers, their families, the youth of America and ordinary citizens. These programs make a diffeence in hundreds of thousands of lives each year.

Our organization’s positions and programs are guided by resolutions passed by American Legion National Convention delegates, and by committee and commission members who represent 2.5 million wartime veterans and their families. These programs, and the men and women who take the time to perform them allow The American Legion to make a difference on the local, state and national levels.

It’s who we are and what we do.

This is the The American Legions vision for a strong America:

     The Four Pillars of Service:
          A Strong National Security 
          Taking Care of Veterans
          Mentoring Youth
          Promoting Patriotism and Honor

The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion lists our guiding principals

  • To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States;
  • To maintain law and order;
  • To foster and perpetuate a 100% Americanism;
  • To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars;
  • To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state and nation;
  • To combat the autocracy of both the classes and the masses;
  • To make right the master of might;
  • To promote peace and goodwill on earth;
  • To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom and democracy;
  • To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

The American Legion, Department of Wisconsin, puts it succinctly:  Our mission is to provide service to veterans, their families and their communities.

Leaders,  board members and/or all significant volunteers and their titles

  • Commander: Matthew Christiansen     commander@alpost21.com
  • Adjutant:  Michael Hellquist    adjutant@alpost21.com or membership@alpost21.com
  • Past Commander / Executive Board Chairman:  Thomas J. Visintainer Sr.   barman@alpost21.com
  • 1st Vice Commander / Membership Chairman:  Donny Diehl   vicecom1@alpost21.com
  • 2nd Vice Commander /  Service Officer:  Phil Morris  vicecom2@alpost21.com
  • Service Officer: Phillip Morris
  • Finance Officer: Steve Tindall    treasurer@alpost21.com
  • Chaplain:  Jon Lyons  chaplain@alpost21.com
  • Sergeant at Arms:  Phil Morris
  • Judge Advocate:  Brad Cramlet
  • Historian Gerald Jones
  • Building Maintenance: Ben Sturdevant
  • Social Media: Andrew Sabin, Tom Visintainer, Larry Lewens, Paul Ciarelli
  • IT Officer, website: Paul Ciarelli
  • American Legion Auxiliary President:  Donna Lewens     alapresident@alpost21.com
  • Sons of the American Legion Commander:  Michael Hellquist   salcommander@alpost21.com

How and when did it get its start?

  • The men of the Allied Expeditionary Force World War I developed the idea of the American Legion the help and protect veterans.  The American Legion celebrated its 100th anniversary  in 2019.  
  • In 1938 the citizens of Kenosha came together and built a hall at 504 58th Street as a gift to honor all who have served
  • Anyone with historical information about the post would be a most welcome visitor.

Who can become a member?

  • Any Veteran that served during World War 1, and any veteran that served on or after December 7th, 1941

What kinds of support do you need from the community?

  • Keep an Eye on our website and participate in our events and fundraisers

What services do you provide to the community?

  • US Flag retirement
  • Color Guard for Events
  • Honor Guard for Veteran Funerals

What’s your next event or effort?  

  • Please check out our Events page.

How can people get in touch with you and get involved?