Birth of American Legion Post on Okinawa

On October 1946, at Camp Boone, District Engineer, Machinato, a group of civilian employees met in Hut #9 talking about sending money home to pay for Legion and V.F.W. dues. Then, they decided why not form a post in Okinawa. They discussed for a while what kind of post will it be. Then, they formed a committee to set up the post. The committee consisted of Raymond J. Barry, Edward Braunschweiger, and Charles J. Taylor.

The History of the Post on Okinawa: 1946:

November 7, 1946 The Okinawa Post of the American Legion was organized in the Chapel of Camp Boone, District Engineer, Machinato.

November 21, 1946 The Fraternal Hall at Awase was delegated as the American Legion's meeting place. The election of officers were held. The following comrades were elected:
Commander: Raymond J. Barry, Senior Vice-Commander: Edward Bruschweiger, Junior Vice-Commander: Harry Cowling, Adjutant: Edward Lamphere, Finance Officer: Robert A. Wendell, Chaplain: Charles Goodness, Historian: Mary Snyder, Sgt-at-Arms: Charles Taylor, Executive Committee: William Kelly, Richard Jeniye, William McVey, Charles Jewell, Edythe Day.
Also, a request for a charter was made.

December 4, 1946 A temporary charter from National Headquarters, Indianapolis, Indiana, dated December 4, 1946, was received. This charter designated this Post as Okinawa Post No. 1, Okinawa Shima. 83 charter members were listed. Solicitation of donations from members were made, and proceeds were used to purchase a set of Post Standards.

December 6, 1946 First regular monthly meeting held at Fraternal Hall, Awase.

December 31, 1946 Membership of the American Legion, Okinawa Post No. 1 consisted of 83 charter members.