Jerome Butler-Francis C. Battle

Jerome Butler - an Atlanta native who was killed while serving in the United States Navy

Francis C. Battle - United States Army and a Korean War veteran -In 1996, we lost the oldest and most respected member of our Post. He was affectionately called 'pops'. To show our respect his name was incorporated into our name.

Our original home location was on Delowe Street in Atlanta.  We were only able to stay at this location for about one year.  However, because of the determination of a few dedicated members and the leadership of then Commander B. L. Ogletree, they keep the Post alive.  The few that remained, met anywhere they could, in each other’s home or at any public facility that would grant them permission to do so.

They met at the bowling ally at Ft McPherson and the Community Club at Ft Gilliam.  For a short period, they even rented a small office space.   However, that soon became to expensive because the first order of business was to go into their wallets and collect enough money to pay the rent.  Eventually, Commander Ogletree purchased a night club on Campbellton Road and it became their new home.

However, this arrangement was short lived.  Organizational issues arose and the American Legion voted to leave the facility.  Fortunately, at that same time, a local Fraternity purchased a Frat House and granted Post 291 permission to meet at their facility.  This relationship lasted until 2004.

To remain a charter member of The American Legion, each Post must meet minimum standards as defined in the Constitution of The American Legion.  This is extremely difficult to do without having a permanent home with sufficient fundraising capability. From 1982 thru 2004, Post 291 had extremely limited capability to raise monies to meet these requirements.  So during this period, they relied on member donations to raise the money needed to support Legion Programs.

Despite all these obstacles, Post 291 supported more Legion programs and community activities than many Posts that had permanent homes.  As evidence of the dedication of its members, Post 291 earned The award of Outstanding Post or 1^st runner-up in its category for 6 consecutive years.

In 2004 all their dedicated effort paid off in the realization of their dream.  The state organization had closed a non-functioning Post and they offered the facility to Post 291.  The Post took out a 10 mortgage to obtain the facility.  They paid the mortgage off in 7 years. 

WE ARE VERY PROUD OF OUR POST AND ITS LEADERSHIP.  WE HAVE PRODUCED MORE DISTRICT, STATE AND NATIONAL OFFICERS THAN JUST ABOUT ANY SINGLE POST IN THE STATE.  WE HAVE HAD STATE COMMANDERS OF BOTH THE LEGION AND SAL.  WE HAVE HAD A NATIONAL CHAPLIN OF THE SAL AND THE ALTERNATE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEMAN.