2024-25 was a year to remember. Highlights include efforts to learn more about the Post namesake, Private Lester Smith and the Post’s founder, Jasper McClean, Hurricane Helene, Community Christmas Outreach, Memorial Day Dedication, along with efforts to support local veterans and their families.
Private Lester Smith, Service Number 34061788, was the first African American casualty of World War II from Douglas, Coffee County, Georgia. He was one of 55 service members from Coffee County to lose their lives during World War II. Born in 1914 to Monroe and Mary Smith, Smith was one of eight children with five sisters and two brothers. At age 27, he enlisted in the United States Army at Ft. Benning, Georgia on May 16, 1941. The Army shows his civilian occupation as a janitor or sexton. After training, he was assigned to the 92nd Engineer General Services Regiment.
On March 9, 1944, before his 30th birthday, Lester Smith died while on active duty. He was laid to rest in the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery Nettuno, Italy with nearly 7,900 other service members including soldiers from his Regiment. His niece, Mrs. Helen Harrell, still remembers as a young child the day the family was notified of his death and how they gathered at Grandma’s house.
Every evening at 5pm, a bugler in WWI uniform plays Taps at the National WWI Memorial to honor those who have served our country in the name of freedom and democracy. The event is live streamed daily on YouTube @doughboyFoundation. On March 9, 2025, Post 515 had Taps played in honor of Lester Smith. Going forward, Post 515 will sponsor the playing of Taps in his honor every March 9th.
Jasper Taylor McClean was born on August 13, 1898. He entered the US Army on October 4, 1917, and served with the 157th Depot Brigade at Camp Gordon, Georgia. He was a Mess Sergeant and was honorably discharged on August 29, 1919. Later, he owned and operated the McLean Funeral Home in Douglas. McLean is described as a significant figure in Coffee County, Georgia, during the mid-20th century. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of American Legion Post 515. His leadership laid the groundwork for the Post’s unending mission to support veterans and their families. Jasper McLean died on May 17, 1957. His legacy lives on today in Post 515.
Hurricane Helene devastated this area on September 26 and 27. Strong wind gusts damaged property and blew trees and power lines down in a swath from the Gulf Coast to the North Carolina mountains. The Post worked to spread the word on where emergency supplies were available and help those impacted by the storm. Another loss due to Helene was the Post’s Wreaths Across America campaign. Due to the devastation and resources needed by the community, the 2024 campaign was suspended. December 2025 will see over 3,000 veterans at 87 cemeteries and locations in and around Douglas and Coffee County receive a wreath.
December 22, 2024, the Post hosted a Community Christmas Outreach meal and gift giveaway. More than 200 members of the community came together for a holiday meal and gifts from bicycles to home appliances. Everyone was welcome and all went away feeling the love in our community. For one moment, we were able to put behind Hurricane Helene and share with our community.
In January, the Post said good bye to former Commander and Senior Vice Commander, District 12, of the American Legion Department of Georgia, Alfalene Walker. During her life, she made countless contributions to our community and Post. She will be missed and not forgotten. Her family established a scholarship with the support of the Post in her honor.
Our annual Memorial Day event was extra special this year. Along with paying our respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Nation, State Route 206 in Coffee County was dedicated as Veterans Perimeter Road by State Representatives, Angie O'Steen, Georgia House Districts 169, and James Burchett, Georgia House District 176. Local government and veterans' groups were presented copies of the Resolution from the Georgia House signed by the Georgia Secretary of State.
Throughout the year, the Post supported local families when they needed it the most. From the loss of a loved one to the aftermath of a major hurricane, Legionaries have answered the call with Honor, Integrity, and Service.
