American Legion Post #6 History[1]
1919 - American Legion concept and name is developed in France by several General Officers.
2/1/1919 - R. M. Plaster wrote letter published in the Times Journal asking for veterans interested in joining and announced the first meeting in March 1919.
Carlos Van Saun, a wounded veteran of the 168th Infantry Rainbow Division and the most popular of Dubuque;s soldiers, was elected as the first Commander of Post #6. Vice Commander is John Beaves, Adjutant is Richard Plaister, Finance Officer if Al Garbelman, Historian is Carl Wilhelm, and the Sgt at Arms is Joseph Ham.
Newspaper article of 1st Post 6 Clubhouse
In 1928 at the American Legion convention, resolutions were passed for Post to adopt support engagement in the development of Drum and Bugle Corps. The Dubuque Post #6 built a float that was noted at the convention. Dubuque Post #6 started organizing and equipping a drum and bugle corps, with membership growing to 47 before the deadline for joining.
43 Members of the Dubuque American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps played in 19 cities of northeastern Iowa during its first sociability tour of the Dubuque Chamber of Commerce. Article from the Des Moines Register.
43 Dubuque Men are Members of the recently organized American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps of the river city. The organization played in 19 cities of northestern Iowa during a sociability tour of Dubuque Chamber of Commerce. Info and photo from the Des Moines Register 6/22/1930
Press Release sent to area media on the 99th Anniversary and save the date for upcoming events such as Veterans Day 2018, local events, Memorial Day 2019, Veterans Day 2019, and the 100th Anniversary Recognition on 15 March 2019 in Dubuque.
While Dubuque submitted its charter to be the first in Iowa, it was misplaced or late in the mail, so it was not filed until 12 June 2019.
Retired US Army Brigadier General Bob Felderman was elected as Post #6 Commander for it's 100th year and Centennial Celebration. Starting in the Air Force as an enlisted F106 Flight Line Electronics Mechanic, he transferred to the Army to attend OCS (was inducted into Fort Benning Hall of Fame), Armor and Cavalry Officer Basic, and then Officer Flight School. He held several commanders from company to battlion to brigade, and finished his career at NORAD..