After the grand opening the new Post #71 at Grand Ave talks were already starting on expanding the Legion. In October of 1980 the expansion was started. At that time the Commander was Milt Pehl, Roy Berg was Adjutant, Rollie Rouer was Building Chair. Among those who helped were Marv Carvil and John Johnson and others. By 1981 the first floor foundation and walls were up and basement floor was also poured.
In November of 1981 the Legion emblem was carved and donated to the Post by Gordon Amell.
In June of 1982 the American Legion Post #71 had 1,129 members strong. Which is great considering a few years before there were rumors on the street of the post going belly up.
