Post 117 Billings, Montana
Post 117
Billings, Montana
About This Post
Post Namesake
American Legion Post 117 is named for Captain Andrew Pearson US Army who was killed in action April 30, 2008. Andrew "Drew" served One tour of duty in Afghanistan and two tours in Iraq. On his second tour in Iraq, ... READ MORE
Notable Members
Post 117 feels that all of our members are notable but we do have two members who have gained fame in the national spotlight. They are National Author Gordon Ewell, National Author Mike Ritland
What Makes this Post Unique
Our Post was started by a group of young male and female veterans who served during Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. We are the newest and youngest Post in Montana.
Photos
Post 117 In The Community
HISTORY
2010
Post Receives Charter From National Commander Fang Wong
Sep 30, 2011
On September 30th, 2011 American Legion National Commander Fang Wong visited Billings, MT and presented the members of Post 117 with their temporary charter.
On September 30th, 2011 American Legion National Commander Fang Wong visited Billings, MT and presented the members of Post 117 with their temporary charter.
First Community Service Project
Nov 14, 2011
In November 2011, Post 117 participated in their first community service project when called upon by members of the Billings City Council.
In November 2011, Post 117 participated in their first community service project when called upon by members of the Billings City Council.
Post 117 Participates in First Toys For Tots Campaign
Dec 16, 2011
Members of Post 117 joined the local Marine Corps Reserve for their annual Toys For Tots campaign. Post 117 collected toys for several weeks and then rented a truck and helped to gather the donation boxes on the West End of Billings.
Members of Post 117 joined the local Marine Corps Reserve for their annual Toys For Tots campaign. Post 117 collected toys for several weeks and then rented a truck and helped to gather the donation boxes on the West End of Billings.
Post 117 Hold First Benefit Concert
Jun 3, 2012
Post 117 organized it's first benefit concert for a young Iraq War veteran who was diagnosed with cancer. Future Post member and musician GT Hurley headlined the seven act event. 100% of the proceeds were donated to the young man and his family.
Post 117 organized it's first benefit concert for a young Iraq War veteran who was diagnosed with cancer. Future Post member and musician GT Hurley headlined the seven act event. 100% of the proceeds were donated to the young man and his family.
Honoring a Lost Friend
Aug 1, 2012
In August 2012 Post 117 purchased a memorial stone for a friend and comrade, Paul Gardner, that was placed in the Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery that would later become Yellowstone National Cemetery. Paul was a driving force and one of the original group of six that decided to start Post 117 but he passed just six months before we received our charter.
In August 2012 Post 117 purchased a memorial stone for a friend and comrade, Paul Gardner, that was placed in the Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery that would later become Yellowstone National Cemetery. Paul was a driving force and one of the original group of six that decided to start Post 117 but he passed just six months before we received our charter.
Post 117 Hosts the Long Road Home Project
Aug 9, 2012
The Post held a fundraiser for the Long Road Home Project as the veterans participating in the coast to coast bicycle ride passed through Billings, Mt headed to Washington DC from Washington state.
The Post held a fundraiser for the Long Road Home Project as the veterans participating in the coast to coast bicycle ride passed through Billings, Mt headed to Washington DC from Washington state.
Post 117 Raises Funds for the Big Sky Honor Flight
Aug 31, 2012
Members of Post 117 walked in the Burn The Point Parade and solicited donations for the Big Sky Honor Flight. The Honor Flight would eventually make nine trips to Washington D.C. taking over 850 WWII veterans to see the memorial built in their honor. Several members of Post 117 served on the Big Sky Honor Flight Committee and made all nine trips.
Members of Post 117 walked in the Burn The Point Parade and solicited donations for the Big Sky Honor Flight. The Honor Flight would eventually make nine trips to Washington D.C. taking over 850 WWII veterans to see the memorial built in their honor. Several members of Post 117 served on the Big Sky Honor Flight Committee and made all nine trips.
Post 117 Co-Sponsors Annual Sept. 11th Event
Sep 11, 2012
Post 117 became a co-sponsor of an annual 911 Remembrance Ceremony and Celebration of Life in 2011. The annual event is held in front of the Montana Purple Heart Memorial on the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn. Amelia McDanel who would become the second Commander of Post 117 and the first female Commander spoke at the event.
Post 117 became a co-sponsor of an annual 911 Remembrance Ceremony and Celebration of Life in 2011. The annual event is held in front of the Montana Purple Heart Memorial on the Yellowstone County Courthouse lawn. Amelia McDanel who would become the second Commander of Post 117 and the first female Commander spoke at the event.
Post 117 Holds Fundraising Concert For Wounded Navy SEAL
Sep 29, 2012
Post 117 hosted a concert fundraiser at Zoo Montana for a local Navy SEAL critically wounded in Afghanistan. Once again GT Hurley and Lorie and Cora Wood provided the entertainment for the evening. Post 117 sold BBQ Pork and chicken and partnered with great supporters of the Post, The Squire Lounge, for the beverages.
Post 117 hosted a concert fundraiser at Zoo Montana for a local Navy SEAL critically wounded in Afghanistan. Once again GT Hurley and Lorie and Cora Wood provided the entertainment for the evening. Post 117 sold BBQ Pork and chicken and partnered with great supporters of the Post, The Squire Lounge, for the beverages.
First Female Commander
Apr 24, 2013
On April 24th, 2013 Amelia McDanel became the second Post 117 Commander and the first female Commander of the Post.
On April 24th, 2013 Amelia McDanel became the second Post 117 Commander and the first female Commander of the Post.
Post 117 Helps Cristen The Vet's Lounge at MSUB
Nov 11, 2013
Post Commander Chris Enget and District Commander George Blackard performed a flag ceremony in honor of the opening of the Vet's Lounge at Montana State University Billings.
Post Commander Chris Enget and District Commander George Blackard performed a flag ceremony in honor of the opening of the Vet's Lounge at Montana State University Billings.
Post 117 Members Help To Cristen National Cemetery
May 26, 2014
Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery became the Yellowstone National Cemetery on May 26th, 2014. Many Post 117 members served on the Veteran's Cemetery Board for years leading up to this historic occasion. Those members include James Mariska, Burt Gigoux, Sue Davidson, Skip Venard and George Blackard.
Yellowstone County Veteran's Cemetery became the Yellowstone National Cemetery on May 26th, 2014. Many Post 117 members served on the Veteran's Cemetery Board for years leading up to this historic occasion. Those members include James Mariska, Burt Gigoux, Sue Davidson, Skip Venard and George Blackard.
1st Annual Warrior Run
Aug 24, 2014
Post 117 held their first annual Warrior Run to benefit Montana veterans. The proceeds from the first event went to help a young local soldier diagnosed with cancer.
Post 117 held their first annual Warrior Run to benefit Montana veterans. The proceeds from the first event went to help a young local soldier diagnosed with cancer.
Post 117 Hosts District Revitalization
Jan 9, 2015
Post 117 teamed up with the Vet Center to host their first District Revitalization. The three day goal was met on the first day of the event and several veterans and their families visited the Vet Center, spoke with counsellors and met with American Legion certified service officers.
Post 117 teamed up with the Vet Center to host their first District Revitalization. The three day goal was met on the first day of the event and several veterans and their families visited the Vet Center, spoke with counsellors and met with American Legion certified service officers.
2nd Annual Post 117 Benefit Banquet
Jan 24, 2015
Post 117 hosted the 2nd Annual Benefit Banquet to raise funds for the Post and their veterans assistance fund. The keynote speaker was National Author and former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. Nearly 400 people attended the event.
Post 117 hosted the 2nd Annual Benefit Banquet to raise funds for the Post and their veterans assistance fund. The keynote speaker was National Author and former Navy SEAL Mike Ritland. Nearly 400 people attended the event.
