Post 339 Bellevue, Nebraska
Post 339
Bellevue, Nebraska
About This Post
Post Namesake
Martin-Graves Post 339 derives its namesake from two Bellevue, Nebraska residents who died overseas in World War I:
Lt. Ralph Martin of Bellevue, Nebraska, was assigned to the 9th Machine Gun Battalion, 3rd Division. He died at 22 years of age and is buried in the St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Thiaucourt, France, Plot D, Row 21, Grave 2.
PVT Bert A. Graves of Bellevue, Nebraska, was assigned to Battery C, 1st Anti-Aircraft Battalion. He died at 30 years of age and is buried in Bellevue, Nebraska. His grave marker reads: "He left his home in perfect health, he looked so young and brave, we little thought how soon he'd be be laid in a soldiers grave".
Notable Members
- The 6th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, (CMSAF) James M. McCoy
- Nebraska State Senator Tommy L. Garrett
- Former Mayor of Bellevue, Nebraska, Jerry Ryan
- 2014 Bellevue Persons of the Year, Don Kiviniemi and Jim Costello
- And.....every other member of Martin-Graves Post 339 is notable because at one time they all raised their hand and swore to support and defend the Constitution of our great nation, even if that meant the sacrifice of their own lives.
What Makes this Post Unique
Post 339 has never had a building of its own; however, that hasn't stopped us from supporting veterans in the local community and active duty members from Offutt Air Force Base. Over the years, Post 339 has made a name for itself as an institution of caring for those who have served our nation and we will continue to do so into the future.
Photos
Grave Marker of Lt. Ralph Martin at St. Mihel American Cemetery, France
Post 339 Holiday Basket Program
2014 Bellevue Persons of the Year
HISTORY
1920
Post 339 Receives Its Permanet Charter
Aug 28, 1923
Bellevue American Legion Post 399 is organized at the Bellevue Vocational School. The Bellevue Vocational School was made up exclusively of ex-servicemen and our founding members want to create an American Legion Post to provide "an excellent opportunity to work hand-in-hand with disabled men and their cases." Know Officers of the Post are: C.B. Lehmer: Commander R.O. Dean: Adjutant Service Officer: H. McKeen Lt. Edward Branharn: Chaplain (From Fort Crook, known today as Offutt AFB)..
Bellevue American Legion Post 399 is organized at the Bellevue Vocational School. The Bellevue Vocational School was made up exclusively of ex-servicemen and our founding members want to create an American Legion Post to provide "an excellent opportunity to work hand-in-hand with disabled men and their cases." Know Officers of the Post are: C.B. Lehmer: Commander R.O. Dean: Adjutant Service Officer: H. McKeen Lt. Edward Branharn: Chaplain (From Fort Crook, known today as Offutt AFB)..
Post Name Changed To Martin-Graves Post 339
Mar 8, 1926
To honor two Bellevue, Nebraska residents who died overseas during World War I, Post 339 receives authorization to change the name of the Post from Bellevue Post #339 to Martin-Graves Post #339. This namesake is for Lt Ralph Martin and PVT Bert Graves. Known Officers at this time are: A.D. Short: Commander Clark Barteau: Adjutant Henry A. Balis: Sgt-At-Arms There are 15 paid members and dues are $1.25 a year
To honor two Bellevue, Nebraska residents who died overseas during World War I, Post 339 receives authorization to change the name of the Post from Bellevue Post #339 to Martin-Graves Post #339. This namesake is for Lt Ralph Martin and PVT Bert Graves. Known Officers at this time are: A.D. Short: Commander Clark Barteau: Adjutant Henry A. Balis: Sgt-At-Arms There are 15 paid members and dues are $1.25 a year
