About Our Post
American Legion NY Post #381
John J. Welch
Serving veterans and our community in Niagara Falls since 1919. We are dedicated to the values of service, camaraderie, and support for veterans, active military personnel, and their families.
What We Stand For
At John J. Welch Post #381, we stand for the core values that have guided The American Legion since its inception:
Service
We believe in continued service to our nation and community long after military service has ended. Our members actively volunteer and support initiatives that improve the lives of veterans and community members in Niagara Falls.
Camaraderie
We provide a place where veterans can connect with others who understand their experiences. The bonds formed through military service are unique, and we foster an environment where these connections can continue to thrive.
Advocacy
We advocate for the rights and benefits of veterans at local, state, and national levels. We ensure that the sacrifices made by service members are recognized and honored through appropriate benefits and support systems.
Patriotism
We promote respect for our nation, its flag, and its democratic institutions. Through educational programs and community events, we work to instill a sense of civic responsibility and national pride in the next generation.
Our commitment to these values guides all of our activities and initiatives. We strive to be a positive force in our community, upholding the legacy of service that defines The American Legion.
Our Mission
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. As part of this national organization, John J. Welch Post #381 is committed to:
- Mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome programs in our Niagara Falls community
- Advocating patriotism and honor
- Promoting strong national security
- Continuing devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans
Our post serves as a gathering place for veterans to find fellowship, support, and opportunities to continue serving our community long after their military service has ended.
The Four Pillars of The American Legion
Veterans
We provide support for veterans through VA benefits assistance, career services, and programs addressing homelessness, PTSD, and other challenges faced by our veterans.
Defense
We advocate for a strong national defense and support for active-duty military personnel and their families through various programs and services.
Children & Youth
We invest in the future of our community through youth programs, scholarships, educational contests, and support for children in need.
Americanism
We promote patriotism, respect for the flag, citizenship, and community involvement through various programs and activities.
Who Was John J. Welch
Historical photo of John J. Welch
John J. Welch, namesake of Post #381
John J. Welch was a distinguished Niagara Falls native who exemplified the values of service, sacrifice, and dedication to country. Born and raised in Niagara Falls, Welch answered the call to serve during World War I, demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership.
After returning from service, Welch continued to serve his community and fellow veterans. His unwavering commitment to supporting veterans and their families made him a respected figure in the Niagara Falls community.
When our post was established, it was named in honor of John J. Welch to commemorate his exemplary service and to inspire future generations of veterans to follow in his footsteps of continued service to community and country.
Our History
John J. Welch Post #381 was established in the aftermath of World War I, as part of the nationwide movement to support returning veterans. Since our founding, we have been serving veterans and the Niagara Falls community for over 100 years.
Throughout our history, our post has adapted to meet the changing needs of veterans from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. What has remained constant is our commitment to supporting those who have served and their families.
Our post building at 923 Niagara Ave has been a fixture in the community for decades, serving as a gathering place for veterans, a venue for community events, and a center for veteran support services.
Our post is proud to maintain a memorial bench at the Hyde Park Monument in Niagara Falls, honoring the service and sacrifice of local veterans. This is just one of the many ways we work to ensure that the contributions of veterans are never forgotten in our community.
Post Leadership
Post Officers
Our post is led by dedicated veterans who volunteer their time and expertise to serve our members and community. These officers are elected annually and work together to guide our programs and initiatives.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
COMMANDER | J GABRIELSON |
1ST VICE | J COURNYEA |
2ND VICE | A MILOT |
3RD VICE | R BAILOR |
ADJUTANT | K NEWTON |
TREASURER | M LUCE |
CHAPLAIN | N MCKENZIE |
SGT@ARMS | L MAY |
HISTORIAN | C SEARCY |
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors provides oversight and guidance to ensure our post fulfills its mission and operates effectively in service to veterans and our community.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
Board Member | A POULSEN |
Board Member | L GARDINER |
Board Member | R HAINES |
Board Member | C SEARCY |
Board Member | T ROBBINS |
Board Member | A HICZEWSKI |
Board Member | F HICKEY |
Auxiliary Officers
Our Auxiliary unit provides vital support to the post and our community. These dedicated individuals work alongside post officers to organize events, raise funds, and support our mission of service.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
PRESIDENT | D OSBORNE |
1ST VICE | D MCLYMORE |
2ND VICE | B WALLS |
SECRETARY | C KARANASKY |
TREASURER | C FELDHOUSE |
CHAPLAIN | M RICHNER |
SGT@ARMS | S DENNEY |
HISTORIAN | C CIOCCO |
Our Auxiliary members are always looking for new volunteers to join their ranks. If you're interested in supporting our veterans and community through the Auxiliary, please contact us for more information.
Sons of the American Legion
The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) is made up of male descendants of veterans who served our nation during wartime. SAL members support the American Legion's programs and initiatives while honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
COMMANDER | J COURNYEA |
1ST VICE | S GAGLARDI |
2ND VICE | J GABRIELSON |
3RD VICE | R BAILOR |
ADJUTANT | K NEWTON |
TREASURER | C MCGILL |
CHAPLAIN | R MCKENZIE |
SGT@ARMS | D MYLAR |
HISTORIAN | J CAFFEY |
The Sons of the American Legion welcomes eligible male descendants of veterans. If you're interested in joining or learning more about the SAL, please contact us for information.
Get Involved
There are many ways to support our mission and get involved with John J. Welch Post #381, whether you're a veteran, a family member of a veteran, or a community member who shares our values.
Join as a Member
If you're eligible for membership, we invite you to join our post and become part of our veteran community. Membership provides access to all post activities and the opportunity to shape our future initiatives.
Annual dues: $40
Volunteer
We welcome volunteers for our various community service projects, events, and programs. Whether you can give a few hours or make a regular commitment, your time and talents can make a difference.
Contact us to learn about current volunteer opportunities.
Donate
Financial contributions help us maintain our facilities and expand our programs for veterans and the community. Donations of any size are appreciated and put to good use.
Inquire at the post for donation options.
To learn more about any of these opportunities, please visit our post at 923 Niagara Ave, call us at (716) 282-0749, or stop by during our regular hours: 10:30 AM – 12:00 AM daily.