A new Rockwell American Legion coming to counter veteran membership decline | News [Video]

ROCHESTER, Minn. – American Legion Gallagher Post 208 has lost about half of its members since 2006.

A $20,000 grant from the Cerro Gordo Community Foundation is allowing the American Legion to tear down the old one and build an entire new facility. 

The local commander said the leaking roof and the outdated building’s insurance electricity bills are difficult to financially manage.

“Now we’re getting to the point where we need to do something. This building here and the building next to us. They are in dire need of being demolished,” said Commander Jason Dick.

According to Dick, the organization had about 120 members in 2006. Fast forward to 2024, the number has dropped to 62.

He hopes the new facility would entice younger generations of veterans to take a chance on joining the American Legion.

“I’m hoping with the new facility, we can start reaching out to the younger …