The American Legion Wayne Minor Post 149 has a new post commander Eddie Brown. Brown was sworn in during a ceremony on Thurs., July 28.  He assumes duties from the departing Post Commander, Thomas Lindon, who completed his term. 

During the ceremony, community and veteran’s activist Archie Welch was sworn in as Second Vice Commander. Missouri 23rd District Rep. Michael Johnson was sworn in as a new member Post 149.

“It feels great,” Brown said. “I’m excited to get to work, we’ve got a great group of guys here and we want to make ourselves more visible and work with veterans in whatever way they need.”

The American Legion is a nonprofit organization made up of U.S war veterans. The legion is active in advocating for benefits for veterans and service members across the country. Wayne Minor Post 149 is one of the oldest historical African-American posts in the United States, according to the group’s Facebook page. The post has also been awarded the Excellence Award for the past 2 years.

Councilman Johnson, said as a member he is working to help build stronger resources for veterans in the community.

“One of the things we want to make sure is that the mental health of our veterans is maintained,” Johnson said. “As well as their overall health.”

Initial plans to build a legion hall are underway, according to Rep. Johnson. The facility would be used as a home post for Legion 149 and would allow members a central location for meetings and events.