Gordon-Bissell Post 4
Our mission is to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Become a Member!
If you are currently on active duty, serving the United States honorably, anywhere in the world, or have ever served honorably in any of the United States Armed Forces, we invite you to become a member of The American Legion.
Who we are:
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic, war-time veterans’ organization, devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is a community-service organization that now numbers nearly 3 million members, men, and women, in nearly 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide. These posts are organized into 55 departments — one each for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.
The American Legion’s national headquarters is in Indianapolis, with additional offices in Washington, DC. In addition to thousands of volunteers serving in leadership and program implementation capacities in local communities and the Legion’s standing national commissions and committees, the national organization has a regular full-time staff of about 255 employees.
Officers:
Commander: Robert Campbell
Sr. Vice Commander: Vacant
Jr. Vice Commander: Vacant
Finance Officer: Lisa Uhas
Chaplain: Robert Bergevin
Adjutant: Ron Willette
Sergeant of Arms: Christopher Hall
May 27, 1919
Thirty veterans joined in the formation of an American Legion Post, which was named Gordon-Bissell Post No. 11 in honor of the first Keene men to give their lives in conflict, James H. Bissell and Grant H. Gordon.
Mission, vision and values
Enlistment, grows through training and discipline in the U.S. Armed Forces and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state, and nation.
In times of crisis, The American Legion steps into the turmoil and fights to provide needed assistance for others.
Young people who seek positive opportunities turn to The American Legion, which has mentored generations into responsible citizens.
Veterans in need of advocates to help them achieve meaningful careers, education, health-care services, friends, and stable homes are supported every day, free of charge, by The American Legion.
Active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve personnel have dedicated supporters in The American Legion. A strong and well-resourced national defense is and has always been, a central purpose of the organization. As former troops, Legionnaires understand the importance of home-front support.
Legionnaires constantly remind communities that freedom and prosperity come with a price, a price often paid in blood. They know the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day. They raise the money, put in the hours, and bring into existence monuments and memorials to “preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.”
The American Legion salutes the flag and asks all others to show respect for the unity, freedom and hope it represents.
Among American Legion members, there is no rank or prejudice, only purpose. A veteran is a veteran. And the purpose of veterans in The American Legion is to strengthen the United States of America through programs, services, compassion, and actions that have proven vital, timeless, and life-changing for over a century.
The American Legion Band and Color Guard
Who will step up to honor our Veterans when they pass? This is a question that most people give little thought to. In Cheshire County since WW1, whenever a Veteran had passed, military honors were provided if the family requested them. Local veteran organizations have provided these tributes over the years with each generation passing the torch to the next from WW1 through Vietnam. However, through the passage of time, competition for our freetime and the erosion of patriotism have diminished our ability to meet our obligation to families of Veterans. There should never come a time in our community where a Veteran’s famlily hears the word “NO” when requesting their loved one be buried with military honors. We are asking for your help to ensure that day never comes. Any active or former military personnel, members of veterans’ organizations (including but not limited to the Sons or the Auxiliary of the American Legion), or others who are simply interested in keeping this tradition alive, should contact Steve Staples at (603) 703-4941 or Bobby Crowell at (603) 252-3853 for additional information.
Former Commander ~ Carlton Croteau @ Installation Night
Former commander Carlton Croteau & Commander Rob Campbell
Upcoming Events
Learn about upcoming events for Post 4 American Legion Members.
The American Legion's mission statement, as adopted by the National Executive Committee in October 2020:
“To enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.”
The American Legion’s vision statement:
“The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.”
The American Legion’s value principles are as follows:
A VETERAN IS A VETERAN – which means The American Legion embraces all current and former members of the military and endeavors to help them transition into their communities.
SELFLESS SERVICE – which means The American Legion celebrates all who contribute to something larger than themselves and inspires others to serve and strengthen America.
AMERICAN VALUES AND PATRIOTISM – which means The American Legion advocates for upholding and defending the United States Constitution, equal justice and opportunity for everyone and discrimination against no one, youth education, responsible citizenship, and honoring military service by observing and participating in memorial events.
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – which means The American Legion meets the unique needs of local communities.
ADVANCING THE VISION – which means The American Legion educates, mentors, and leads new generations of Americans.
HONOR THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE US – which means The American Legion pays perpetual respect for all past military sacrifices to ensure they are never forgotten by new generations.
Contact
Check FAQ’s before contacting.
For any other Post 4 questions contact Rob Campbell by filling out the form.
Phone
(603) 352-9703
OTHER WEBSITES
www.legion.org : National American Legion Website
https://legionnh.org : The American Legion Department of NH
www.dav.org : Disabled American Veterans Association
www.ssa.gov>people>veterans : Social Security veterans benefits
www.concordnh.gov : Disability Veterans Credit Concord NH
www.usa.gov : Disability Veterans Benefits
www.va.gov : Keene Office Located at 650 Marlboro Street Keene NH