The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the Nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and Veterans.

The American Legion is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization with great political influence perpetuated by its grass-roots involvement in the legislation process from local districts to Capitol Hill. Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans in Washington. The Legion stands behind the issues most important to the Nation’s Veterans community, backed by resolutions passed by volunteer leadership. The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.

Legionnaires have given strong support to the Four Pillars of Service:

  • Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
  • National Security
  • Americanism
  • Children & Youth

Legionnaires are community leaders and wartime veterans with a deep sense of pride in Glenwood and its surrounding communities in Mills County focused on preserving American values, supporting all local veterans and their families, and supporting community events.

American Legion Harvey T. Rimel Post 141

Harvey Tilman Rimel was born near Tabor, IA on February 8, 1893 and moved with his parents to a farm near Glenwood, IA when a mere baby. He met his untimely death while in action on the battlefields of France on May 15, 1918, aged 25 years, 3 months and 7 days.

Military Service History

On May 20, 1913, Harvey enlisted in Company I at Glenwood, making him one of its charter members. On May 19, 1916, he was honorably discharged, showing an official record of excellent character and faithful service.

After a declaration of war with Germany, he early heard the call of his country and on June 2, 1917, he re-entered his former company as a Private First-Class and sailed from the United States to a foreign land October 14, 1917. Shortly after arrival in France, he was given the rank of Corporal. Thus on the French front, the spirit of a brave young American soldier takes its flight. His remains were laid to rest in an American cemetery beside other fallen American soldiers in France.

Community Hero

Harvey was a home loving boy with a large circle of friends not only in his home town and local communities, but he also made friends wherever he went. Besides his parents he was survived by three sisters and two brothers: Ethel, Nelle, Blanche, Franklin and Frederick.

Somewhere in France he is lying, 
Or may be on Italy's sod.
 What a glory was his in dying
 For Liberty, Country and God.

Membership Eligibility Dates UPDATED!

If you have served one day of federal active duty (includes Title 32) in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and have been honorably discharged or are still serving — you are eligible for membership in The American Legion! The American Legion was chartered by Congress as a wartime Veterans Service Organization, hence the stipulation that you must have served on active duty honorably.

LEGION ACT

December 7, 1941 to cessation of hostilities as determined by the U.S. Government

 

Become-member-button-300x203