Arizona's virtual American Legion post aims to reach veterans who can't make it to a physical post

For veterans in Tucson who cannot easily drive across town, travel to a meeting or feel comfortable in a traditional military gathering place, Arizona now has another way to stay connected. American Legion Post 43 is operating online, offering veterans a statewide community where they can attend meetings, learn about resources and participate in veterans’ activities without having to reach a physical post.

The virtual post is intended for veterans whose barriers may include limited mobility, a lack of transportation or the loss of a driver’s license. It also recognizes that access is not only a logistical issue. Some veterans may not want to enter a familiar post setting built around large groups, shared war stories or social activities such as drinking and smoking. Post 43 is designed to give those veterans a lower pressure way to take part, whether they live in Tucson or elsewhere in Arizona.

Rod Baarstad, an Army veteran helping lead the effort, said the project is meant to connect the traditional American Legion model with the possibilities created by online technology. Baarstad served on active duty from 1983 to 1986 and then spent three years in the Army Reserve. He was a flight medic on Huey helicopters and was stationed in Germany during the Cold War. After leaving the military, he remained involved with groups including the Patriot Guard Riders and the American Legion because he did not want to completely lose his connection to military life.

That sense of connection is central to the post’s purpose. Baarstad said some veterans may be isolated even when they need help, in part because military culture often teaches people to handle problems on their own. The virtual post is intended to reach those veterans before they disappear from the community. His message to people who are hesitant is that they do not need to make a major commitment. They can simply join for an hour, observe and see whether the group is right for them.

Although meetings take place online, Post 43 is not discarding the formal practices associated with the American Legion. Meetings include the Pledge of Allegiance, recognition of prisoners of war and service members missing in action, along with opening and closing prayers. Veterans from Yuma, Casa Grande, Glendale and Mesa are already participating. For Tucson veterans, the format could make it possible to take part from home while still joining a gathering that follows the established traditions of an American Legion post.

The post holds an executive meeting during the second week of each month. Leaders use that meeting to discuss veterans’ needs and shape the agenda for the regular membership meeting, which takes place during the fourth week. Baarstad said the group tries to keep its attention on concerns raised by veterans already involved, while also reaching out to others to learn what support they need. The online structure can also help seasonal residents remain part of the Arizona post when they spend portions of the year in another state.

Creating a virtual post does bring limitations. Physical American Legion posts commonly raise money through dinners, bingo, sandwich nights and other local events. Post 43 does not have those regular in-person activities, so its leaders are looking for different ways to fund programs and serve communities. Potential projects include working with community organizations, involving Boy Scouts and Eagle Scout candidates, and supporting food programs, homeless veterans and children and youth efforts. The post also uses Facebook to share information about veteran services, events and fundraising opportunities.

Leadership is developing the organization while it operates, rather than following an established playbook for a virtual chapter. Baarstad said the work requires former service members to set aside personal egos, accept uncertainty and build procedures as they go. That can be difficult for people accustomed to clear military instructions and defined chains of responsibility. The group is balancing the need to grow with the immediate responsibility of supporting veterans who are already participating.

The longer term goal is to make veterans throughout Arizona aware that an online American Legion post is available, and potentially to encourage similar efforts beyond the state. For Tucsonans, the idea adds a statewide option to the local network of veterans’ organizations and services, particularly for people who cannot or do not want to attend a conventional post. Veterans interested in learning more can find American Legion Post 43 on Facebook, where the group posts information about meetings, resources and ways to support its developing programs.