American Legion Post 735, Hiawatha, Iowa

Welcome to American Legion Post 735 Located in Hiawatha, Iowa, the hometown of Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta

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	This group of Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School students have formed a Mock Trial Team, sponsored by our Post. They, along with their coaches, have been working really hard on their Trial case over the last few weeks. They competed in Waterloo the week of March 20th.
	Tori Paga joined our February 2023 Monthly Meeting to discuss her progress in the Oratorical Contest and gave us a look at the plaque she acquired as the 2023 winner of the Iowa Department Oratorical Contest! Tori is a sophomore at Kennedy High School and this marks the 2nd year in a row that a Kennedy student, sponsored by Post 735, has won the Department contest. Tori will represent Iowa at Nationals in April. Way to go, Tori!
	Post 735 is currently accepting applications for our $500 Scholarship Program. A short video is available that describes the scholarship and how to apply. Full details on the entire application process is available at this link.
	Post 735 welcomed Tori Paga at our December 2022 Monthly Meeting. Tori, a sophomore at Kennedy High School, is participating in the American Legion Oratorical Contest and is sponsored by our Post. Tori recently won the Linn County competition and was headed next to the District 2 competition.
	Post 735 members, spouses, and invited guests enjoy Christmas In September on September 30th, 2022, with a catered meal, deserts and door prizes.
	2nd District Commander, Dick Hogan (far left), swears in Post 735 officers for Post 735 during the August 2022 Post meeting, Pictured from left to right is Dick Hogan, Joe Helle (Commander), Tim Cunningham (Financial Officer), Larry Throndson (Adjutant), and Troy Andersen (Vice Commander).
	Post members Larry Throndson, Joe Helle and Mike Coleman provided a color guard prior to a varsity doubleheader at CR Washington. This was done as part of Veterans Appreciation Night held by the Warriors, which included starters being introduced with friends or family members who have served. Washington is the school which forms the basis of our sponsored Legion Baseball team.
	Hannah Anderson, Isaac Newton Christian Academy, was awarded a certificate and $500 from Post 735 Commander Joe Helle as part of the 2022 Post 735 Scholarship program. Accepting with Hannah is her father, Kirk Anderson, MSgt, USAF (ret.).
	Jack Rogers, CR Washington, was awarded a certificate and $500 from Post 735 member Mike Coleman as part of the 2022 Post 735 Scholarship program. Accepting with Jack are his parents, Jason and Jamie Rogers.
	Olivia Scott, CR Kennedy, was award a certificate and $250 from Post Commander Joe Helle for the Richard D. Harken Memorial Scholarship as part of the 2022 Post 735 scholarship program.
	The family of RIchard Harken presented a $250 donation to Post 735 at the May 2022 Post meeting. The donation will be used to provide an additional award for use during the Post's annual scholarship selections and will be entitled as the "Richard D. Harken Memorial Scholarship".
	Post 735 members participated in the Hiawatha Earth Day event on April 23, 2022. Members collected flags for proper retirement and 60 cellphones, which will be sent to Cellphones For Soldiers.
	Post 735 is one of the blood drive sites for the Eastern Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross. The opportunity to give the gift of life is available each month, right here at the Post, often more than once per month. Visit the online donor reservation system to get your seat locked in right now!

American Legion Post 735 is part of the nation's largest veterans service organization, committed to the mentoring and sponsoring of youth program in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service member and veterans.

If you would like to learn more about the Amercian Legion, the Auxiliary, or the the Sons of the American Legion, please look around this site or contact us at 319-393-2377.

A common question is, "Am I eligible to join?" Recent changes to the American Legion's membership requirements most likely means the answer is yes:

• All active duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible to join The American Legion.
• Anyone who had federal active duty time in the United States Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, and were honorably discharged are eligible.
• U.S. Merchant Marines who served from December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 are also eligible.