Since 1987, the Avon American Legion Post 145 has been welcoming veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Today the American Legion continues to welcome all military personnel serving our country, as well as new Avon American Legion Commander Brent Willett.
Willett is the vice president of OneIndiana Property and Casualty, LLC, an independent risk management firm that pledges to provide a personal relationship with clients. He grew up in Monrovia, and is a graduate of the University of Evansville where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Upon the completion of college, he went on to earn his J.D. from the Indiana University School of Law. Shortly after completion of law school, Willett made the decision to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army, he had the honor to serve this country overseas in Iraq, returning as a decorated veteran. Upon being honorably discharged, Willett spent several years as a Department of Defense contractor, instructing soldiers before their deployments.
“I have been a member of Post 145 for about four years now,” he says. “I transferred from a neighboring post as I was closer to the Avon community, and was welcomed the first time I stepped foot into the building. Before becoming commander, I first served as the service officer, whose role is to assist veterans and their families that need help or guidance on where to find said help.”
The next year, Willett served as first vice commander under the past Commander Rick Duncan.
“When Rick was moving up into a different role with district, I decided it was time to run for the commander position,” Willett says. “While I was aware there would be a lot of work, there is a strong passion inside of me for veterans and what they have sacrificed for the good of our country. The legion provides a place of solace for us and a strong sense of camaraderie that you miss when your time of service has ended.”
Veterans and the public alike can be found at the legion for fun events throughout the week and year.
Every Monday through Saturday, the legion kitchen is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, and members of the community are not required to be a member of the post to enjoy a great meal. On Wednesday nights, Team Trivia runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each Tuesday and Thursday, the legion has its jackpot draw, where tickets can be purchased any day of the week. The drawing is at 7:15 p.m. on each Tuesday and Thursday evening.
Friday evenings rotate between music bingo and karaoke (the first and third Friday of the month), and live music or karaoke on the remaining Friday evenings. On the fourth Saturday of each month, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) serves an all-you-can-eat breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for $8.
“Some aspects of the Avon American Legion that the community may not be aware of are the amount of time and donations members of the post give to the local charities and events that are hosted at the legion,” Willett says. “In December we host the Hearts of Christmas, where the Legionnaires, SAL, Auxiliary, and Riders pitch in to provide Christmas for families that are in need. Last year we were able to do that for over 25 families and we are hoping to do more this year.”
Willett emphasized that the post is very community focused, but most importantly, they are here to help our veterans in need of assistance.
You can learn more about the Avon American Legion Post 145 by visiting avonlegion.org. You can also call them at 317-386-8911, or stop by at 4812 East Main Street in Avon.