Writer / Megan Jefferson
Photographer / Ron Wise
Bill Roberts is Adjutant of the American Legion, Post 34 on 54th Street. Having the role of adjutant is similar to being a General Manager. Roberts has been a member of Post 34 for 12 years and now helps organize the daily operations.
The American Legion Post 34 has been serving veterans since it opened in 1922. Their goal is to provide a safe haven for Active Military men and women, veterans and their families. They are a non-profit, volunteer organization that puts those who are or have served first before anyone or anything else. They show gratitude to them and their families. Post 34 sponsors four non-profit organizations and one post project that aide in 
educating the youth and in serving those who have served and are serving.
Post 34 has a large membership of 750 people, which is made up of three groups. American Legion members are those who have served in the military. Sons of the Legion are men whose father or grandfather are veterans and the Auxiliary includes women – wives and daughters of legion members.
The building serves as a community space, they have a bar and restaurant, a dart board for gaming and host programs for members.
Recently, Post 34 got a new chef, Devin Stallcup, grandson of Judy Guerra, owner and founder of Just Judy’s Restaurant – which used to be located next door to the American Legion building. Stallcup has been working under his grandmother for years, learning all of her tricks of the trade.
“We were looking to make a change in our kitchen. We talked to Judy a year ago about having her grandson do our work, but he wasn’t quite ready,” Roberts says. “He is now ready and started working with us in April. We are excited to offer quality food at good prices.”
Since the American Legion is a private club, there are only certain times that it is open to non-members.
The public is welcome for lunch at Post 34 on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. -2 p.m. and dinner 5-9 p.m.
Popular menu items include fish sandwiches and hamburgers with a side for $6.95. Pizza, tenderloin sandwiches, wings and soups are also hot selling items.
Another exciting addition to Post 34 includes a newly built 20’ x 20’ wooden shelter behind the building. This will be used for Legion events and musical entertainment on Saturday evenings.
The public is welcome on Saturday to enjoy music, the bar and restaurant. A variety of music will be played – Motown, Western, Karaoke and more.
Roberts says that serving Veterans is his favorite part of being involved with Post 34.
“We are trying to share with the veterans a place they can come and go and use the facilities,” Roberts says. “It’s camaraderie for people to come in and visit and chat. We are also happy to share our community with the public. Our mission statement says it all: If we can’t find it in our hearts to support our military people and their families. How can we ask the military to support us?”
Visit American Legion Post 34 at 2210 E 54th Street or give them a call at 317-259-8311. Visit them online at americanlegionpost34indianapolis.org.
