The American Legion is the nations largest wartime veterans service organization. Its made up of more than 12,000 posts in communities across the U.S. According to the American Legion, fewer than 10 Illinois posts are part of a company. One of those companies is ComEd.
Established in 1909, Commonwealth Edison Post 118 was created by ComEd employees who previously served in the military. This year is the posts centennial anniversary.
This is one of the last remaining Illinois corporate posts, said Art Chavez, ComEd employee and Commander of the post.
The post has more than 200 members and is open to current and former employees of ComEd and its parent company Exelon. Retirees also can join.
This post is an amazing community, and I’ve had the honor of being a member for 10 years,Chavez said. By joining this post, I’ve had the opportunity to share stories with veterans from the Vietnam War, Korean War and World War II.
In addition to connecting with other veterans at monthly meetings, members organize events, volunteer opportunities and sponsorships that support and strengthen the community.
We raise funds and partner with organizations to help military veterans that are in need, Chavez said. We also help veterans and their families earn scholarships.
Aside from advocating local change, members can influence public policy that affects people who have served in the military.
The more people who are part of your post, the more votes and say you get for supporting veterans and passing bills to improve their lives, he said.
To make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families, Chavez encourages veterans to join the American Legion.
Due to the recent approval of the LEGION Act, all veterans can join the American Legion, not just veterans who served during a war era, Chavez said. I encourage anyone who served in the military to join a post, and if you meet the requirements, join this one!
