One of the stated goals of the American Legion is, "to inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community" and to "successfully carry out acts of service to our community." Now, one local American Legion post is appealing to its community for help. The Hugh C. Newman Memorial Post 449 is looking for new members and a place to call home.

"We would be very happy to find an angel who would be willing to donate a building," said Past Commander Jim Colwell.

Currently, the Post conducts its meetings in the Community Center of Allen Park in Farmingdale. The Town of Oyster Bay allows the post to meet on the second Tuesday of every month, free of charge. While members have expressed appreciation to the town for use of the facility, they want a building of their own that could generate revenue to support their work. They also feel that having their own building would be beneficial for the community.

"If we had our own building, we could make it a meeting hall that would be available at reasonable rates to all comers," said Colwell. "It would become a community gathering center. This would become the support for our American Legion post."

According to Colwell, an American Legion hall would provide the community with a place to rent at reasonable rates for bridal showers, parties and events that require something bigger than a home but less formal than a country club. The money raised would be used to support the American Legion's veteran and community-based causes. Among those are two scholarships for Farmingdale residents, visits to veterans in the V.A. Hospital in Northport and conducting a Day at the Races there. The post has also brought items to Farmingdale seniors such as books, socks, hats and sweatshirts and is also a supporter of the Boy Scouts.

In addition to looking for a building, the Post is seeking new members. The post currently has 72 members. The first American Legion Post in Farmingdale was closed in the late 70s. Due to a renewed interest, the Hugh C. Newman Post was opened in 2002 with about 35 members. It is named after a Vietnam veteran who was also a member of the Farmingdale Fire Department.

"We are a group of Americans whose commitment is still active," Colwell said about the post. While current issues and politics have divided parts of the nation, Colwell assures potential members that the American Legion "is about community support not political activities."

Veterans who are interested in joining the post are encouraged to attend a meeting, which are held at 8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month at the Allen Park Community Center. Information can also be obtained by sending an email to vargas84@optonline.net and including the phrase "American Legion" in the subject line. Anyone who served in the United States armed forces, and is interested in becoming a member of this Post, should contact the post to learn more about the eligibility requirements.

The American Legion was founded in 1919. There are currently about 15,000 American Legion posts worldwide.