About Us
Winthrop Hall Post 212-American Legion is a non-profit organization established to enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. Our team of dedicated individuals work tirelessly to provide assistance, support, and resources that our veterans and their families need. We are committed to making a positive impact on the lives of the veterans we serve.
"The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America"
Our Mission
To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness. The American Legion's vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America."
Our History
History of the American Legion
The American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization. Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, the Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit groups in the United States. Membership swiftly grew to over 1 million, and local posts sprang up across the country. Today, membership stands at nearly 2 million in more than 13,000 posts worldwide. The posts are organized into 55 departments: one each for the 50 states, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico and the Philippines.
Over the years, the Legion has influenced considerable social change in America, won hundreds of benefits for veterans and produced many important programs for children and youth. Since its inception, The American Legion has delivered substantial improvements for veterans, families and communities:
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The Legion ushered in the modern VA
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The Legion drafted and drove home passage of the GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill
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The Legion has brought into existence dozens of health-care benefits for veterans and programs designed to provide civilian careers after discharge
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The Legion works every day on behalf of U.S. servicemen and women. It is recognized as a leader in transition assistance from military to civilian life, providing resources for careers, education, child care and more
History of Winthrop Hall, Post 212
What is now American Legion Post 212 started as a social club in March 1950. At that time, there were nine men in this group. Starting the club was the idea of Albert Vaughn. At the initial meeting, the decision was made to turn the club into a veteran’s club, since most of the individuals were veterans (mostly WWII veterans) Lawton Corbitt was elected president and Hazel Powell was elected secretary. This organization met monthly for the next two years.
In 1952, the decision was made to become an American Legion Post. With the help of the County Veterans Assistance Officer, who was himself very active in the Legion, a charter was granted by the American Legion Department of South Carolina on April 27, 1953. The Post was chartered as Winthrop Hall, Post 212. It was named in honor of Winthrop Hall, the first black from Aiken, SC to die in World War II. Winthrop Hall was then incorporated on Dec 24, 1953.
Since the original charter of 25 members, Post 212 has reached an all time high of 124 members. Growing from the small brick building of less than 1,000 square feet to the present facility of over 4,000 square feet. Throughout years of various leadership, Post 212 has successfully served veterans, their families and the community, providing the post home as a meeting place for many clubs, societies and organizations.
American Legion Auxiliary
Founded in 1919, The American Legion Auxiliary has nearly 1 million members from all walks
of life. The Auxiliary administers hundreds of volunteer programs, gives tens of thousands of
hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises millions of dollars to support its own
programs, as well as other worthwhile charities familiar to Americans. It is all accomplished with
volunteers.
While originally organized to assist The American Legion, the Auxiliary has achieved its own
unique identity while working side-by-side with the veterans who belong to The American
Legion. Like the Legion, the Auxiliary’s interests have broadened to encompass the entire
community.
The American Legion Auxiliary is made up of the male and female spouses, grandmothers,
mothers, sisters, and direct and adopted female descendants of members of The American
Legion. Through its nearly 10,500 units located in every state and some foreign countries, the
Auxiliary embodies the spirit of America that has prevailed through war and peace. Along with
The American Legion, it solidly stands behind America and its ideals.
Monthly meeting is held the 4 th Sat of every month at 12pm
POC: Carolyn Chapman – 301-996-6463 or Brenda Holland – 803-292-3629, dawhol@aol.com