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American Legion is ready to cruise

Veterans group will be part of FD Ford Ja-Mar car show

-Messenger file photo
Erland Carlson, of Fort Dodge, sits behind the wheel of his 1951 Willys M38 Jeep during the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise on Aug. 4, 2023. He said he bought the Jeep during an auction held by the city of Fort Dodge in 1978. When he bought it, it was painted white, apparently because it had been used by Civil Defense. The owner of a garage in Webster City restored it for him over the course of a year. He recalled that someone told him what color to paint it, but he insisted on another shade. “It’s like MacArthur’s Jeep and I want it to shine,” he said, referring to Gen. Douglas MacArthur.

The American Legion is the nation’s largest organization for veterans, but around Fort Dodge, the group has perhaps been kind of low key.

Local Legion members want to change that, beginning on Friday.

Fort Dodge American Legion Post 130 will have a presence at the Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise on Friday at the dealership, 2723 Fifth Ave. S. Legionnaires will be serving free hot dogs and chips from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Participating in the cruise is a way to tell the public about the American Legion and maybe even get some more veterans interested in joining, according to post members.

“We are thrilled to partner with Fort Dodge Ford Toyota for the Ja-Mar Cruise Night,” said Marvin Carr, commander of the local Legion post. “This event provides a wonderful opportunity for us to connect with the community and raise awareness for the vital work we do in supporting our veterans.”

Tom Dorsey, an Army veteran and member of the post, said the mission of the American Legion is based on these four pillars:

• Mentoring youth to teach them civic responsibility and patriotism.

• Advocating for veterans

• Advocating for a strong national defense

• Promoting Americanism

“What we do is for the public good,” Dorsey said.

Navy veteran Mike Larson said the American Legion is the “most inclusive” of all the veterans organizations. He said a person can join as long as they have been honorably discharged or are currently serving in the active duty military, military reserves or National Guard.

Army veteran Todd McCubbin said the Legion post asks its members to contribute one hour a month.

“It isn’t a huge time commitment unless you want it to be,” he said.

Larson added that among veterans groups, the Legion has “the largest voice in the political world.”

Fort Dodge American Legion Post 130 received its charter on Nov. 29, 1920.

If You Go

What: Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota Ja-Mar Cruise Night

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday

Where: Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, 2723 Fifth Ave. S.

Starting at $4.94/week.

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