MCCOLL — For McColl Councilman Gerald Locklear, being a member of American Legion Post 60 is all about camaraderie, service opportunities and building a place where veterans support one another long after their military service ends.
Locklear says the American Legion is open to veterans who served during a time of conflict, regardless of gender.
“A long time ago it was considered a fraternity, but not any longer,” he said. “It’s open to males and females. As a matter of fact, our commander is a female, so it really is pretty open.”
Locklear says the American Legion differs from the Veterans of Foreign Wars because VFW membership requires service in a conflict, while the Legion is open to those who served during a time of conflict. Beyond eligibility, Locklear said, the Legion gives veterans a way to stay connected and be involved.
“The American Legion works with each other, keeps each other’s spirits lifted up and does a lot of work outside of the post in the community,” Locklear said.
Post 60 sponsors youth programs, including sending boys and girls to Columbia, and has supported Legion baseball in the past. Locklear said the post has not sponsored a Legion team recently because of finances, though there has been interest in starting a softball team from some members in Bennettsville.
“We would really like to be able to have a softball team playing again,” he said.
Locklear says membership at Post 60 remains stronger than at many other posts, adding that some in the district closed over the past year because they did not have enough members to maintain their charters. In the district, he said, about four posts were lost last year and Locklear is determined to keep Post 60 full of members.
He is excited to announce that during McColl’s Fourth of July celebration, Post 60 received interest from seven prospective members. Still, Locklear says reaching younger veterans remains a challenge.
“We are still having an issue trying to reach younger veterans,” he said. “It seems like a lot of the younger generation, when they get done with their service, they just are done with anything that has to do with the military.”
Locklear said the post has two properties in McColl and is working toward building a new facility at the Bluff.
“The building at the Bluff has always been American Legion, but the building on Church Street used to be the VFW. When the VFW disbanded, Larry Geddie purchased the land and then donated it to the American Legion. We have three properties—all largely acquired through donation,” Locklear explained.
According to Locklear, the American Legion land at the Bluff first belonged to Scottish highlanders who began donating their family land to the Legion in the 1940s and 1950s.
Another way the Legion works to keep its numbers high is through continuing its history of service by partnering with the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce to increase visibility.
Locklear says members are able to set up a table at Chamber-sponsored events and volunteer for activities such as library programs, arts and crafts events and other county functions.
“It works out good for us and the county,” Locklear said. “They get some free labor out of us and we get some exposure.”
Post members also participate in a Flag Day retirement ceremony in downtown McColl, where worn American flags are respectfully retired. In some years, Locklear said, the Cheraw JROTC has joined in leading the ceremony. Additionally, the post takes part in community events such as the Christmas parade in McColl, Gibson’s Veterans’ parade, pictures with Santa and Easter Bunny activities across the county.
Locklear’s own connection to the American Legion began through his father, who belonged to both the American Legion and the VFW. For years, his father encouraged him to join, but Locklear says he first began to see himself as part of the organization after taking his sons to watch fireworks at the Bluff.
“It was just beautiful,” he said. “I thought, okay, I could see myself being a part of this.”
He eventually joined after being asked to pull a float in the Christmas parade. He attended the next meeting, met the members, answered questions and was voted in. After his first year, Locklear became adjutant, serving as the point of contact between the national organization and the local post while keeping track of reports and fundraising activities.
To join, Locklear says that a veteran must be sponsored by a current member, have been honorably discharged from a branch of service, and have served during a time of conflict. Potential members introduce themselves at a meeting, talk about their service and current life experiences, and then members vote on their application.
Post 60 dues are only $60 a year. Locklear says they try their best to keep costs down knowing members experience tough times or might be on fixed incomes.
“Every post can decide its fee. I know some district post fees can be as high as $90 to $110,” he adds.
For Locklear, one of the strongest reasons to join is the camaraderie. He said members can help each other navigate questions about veterans’ benefits, stay connected through daily check-ins and choose how active they want to be, from local volunteer work to advocacy on veterans’ legislation in Washington, D.C.
“Many come back from service, and they don’t feel like they have a place in their life anymore,” Locklear said. “I think it really helps having someone who has experienced similar situations to lean on and talk with about what you are feeling and experiencing. I would much rather someone turn to fellow veterans than try to address the issues they are dealing with through drugs and alcohol.”
For anyone interested in joining, Post 60 meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the American Legion building located at 102 North Church Street in McColl.