For decades, American Legion posts have connected veterans to communities. In towns, cities, and villages across the country, veterans have a place where they serve the whole community. At Ferris Goodridge Post 330 in Spencerport, veterans represent a sense of belonging.

Gary Barton has been the post commander at Ferris Goodridge for three years. Barton is a Vietnam veteran who served from 1965 to 1968. Barton says when he first got involved in the American Legion, it was a whole different world.

“Back in the day, it was like the fire department. It was our own little group, and it was more of a party time of things, you know? But yeah, right now we have some different programs with the Legion,” Barton said. He says that its focus now impacts those of all ages.

Lon Schwenzer is in his fourth year as executive board president. Schwenzer is a veteran of the Iraq war who served from 2003 to 2017. Schwenzer says the goal to reach all ages is found through the program’s connection to Spencerport High School.

The post holds events and provides scholarships for students. “We’ve changed our criteria, and we want it to be a student that’s been here donating their time to receive that scholarship,” Schwenzer said. “There are two 500-dollar scholarships … straight A students are the ones who are going to get the bigger scholarships, and we want to help the little guy.”

The idea of family is reinforced through events that accommodate a younger crowd. “We try and show what our post is like, you know? We have bands in here and try and show the younger generation that it’s just not sitting around talking at a bar,” Schwenzer said.

“We do a breakfast that’s open to the public on the second Sunday of every month. We’ve been doing Friday night music events every couple of weeks,” Schwenzer said. “The only other night that’s a constant is Thursday and it’s a member’s night so that everyone gets together and hears the announcements, you know? Stuff like that.”

Both Barton and Schwenzer need young people to get involved. This is done through initiatives that support them. Schwenzer says that the post assists the youth of Spencerport by providing four different baseball leagues.

“Last year we were approached by Spencerport, the village T-ball league. They didn’t have a place for the kids,” Schwenzer said.

“It turned out to be a real big promotion for us to let them come out here and we don’t charge them anything. Obviously, they have the insurance, so if anybody gets hurt, they take care of that,” Barton said.

“It’s just showing parents that we’re here to help support the community and the younger kids in the community too,” Schwenzer said.

The problem is getting the younger generation involved. The post’s success in the community happens when people get involved.

“Our biggest challenge is getting the younger generation as members and I’m 52 years old. I’m like considered the baby of the group, honestly,” Schwenzer said. “We’re hoping to drag, you know, some of the younger generation to come see what our post is and how we’re very family oriented.”

The post prioritizes community connection by attempting to reach all, not only in the Spencerport area.

“All together we’re pushing about 550 to 570 people. You know, not everyone’s active. Some of our members are down in Florida,” Schwenzer said.

According to Schwenzer, around 50 to 60 people are “very active.” Providing an attraction to the post is a necessity.

“We try and have kid functions here as well, like Easter egg hunts, breakfast with Santa,” Schwenzer said.

Barton promotes their breakfast on the second Sunday of every month.

“You come in here for 12 dollars and there’s a buffet breakfast and you can get just about anything you want. Five and under is five bucks for the kids,” Barton said.

Barton says that no matter who walks through the door, they belong. The post is run by volunteers and those with memberships who care about the expansion of the program.

“Sometimes it’s not just members, but the member’s family,” Barton said. “If they’ve passed … we get involved with the family to see what they need, where they can get extra amenities from and through the Legion along with the organization. If there’s somebody outside where their father or somebody was a veteran and they’re having problems, we try to help by getting them involved.”

According to American Legion’s 2023 to 2024 annual report, 18,813 legionnaires got involved with their new multi-year membership. The organization provides a set and forget payment format for legionnaires and their membership. This allows them to focus on participation.

The Ferris Goodridge Post 330 is looking for new members. You can start by attending one of their events or by filling out a membership application. They hope people join them to find their own sense of belonging.