The American Legion’s national commander recently visited Guthrie’s Lebron Post 58, recognizing the post’s innovative programs supporting veterans while also honoring local service members and community leaders during a stop at the organization’s new facility on Rush Road.
National Commander Dan Wiley visited the post to learn more about Bunker 58, an e-sports program created as part of the American Legion’s national Be The One campaign, which focuses on reducing veteran and service member suicide.
Lebron Post 58 has served the Guthrie community since 1919 and recently relocated from its longtime downtown location to its new complex at 125 Rush Road.
Under the leadership of Legionnaire George Shafer, Post 58 partnered with Regiment Gaming to develop Bunker 58, an e-sports complex featuring four fully equipped online gaming systems. Organizers say many veterans from recent military conflicts have used video gaming to decompress after completing missions overseas, cope with separation from family and friends, and build a sense of community after leaving military service.
Bunker 58 became the first veteran e-sports program of its kind in Oklahoma and one of the first in the nation. Its success has drawn attention from American Legion leaders across the country, including Wiley.
During the visit, Post 58 also hosted a ceremony honoring Korean War veterans. Representing South Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, Jaeho (Bruce) Yi joined Wiley in presenting the Ambassador for Peace Medal to Walter Roggow of Enid for his service during the Korean War. The family of Le Otis Arterberry also received the medal in recognition of his military service.
Post 58 has spent the past several years identifying Korean War veterans and ensuring they receive the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the South Korean government.
Post Commander Kim Vincent presented Wiley with a personalized commemorative brick, which has been placed at Guthrie’s Honor Park to recognize his military service and visit to Guthrie. Commander Wiley also received a handmade quilt from Quilts of Honor Oklahoma in appreciation of his service to the nation and to America’s veterans.
Legionnaire Steve Gentling provided Wiley with an overview of Guthrie’s Honor Park, which was established in 2002 and is maintained by the American Legion. The park serves as the site of Guthrie’s annual Veterans Day ceremony and other military observances. Retired Lt. Col. Kyle Brede also highlighted Post 58’s involvement in the community, particularly its support of the Guthrie JROTC program and other youth initiatives.
To conclude the visit, Wiley presented Vincent with the American Legion’s Meritorious Service Medal in recognition of her outstanding leadership and Lebron Post 58’s continued dedication to veterans and the Guthrie community.
Veterans interested in becoming involved with Lebron Post 58 are invited to attend the post’s weekly coffee-and-doughnuts gathering every Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at the post’s facility, 125 Rush Road in Guthrie.
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