American Legion comes to Hoover

American Legion, one of the largest veterans organizations in the country, now has a post in the Hoover area. American Legion Post 911, “Ryan Winslow” recently formed and began its sponsorships to Boys and Girls State, a program that teaches high school juniors about government from the township to the state level.

The post was renamed after Hoover High School graduate and United States Marine Corps Veteran Ryan Winslow, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. Members decided to rename the group in his honor and to honor a hometown hero. 

Boys and Girls State Alabama is conducted at the University of Alabama during the first and second week of June. Students attending are sponsored by individual American Legion Posts throughout the state. Post 911 sponsored two boys and two girls from Hoover this year. Lucy Wang of Hoover High School and Caitlin Saenz of Spain Park High School attended Girls State. Caleb Townes of Hoover High School and Jameson Floyd of Spain Park High School attended Boys State.

The American Legion began in 1919 as a veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. Along with mentoring youth, posts advocate patriotism, promote national security and give back to fellow service members and veterans. 

To learn more, visit legion.org.

-Submitted by Ron Bradstreet