A Message From The Commander

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It is an honor to be selected by my peers to serve as Commander of American Legion Post 370 in Highlands, NC.

There is a long list of veterans, dating back to 1947, who have led this post. It is a privilege to follow in their footsteps. I pray that I will have the continued enthusiasm, strength, and ability to fulfill my duties and responsibilities of this position. I strongly seek the support and the energy of my fellow Post members and friends to make Post 370 a continued success in Western North Carolina. In my opinion, the term “Commander” is overstated---I am more of a facilitator, organizer, supporter, encourager, and planner for this American Legion Post.

The American Legion has a long and proud history dating back to shortly after the end of World War One in 1919.   For over 100 years, the Four Pillars of the American Legion have been:
Veterans’ Affairs & Rehabilitation
National Security
Americanism
Children & Youth
These have served our nation, states, and local communities well. We will continue our efforts to keep these important elements as part of the Highlands post initiatives.

Each American Legion Member strives to follow the Veteran's Creed:

I am an American Veteran.
I proudly served my country.
I live the values I learned in the military.
I continue to serve my community, my country & my fellow veterans.
I maintain my physical and mental discipline.
I continue to lead and improve.
I make a difference.
I honor and remember my fallen comrades.

Highlands Post 370 provides the community with annual celebrations, memorials, and services to include:

Memorial Day honoring our fallen veterans
Veterans Day honoring all veterans
Vietnam Veterans Day honoring the veterans of the Vietnam era
The Four Chaplains Service
honoring the four military chaplains who gave their lives saving their comrades as their transport ship sank. 

In addition, Post 370 places American Flags on veteran graves on special holidays and military occasions, and places wreaths on graves during the Christmas season, and our members visit aging and sick veterans to offer comfort during their times of need. Our poppy flowers and American Legion sponsors programs generate funds to help us support programs and events in the community.

Our members meet monthly on the 3^rd Saturday of each month. A delicious buffet breakfast for fun and fellowship starts at 0900. The meeting kicks-off after breakfast & fellowship at approximately 0945 for Post business, guest speakers, American Legion updates & programs; we try to adjourn by 1100. Meetings are held at Highlands United Methodist Church. All veterans are invited to attend.

For more information about our Post, our activities and programs, you can visit the links below.
American Legion Post 370 Website
American Legion Post 370 on Facebook
American Legion Post 370 on Instagram

Veterans, after you visit our online sites, I hope you will be motivated to visit one of our meetings. During your visit, you will experience fellowship and comradeship with other veterans, gaining understanding and knowledge about how the American Legion can enhance your life. We may inspire you to join us as we help improve our town, our state, and our country.

God Bless You All and God Bless the United States of America!

Paul Schowalter
Post 370 Commander