Band of Brothers
Embedded Files
Alejandra Rubio
Team Eisert
Story Summary
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At Sedalia's American Legion Post 642, active and retired servicemen come together to socialize, share stories, debate and celebrate their years of service.
Post Commander Jane Stewart became the first female leader of 642 six years ago. Her father fought in the Vietnam War. "I love this place. We are one big family," she said. "Not only do we support each other but we also help the community out. The Legion always holds a Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, and it is free for the community."
When asked how long he had been a post member, while shredding pork brisket in the Legion's kitchen, Navy veteran Robert Kinder, 62, answered "too damn many years." Kinder, who helps cook for the Legion's big events, is proud to follow in the footsteps of his mother who was a Le Cordon Bleu chef. "We are here for everyone who has gone through what we all have been through," he said. "We are here to support them."
Another Legion regular, Carl Walter, 77, served during the Vietnam War on a Navy gunboat for 11 months and on an aircraft carrier for three years. “I don't have any family that is alive, and this place is like my family,” said Walter, who has been a Post member for 33 years.
Post 642 is an important gathering space for Sedalia's veteran community, but with an aging population and loss of funding, it struggled to stay in business. A generous donation in 2018 gave it an infusion of cash that kept its doors open to continue to serve its members and community.
An artillery cannon outside American Legion Post 642 on Sept. 29, 2023, in Sedalia, Mo.
A place setting is always set for prisoners of war and those missing in action at Sedalia’s American Legion Post 642.
Larry Perriugy, left, and Carl Wiley at American Legion Post 642. Larry and Carl are members of the Legion.
April Nicewander, bar manager at American Legion Post 642, mixes a rum drink for one of her customers during Thursday's Pitch Card Game.
Commander Jane Stewart sits with fellow American Legion Post 642 members. She has been a member of the Legion for 15 years. Her father fought in the Vietnam War. She became the first female Commander for Post 642 six years ago.
Anita Bunch, 85, hugs her friend Mike Lock, who came in to call numbers for bingo. Bunch is a member of the American Legion Post 642. Her husband, who recently died, was involved with the National Guard. Lock has been a member of the Sons of the American Legion for more than 20 years.
Robert "Beau" Kinder, 62, a Navy veteran, helps shred pork in the American Legion's kitchen for a reunion.
Sara "Sam" Bunch, left, and Marsha Lefevers, both members of American Legion Post 642, wait for more players to join their card game the Legion.
Sara "Sam" Bunch holds a $20 bill at American Legion Post 642.
After removing a door from its hinges, from left, Larry Perriugy, Ty Magnuson, Jack Enlers, and Carl Wiley replace the pins to hold it to the building's air conditioner unit. The dining hall was roasting when the machine failed, and the men took it upon themselves to fix it before the weekend's events at the American Legion Post 642.
Flags, stars and stripes adorn a case at the entrance at American Legion Post 642. It holds memorabilia and awards.
Brian Kratzer, Co-Director
Alyssa Schukar, Co-Director
Hany Hawasly, Technical Director
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