10/21/2026
🇺🇸 LET’S CLEAR UP SOME MISCONCEPTIONS . YOUR AMERICAN LEGION IS DOING MORE THAN YOU MAY REALIZE!
The Waters-Hackenberg American Legion Post 220 in Lawton has been working tirelessly over the past few years to restore, preserve, and maintain our historic home, the “Depot on Main.” But our Legion is about so much more than a building. It’s home to Post 220, our veterans, and a mission rooted in service, fellowship, and community.
So, let’s talk about what we’ve been doing and celebrate some of our successes!
❤️ SERVING VETERANS — NEAR AND FAR
One of our Legion members processes veterans’ property tax exemptions, helping veterans nationwide. In calendar year 2026 alone, she has successfully helped 56 veterans secure their exemption status.
We assist disabled veterans with preparing the documentation needed for their Secretary of State appointments to obtain Disabled Veteran license plates.
112 care packages have been sent this year to our active-duty service members.
Our Historian and lead cemetery expert have been working tirelessly to update cemetery maps that haven’t been updated since the 1980s, repair damaged headstones, locate headstones lost to time and natural elements, and restore and preserve historic photographs.
🏡 CARING FOR OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
In spring 2026, a small group of volunteers helped clean up veterans’ yards.
We’re grateful that one of our Legion members was selected by the Greater Kalamazoo Association of REALTORS® for a complimentary fall cleanup on November 14.
One of our Sons of the American Legion (SAL) members is wrapping up a ramp and bathroom upgrade project for a veteran and his wife.
We’re preparing to bring love, joy, and full bellies to selected veterans’ families through Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals.
🎉 CELEBRATING LIFE, CONNECTION, AND COMMUNITY
Our Legion family shows up for more than projects and programs. We’ve shared in the loss of loved ones, welcomed new life, celebrated birthdays and retirements, and recognized the big and small victories that matter to our veterans personally.
These moments matter. They remind us that service isn’t just about what we do; it’s about the people we stand beside.
📅 AND WE’RE NOT DONE YET!
🇺🇸 November 11: Veterans will gather at the Lawton Middle School for a Veterans Day celebration.
🎅 December 5: Santa is coming back to Lawton! Our Legion home will once again open its doors to the public for FREE photos with Santa, treats, and a hot cocoa bar. Bring the family and join the fun!
We’re sure there are accomplishments we’ve missed, because the work never really stops.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what your local American Legion is doing, just ask! We’re happy to share our work, our progress, and our goals with the community.
We are a small organization made up of volunteers who do their best to remain present, active, and available to serve our veterans and community. We’re always welcoming new members who want to be part of something meaningful.
We may be a small group, but we have BIG hearts, a strong sense of purpose, and plenty of work left to do.
Thank you to everyone who supports our mission, volunteers their time, contributes their talents, and believes in what we’re building together.
The Depot on Main is more than a building. Post 220 is more than a membership. We are a family, a service organization, and a community resource. And we’re darn proud to keep moving forward.
🇺🇸 Veterans serving veterans. Neighbors serving neighbors. Always moving forward.
