Legion Post seeks honorees

The Sahuarita Sun

American Legion Madera Post 131 is looking for veterans to recognize on a “Wall of Honor.”

The post, which holds its grand opening June 27, wants to honor veterans who served from Oct. 7, 2001, forward.

“Anybody who was in the service for one day or more, whether or not they were overseas, is who we want,” said Jerry Pulliam, who is organizing the grand opening.

The United States launched its Iraq war effort that month, and many veterans signed up because of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

“They volunteered to join the military not having any idea where they would be sent,” Pulliam said.

The post wants color photos and history from veterans. Information can be sent to Pulliam at jerry.pulliam@cox.net, or he can be reached at 625-4983.

Pulliam, a World War II Navy veteran, was a radio operator on Guam. He said the new post has about 150 members and 35 auxiliary members — those who have close relatives who were veterans during specific periods.

The new post is on Esperanza, east of La Canada. The grand opening, open to the public, runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and will include the UofA Air Force ROTC color guard, members of various posts in Southern Arizona and state officers from the American Legion.

The Wall of Honor will start to take shape at the end of the summer and is an ongoing effort, where names and photos will be added continuously, Pulliam said.