American Legion Post 372 and The War Memorial

American Legion Post 372 members Chuck Huebner, left, David Douglas, and Bruce Vollmer.

We conclude our partner spotlight series of 2024 with American Legion Post 372.  

In April, The War Memorial formed a new partnership with the local Legion. The post is now headquartered and has its regular meetings at the nonprofit organization in Grosse Pointe Farms. Previously, the Post was referred to as the “ghost post” and did not have an official meeting space.  

“Being at The War Memorial gives us a more permanent base and platform to be able to service our veteran community,” American Legion Post 372 Commander David Douglas said.

Douglas, who served in the Army from 1988-1992, has been a member of Post 372 for about 15 years. As part of the 24th Infantry Division, he had two combat tours- one in Saudia Arabia, and one in Iraq.

“It was originally incorporated in Detroit and they never had an official building,” Douglas said. “They would meet in private clubs and hotel to host their meetings.” 

Douglas said Post 372 was established in January 1928 and currently has over 20 members. He believes peak membership was in the 1970s.  

“When the Post was incorporated, you had to be a combat vet to be part of it,” he said. “Now, it’s been loosened up to any veteran. When you join the American Legion, it re-instills that sense of camaraderie we had in the military.” 

Back in the day, Douglas noted that Post’s mission was to raise funds for Michigan veterans, donating money to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Piquette Square. 

“Now, we donate money to Vets Returning Home, a nonprofit that helps veterans transition after coming home,” he said. “We like to raise money for Michigan veteran charities.” 

Currently, the Post raises funds through sales of poppies as well as personal donations. A red poppy has become a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars.  

Moving forward, a few of Douglas’ goals for the Post include growing its membership, joining forces with American Legion Post 303, raising funds for Michigan veterans, and advocating American Legion programs for the community. 

The possible merger with fellow Grosse Pointe Post 303 would involve Post 372 changing its name. 

“Legion programs are wide ranging for veterans and their children,” Douglas said. “Not just getting involved with VA benefits, but it’s turned into school programs, scholarships, and youth athletic teams. There’s a week-long civics lesson where children learn about city, state, and federal government.”  

Another goal of his is to be a resource for veterans regarding military honors.  

“When there’s a memorial or ceremony here when there’s a death, people tend to scramble to put together an honor team,” he said. “That includes a flag ceremony, Taps being played and a 21-gun salute. A lot of families don’t understand how to navigate that, and I want to be a resource.”        

Its meetings are held the third Thursday of the month, from 5 to 8 p.m. Its next meeting will be in January. Douglas said the post is officially known as the Business Man’s Professional American Legion Post 372.    

Yearly dues to be in Post 372 are $60. A typical Post meeting includes a social hour, then going through the agenda for various needs that need to be addressed, and sometimes bringing in a guest speaker. 

Interested in joining Post 372? Douglas can be contacted at david.glorysguns@gmail.com.