Indianapolis Post 510 Leads Nation in Membership

​Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison Post 510 has garnered the attention of the National Organization for its unparalleled achievement in membership this year. As we closed the books June 5,

​National Membership Director Billy Johnson advised the department that Post 510 had achieved the highest percentage of increase over its 2015 close of books figure of all traditional American Legion posts in the nation.
 
Even more significant is the Post’s sustained growth of 409 percent since the close of the 2014 membership year two years ago. 
 
"I can only echo the comments of Information Technology Deputy Director Joe Gallagher, who ran the analytics and forwarded the results to Post 510 commander Tom Winters," said Hugh Dagley, Department Adjutant. “'Absolutely fantastic … Bravo Zulu … Way to go DUDE!'”
 
The Post has developed a five-year membership strategy, established and trained a dedicated membership recruitment team, and partnered with key players in membership at every level of the organization. Your post can do the same. If you want more information on how to duplicate Post 510’s success at your own post, contact Paul Norton by email at paulenorton3@gmail.com.

​Department Vice Cmdr. Ron Hanger presents the Jack Butler membership Award to Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison Post 510, Lawrence, Ind., Cmdr. Tom Winters at The American Legion, Department of Indiana 98th Annual Convention in Indianapolis July 8, 2016. 

The Jack Butler award recognizes the post with the highest percentage of retention of members as compared to the prior year’s close of books. 

“No one in the nation could manage to top this post for their retention or recruiting,” said 2015-2016 Department Membership Chairman Bob Oeth. “They have performed phenomenally and we couldn’t be more proud of their work this year.“ 

​Department Vice Cmdr. Ron Hanger presents the Robert E. Gates Memorial Award to Historic Fort Benjamin Harrison Post 510, Lawrence, Ind., Cmdr. Tom Winters at The American Legion, Department of Indiana 98th Annual Convention in Indianapolis July 8, 2016. 

The Ralph F. and Robert E. Gates Memorial Award is presented to the Post with the greatest percentage of increase in membership over its previous four year average.  Post 510 saw a 356 percent increase!

This not only is the biggest increase in the state of Indiana, but, in fact, is the largest increase among all the posts in the world. The National Organization notified the Department of their achievement in growth and retention.

“To say the least, we are very proud to present this award and capturing National attention for Post 510’s phenomenal work.”