Brookville has always been defined by resilience, devotion, and the quiet strength of its people. The stories of service and sacrifice live on in our families, our parades, and our cemeteries. But without a place to preserve them, those stories risk being lost to time. And now, it’s our turn to ensure that legacy is never forgotten. American Legion Post 102 is taking a powerful step forward by creating the Jefferson County Military Museum at their new hall on Barnett Street. More than walls and exhibits, it will be a place where stories live on, where students learn the true cost of freedom, and where we, as a community, stand together in love and remembrance. This is more than a project; it’s a promise—and Post 102 cannot keep that promise without the support of their hometown community.
Dear Friend,
The American Legion is a patriotic veterans organization chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1919. It's the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization, dedicated to mutual helpfulness, community support, and the well-being of veterans, servicemembers, and their families. American Legion Post 102 members have been a part of the fabric of the Brookville community since its founding. Bill Littlefield of Brookville served in Vietnam with the U.S. Army and stayed in the U.S. Army Reserve until his retirement. Jessica McWain of Brockway served with the U.S. Air Force Security Forces in combat and retired after 23 years of service, as an E-9. Steve Ent of Rose Township served with the U.S. Navy and crossed not only the Equator but also the Arctic Circle. Bob Hannold of Kahletown, a U.S. Marine, was subjected to tainted water at Paris Island. Wayne Campbell of Rose Township served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Pennsylvania State Senator Cris Dush served with the Air Force in the Balkan conflict with the Air Force Security Service. These are just a few of the 100 members of Post 102.
Our post is involved in myriad local activities. The Honor Guard performs military funerals and serves as the color guard for local parades, including a rifle salute on Veterans' Day and Memorial Day. Post 102 manages the Brookville Main Street Veteran's Banner program, honoring over 300 local Veterans for their service, with the number of banners increasing annually. The Legion also restarted a local patriotic essay contest, awarding cash scholarships to Brookville Area High School students. Forever committed to honoring our nation's heroes, Post 102 manages American Flags on local veteran graves across the community's cemeteries as well. Our members are very active, but Post 102 is homeless. Twenty-five years ago, the Legion was forced to sell the post on Pickering Street. Graciously, the Heritage House in Brookville has hosted meetings and events since; however, the Legion recently entered into a 10-year lease agreement with the Brook ville Borough for use of the former school administration building at 242 Barnett Street, as the lease with the Brookville YMCA expired.
The new Legion hall will not just be a "clubhouse" for veterans. We intend to make the hall a place to learn what Jefferson County men and women have given in defense of our great nation; it will house the Jefferson County Military Museum (JCMM). Our county boasts several historical museums already; however, with limited space to tell the entire story of Jefferson County, the history of county military servicemembers is largely untold. The JCMM will concentrate on the sacrifice of generations of Veterans who call Jefferson County home. We envision modern technological exhibits to engage younger visitors, as we hope students from across the region will utilize the museum. Legion members know the cost of freedom; the JCMM will depict it through their own stories and those of prior generations.
We are at the mercy of our generous community to make this vision a reality. The quality of our story will depend on the contributions of our friends, family, and community leaders. In addition to funding quality exhibits, we require resources to install a ramp to the front door and a chair lift to the second floor for mobility-restricted access. A storage building is also needed to store the Legion's parade vehicles. You can help. Tax-deductible donations may be made to:
American Legion Post 102, PO Box 323, Brookville, PA 15825.
With hope and gratitude,
Steve Ent
Commander, American Legion Post 102
EIN: 25-6092910 | Brookville, Pennsylvania
The men and women of Post 102 have carried our nation’s flag with honor through service, through sacrifice, and back into the very heart of Brookville. Now, they’re asking for our help to build a space that honors those sacrifices and educates future generations. Every gift, no matter the size, helps turn this vision into reality. If you would like to be part of this lasting legacy, please consider supporting Post 102 by donating to:
American Legion Post 102, PO Box 323, Brookville, PA 15825
