Montezuma American Legion Post 169 needs you

        The Montezuma American Legion Blakely-Stevens Post 169 is continuing its fund-raising efforts to construct a new building at 803 E. Jefferson St. in Montezuma on the two acres of land donated by the late Cloyd and Frances Carl Family.
            Bushong Construction has graciously donated $18,500 in the design and blueprints for a 58’ x 63’ new metal building. The building will accommodate the growing membership and will allow community use for parties, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, family gatherings, meetings, and more. The budgeted cost has been determined at $700,000 of which $400,000 has been raised, with part of that $400,000 being grants that will expire.
           The Legion is very grateful for all of the existing donations that have raised the current $400,000. With the expiring grants, they must complete their fundraising efforts by Oct. 1, 2024, or other alternatives must be explored.
         “The Legion feels that our community here in Montezuma deserves this new, updated building along with transparency in getting there financially,” noted the fund-raising committee. “Therefore, Legion Post 169 is making an appeal to the community for help in raising the remaining $300,000 to finally reach our goal.”
         The Montezuma American Legion has the largest membership in Poweshiek County, with 106 current veteran members. The Sons of American Legion has 45 members, and the American Legion Auxiliary has 62 members. The Legion provides support and advocacy for Veterans who request benefits from the Veteran's Administration and works closely with the county's Veteran's Affairs Officers. They also counsel veterans on where to receive help and support. In addition to these, the local legion was largely involved with obtaining and securing the Poweshiek County Freedom Rock.
        Post 169 participates in the Montezuma Summer Nights programs, presents colors at local football games, sponsors an annual September Car Show, hosts the annual Memorial Day Services, is deeply involved in Veteran's Day programming, and places flags around the square and in local cemeteries on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and on special occasions. Legion members also volunteer their time to perform Military Honors, upon request, at veterans' funerals.
         To contribute to the future success of the American Legion Post 169 and the community itself, you can donate to the new building fund by sending checks to the Montezuma American Legion, P.O. Box 789, Montezuma, Iowa 50171, or by contributing to the GoFundMe found at https://gofund.me/315ff39.
         All donations are tax-deductible as the Montezuma Blakely-Stevens American Legion Post 169 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Legion thanks you for your support throughout the years and in the future!