Coconut Grove American Legion Post 182
Post 182 was established after WWII, in Coconut Grove, FL by James Swendell, Burl Hawes, and Arthur Baker. James Swendell was the first Commander in 1946. Burl Hawes was Adjutant and Arthur Baker was Chaplain. The Post held its meetings each month at the Odd Fellows Hall in 1947, Arthur Baker became Commander and held the position constantly with the exception of the years 1949 through 1960. During this time it was a difficult task recruiting members, therefore, Mr. Baker assumed the leadership for keeping the Post active. He attended the District and State meetings along with his wife each year to represent the Post. Commander Baker became ill in 1985 and was unable to fulfill his duties. Comrade Eugene Rumph became the Third Commander of the Post and served from 1985 through 1988.
It was however, under continued support, dedication and leadership of our past Commander Baker that American Legion Post 182 became highly recognized in the community. In 1992 David White became the Fourth Post Commander and began recruiting new members, increasing the membership from 16 to 29 in one year. The Legionmaintained an aggressive recruitment program resulting in the growth in numbers. In 1998 Alice Eason became the Fifth Commander and David White served as Adjutant. In 1999 Cyril Bullard served as the Sixth Commander and David White continued to serve as Adjutant. In 2012 to present, leadership was accepted by Richard E. Curry as our Seventh Post Commander and Cyril Bullard serves as Adjutant. |