History of Post 66

The American Legion, Post 66 San Luis Obispo, CA was chartered September 26, 1919, with 43 members. The first meeting was held on Thursday October 2, 1919 at the Old Mission San Luis Obispo Hall. The meeting was called to order by our first Post 66 Commander, Emanual Y. Herrera. The original 1919 charter of Post 66 is framed and hangs on the wall in our Legion clubhouse. The charter lists all 43 charter members, who’s names are also listed in the sidebar to the right.

We are over 500 members strong and growing. Post 66 is an integral part of the greater San Luis Obispo community and a proud advocate for veterans on the local, state, and national level. We have members locally from Santa Maria to Paso Robles, with about 50 out-of-state members who still value their connection with veterans in San Luis Obispo, Post 66. There are over 21,000 veterans in San Luis Obispo County.

In contrast to other veterans’ organizations, the American Legion offers a number of local programs and activities to strengthen our grass roots commitment to the veterans, their families and the communities we serve.

A Legionnaires’ sense of obligation to their community, state and nation drives an honest advocacy for veterans from our local Legion post all the way to the halls of leadership in Washington, D.C. The American Legion’s success depends entirely on active membership, participation and volunteerism. The organization belongs to the people it serves and the communities in which it thrives.

A Brief History of The American Legion