James B. Whipple American Legion Post 86
A proud monument to those brave and hardy men — a veteran's sanctuary in Wilton Center since 1920.
If you have served at least one (1) day on active duty in the Armed Forces since December 7, 1941, you are eligible to join the American Legion.
Our Namesake
Corporal James B. Whipple
James B. Whipple was born in South Wilton, Connecticut, February 7, 1893. James entered service in Michigan and served with the 76th Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division in France.
While trying to recover some friends who had been wounded, he was killed in Belleau Aisne, France, June 3, 1918. He was the first resident from Wilton KIA in WW I.
His awards include the Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, the WW I Victory Medal, the Aisne Campaign Battle Clasp and the Defensive Sector Battle Clasp.
Corporal Whipple is buried in Plot A, Row 8, Grave 53, in the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery, Belleau, France.
Post History
April 10, 1920
Post 86 applied for a Post Charter as James B. Whipple Post 86. The applicants included George D. Barringer, Carlton B. Weed, Horace M. Hollister, George Middleborough, William E. Godfrey, Norman C. Godfrey, Charles A. Eakland Jr., Charles W. Burt, Harry Marhoffer, Leslie Withuel, Harry E. Auinack, Fred E. Davis, Edward Bouteiller, Fred Kuehnell and Lawrence Banninger.
October 1, 1920
The Post was chartered with George D. Barringer, Commander, George T. Heading, Adjutant, Fred Kuehnell, Treasurer, George W. Pleasants, Athletic Officer. Membership that first year was 19, with annual dues at $2.00.
The Post Home
The current building was designed by Wilton architect Nelson Breed, the property bought by the members. Fritz Meyer, a local builder and charter member, donated some workers and materials to build the Post.
It stands as a testament to these men that not only does it remain a fixture in Wilton Center, but has remained a veteran's sanctuary and meeting home for all these years.
2023–2024 Post 86 Officers
Commander
Paul Niche
Sr. Vice Commander
Jeff Turner
Jr. Vice Commander
Bob McGregor
Finance Officer
Don Hazzard
Adjutant
Jim Kohler
Chaplain
Bob Mecozzi
Sergeant-at-Arms
Don Boyle
Service Officer
Bob Mecozzi
Historian
Jeff Turner
Judge Advocate
Open
Community Endeavors & Programs
Today, Post 86 stands as a proud monument to those brave and hardy men. We are active in many endeavors, including:
Homes for the Brave
Kick for Nick
Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes
Memorial Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day
Flag retirement ceremony
Flag etiquette classes
The American Legion Oratorical Contest
Boys & Girls State
Color Guard services
Providing a Color Guard for various events including funerals, dedications and various ceremonies.
College Scholarship
We sponsor a Wilton High School graduate with a scholarship towards college.
Student School Awards
We sponsor a Student School Award for two High School students at both Wilton and Weston High Schools.