About Our Post

History

Post 10 is named for Manassas native son Robert “Bobby” Vincent McMaugh. Robert was a member of the Marine Security Guard (MSG) at the United States Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon on April 18, 1983. He was manning Post 1 when the embassy was attacked by terrorists driving an explosive-loaded van. He lost his life along with 16 other Americans and dozens of Lebanese citizens to the resulting explosion.

A display honoring Bobby is in the Post trophy case which is located in the main entrance of Post 10. 

Post 10 was formerly chartered by National on 12 JUN 1986.  For the early years Post 10 met in the chartered members homes, then in a store located in Manassas Park, then rented space on Center Street [near Virginia Arms], and finally when we were financially able obtain a mortgage at our present Post home, 9950 Cockrell Rd., Manassas, VA.

Contact Information

This article is designed to help new and transferring members to the Robert Vincent McMaugh Memorial American Legion Post 10, Manassas, Virginia. When I joined the American Legion and Post 10, I had many questions and wasn’t sure who could answer my questions.   Everyone has lots of questions: How do I fit into this organization?  What can this post do for me and my family?  How can I help others?   A welcome and mentor committee member will contact each new member via email to greet them, make them feel welcome, and answer specific questions. You can also come to a general membership meeting, introduce yourself to the First Vice Commander, who is also our Membership Chairperson.  He/she will introduce you to the membership at the meeting and answer your questions. 

Along with this information article, new membership packets contains a copy of our organization chart.  This chart shows who holds each Post 10 Officer and Committee Chair position.  These are the people to contact for specifics on post activities and volunteer opportunities.  Volunteering is the best way to enhance your membership experience.

Communications

Included in your membership packet is a copy of the current month’s newsletter and calendar of events.  The newsletter is the primary method of communicating with our membership.  It keeps you informed about recent and upcoming activities.  If you have limited time, concentrate on the first article the “Commander’s Column.”  Here you will find all the “need to know” information, such as changes in membership meeting dates, and upcoming Post activities of interest to all members, like Post barbeques and picnics, veteran memorial remembrances, community events, parades, and celebrations. Other communications methods include a Facebook page and this website https://www.post10manassas.org . Visit the “Subscriptions” page on the website and sign-up to receive emails from our organizations. One of the sign-ups allows you to have the monthly newsletter emailed to yourself.

Our Family

The American Legion is a Post centered organization.  Each Post has great autonomy in running its programs and operations.  The American Legion is also a family of organizations working in cooperation to benefit veterans and our community.  Post 10 is lucky to have the full complement of organizations – the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Sons of the American Legion, and the American Legion Riders.  These organizations work together to form our Post Family.  Our Family is critical to the overall success of our Post. 

The monthly calendar shows when each organization meets.  Usually, the Auxiliary meets on the first Tuesday, the Sons of the American Legion (SAL) on the second Tuesday, and the Riders on the third Tuesday of the month.  General meetings of the Legion are usually on the third Saturday.  Membership in the Auxiliary is open to dependents and descendants of Legion-eligible veterans. Membership in the Sons (SAL) is open to male spouses, dependents, and descendants of Legion-eligible veterans.  Membership in the Riders is open to members of the other three organizations.

Social Quarters, Dining, and Entertainment

Our Social Quarters are open afternoons and evenings (see Social Quarters for exact times).  We have multiple TVs, games of chance, and video gambling machines.  We also have a Picnic Pavilion behind the Post with horseshoe pits and a patio just off the Social Quarters. The Social Quarters accepts only cash transactions but does have an ATM machine for your convenience.

We serve lunch on weekdays, ribs and such on Wednesday evenings, seafood on Friday evenings, and meat specialties on Saturday evenings.  In the summer, we have hotdogs and hamburgers in the pavilion on Thursdays while horseshoe tournaments are in progress.  We have either Karaoke or a DJ following the dinner service on Fridays and Saturdays. 

We host Bingo on Monday mornings and Wednesdays during dinner.  The proceeds from Bingo go to local veteran’s charities, such as Save Our Wounded Warriors’ Warrior Retreat, the USO, and Final Salute – a shelter for homeless women veterans.

The meeting hall may be rented for events, parties, wedding receptions, etc.  Anyone may rent the hall, but rates are discounted for members of the Post 10 Family.

Post 10 is a non-smoking post. Smoking is prohibited inside the post hall and social quarters. Smoking is allowed in the Pavilion and on the patio.

About the Legion

The first places to explore are the American Legion (National) website: https://www.legion.org, the Department of Virginia website https://www.valegion.org, and Post 10’s website https://www.post10manassas.org.

Some of the most useful areas on the national site are on the pale blue line above the legion logo.  Here you will find the online sales area and mylegion.org.  The online sales area is also referred to as “Emblem Sales.”  This is where you can purchase a legion hat, polo shirts, and lots of other Legion and patriotic items.  Merchandise for the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion is also under Emblem Sales.  The legion hat is the official uniform of the American Legion.  It should be worn only at sanctioned times and events.

The mylegion.org area (also get to directly at https://www.mylegion.org) has sections for members, departments, and posts/districts/counties.  The members’ section will allow you to create a site specific to your needs, subscribe to newsletters/blogs of interest, and renew your membership online.  To create your own section of mylegion.org, you will need your permanent membership number which is assigned by National HQ.  Your membership number is on your membership card.

The American Legion Extension Institute – The best place to begin your education on the American Legion’s History, Philosophy, and Operating Principles is the American Legion Extension Institute (ALEI).  This is an online extension course, which takes about 2 hours to complete.  You can find it under the “Media” section on the National website, in the column labeled “National Headquarters.” You may also access it directly at https://www.legion.org/alei.  Here you will learn the history of the Legion and how American Legion programs and services are organized under the Four Pillars.

The Four Pillars

I. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

II. National Security

III. Americanism

IV. Children & Youth

The National American Legion Headquarters organization in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Legislative Headquarters in Washington, DC, has committees and staff that work on the programs of the Four Pillars or work to influence legislation on National Defense, Veterans Affairs, and the Veterans Administration. 

American Legion Post 10 Program activities:

Post 10 sponsors many activities locally.  We are always in need of volunteers.  This is where you can best continue serving veterans and your community.  Contact the officers or committee chairs for areas where you’d like to volunteer.  You can meet these folks at the General Membership meetings every third Saturday of the month.  Post activities are also organized under the Four Pillars:

I. Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation

• Service Officer: Our Service Officer will assist veterans (including non-legionnaires) with finding their way through the maze of services available to meet their needs, such as the VA Health Care and VA Benefits systems. 

• Veterans with Special Needs – Contact the Post Commander if you have a special need, such as mobility or other disability concerns.  We have helped veterans in various ways to solve their problems, either through direct help or referral to a local organization.  Our main mission is to help veterans.

• Volunteering at Veteran’s Health Facilities – There are multiple local facilities always in need of volunteers. 

• Visiting Veterans in Care Facilities – Our ailing or aging veterans always appreciate a visit.  We try to organize visits throughout the year and especially during the holidays.  We go Caroling to the local long-term care facilities in December.  A good singing voice is not a requirement.

• Final Respects – Contact the Post Commander, Chaplin, or Sergeant-at-Arms (Color Guard Commander), who will help ensure every veteran receives the final respect they so richly deserve.  Post 10 has a very active Color Guard, which provides burial escorts and honors services to veterans.

• Homelessness – If you or a veteran you know is homeless or facing possible homelessness, contact the Post Commander or Service Officer.  We support local homeless prevention charities through our Bingo proceeds and have the contacts to get help.

• National Emergency Fund/Auxiliary Emergency Fund – The American Legion’s National Emergency Fund and the American Legion Auxiliary’s Auxiliary Emergency Fund provide direct financial assistance to Legion Family members and posts impacted by natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.  Contact the Post Commander or Auxiliary President.

• GI Bill Benefits – We can provide information about your GI Bill Benefits and put you in touch with Student Services Counselors at local colleges and universities that specialize in student veteran services.  Contact the Service officer or Post Commander.

II. National Security

• POW/MIAs – As you enter our Social Quarters, you will pass by our permanent POW/MIA display. It has been placed in this prominent spot to preserve the memory of the over 88,000 warriors still listed as POW/MIA from World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf War, and Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom.  The Post holds a ceremony on the third Friday of each September, a date recognized as National POW/MIA Recognition Day.  This display or an empty chair covered with the POW/MIA shroud is honored before every general meeting.

• Operation Support our Wounded Warriors, Warriors’ Retreat – We support the Warriors’ Retreat in Haymarket through our Bingo Charity Funds.  The retreat offers our Wounded Warriors and their families, mostly from the Bethesda Hospital, a 4-5 day respite in a beautiful country setting.

III. Americanism

• Flag Protection and Appreciation – We hold at least one flag retirement ceremony every year. During these ceremonies, we honor our flag by properly disposing of worn-out flags.  We are assisted by members of the youth organizations we support, such as the Boy Scouts and Young Marines.  There is a flag-decorated mailbox in front of Post 10 where anyone may drop off a worn-out flag for proper disposal.

We also run a “First Flag” program for Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park elementary schools, designed for first graders.  We have a professionally developed video presentation that teaches the children about the flag and the meaning of its components.

• Boy Scouts of America – Post 10 sponsors Boy Scout Troop 884, a very active scout troop.  The Troop makes frequent camping trips for fishing, hiking, orienteering skills, shooting skills, and skiing.  The troop helps at a number of our Post 10 ceremonies. 

• Junior Law – Post 10 participates in the Department of Virginia Youth Cadet Law Enforcement (“Junior Law”) program.  We sponsor young people attending the Virginia State Troopers “Cadet Academy” in the summer.

• Boys State – Post 10 sponsors rising seniors from High Schools in our area to attend the Virginia Boys State Program at Radford University.  Starting on Father’s Day in June, the program runs a week and teaches young men about government.  Post 10 sponsored 5 participants this year.

• Girls State – The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 10 sponsors rising seniors from High Schools in our area to attend the Virginia Girls State Program at Longwood University.  Starting on Father’s Day, the program runs a week and teaches young women about government.  Unit 10 sponsored 12 participants this year.

· Oratorical Program – The Oratorical Program is a speech contest where the speeches must focus on the US Constitution.  Young men and women may start participating in their freshman year and repeat their experiences through their senior year.  Participants learn about the Constitution, public speaking, and poise.  There are scholarship prizes for each level – Post, District, Regional, State (Department), and National.  Participants gain experience each year and generally progress further through the competition.  The public speaking and poise gained each year pays off in every aspect of the student’s lives. In 2022, Post 10’s contest winner won all intermediate competitions on the way to the National Competition.

· Essay Contest – The Essay Contest is a classroom-centered contest for Middle Schoolers. Both the student winner and the teacher receive prizes.  The subject is “Why I like living in the US.”

· JROTC – Post 10 provides liaison/resource officers to each Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program in our area.  We work with the Naval JROTC at Osborne Park High School and the Air Force JROTC at Unity Reed High School.  The amount of participation depends on the needs of each program and the desires of the Senior Military Instructor at each school

• American Legion Baseball – Post 10 does not yet sponsor an American Legion team, but is looking for coaches who want to start a team.  We do help with volunteer jobs at the Regional Tournament.

IV. Children & Youth

This pillar concerns the well-being of children and youth in the area.  Although we don’t have specific programs for this pillar, we are always available to help children in need, particularly the children of our local active duty and veteran personnel. Auxiliary Unit 10 conducts a Christmas Party and an Easter Party for children and donates school supplies and food gift cards to local Title I Elementary schools.

• Temporary Financial Assistance – This is a one-time grant program to help a family solve a temporary financial emergency, thereby maintaining the welfare of the children involved.  Any member of the Legion family with knowledge of a family in trouble should contact the Post Commander or Service Officer for help.

• Samsung Scholarship – The Samsung Scholarship is a national college scholarship program open to the children of personnel killed in the “War on Terrorism” since 9/11/2001.  Contact the Post Commander, who will assign a qualified officer to assist the applicant.

Color Guard

The Post 10 Color Guard provides flag bearers and honor guards for Post Ceremonies, Parades, and community events, and final respects upon request.  This program is managed by the Sergeant-At-Arms, and volunteers are always needed.  Uniforms are provided. Check out the Color Guard page.

Community Service and Public Relations:

It is part of our mission to support our community, and we need our community to support us.  We fulfill our mission by participating in community events throughout the year.  Post 10 is a founding supporter of the Greater Manassas Veterans Day Parade.  We also support the Manassas Fall Festival, the Manassas St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and the Manassas Christmas Parade.  Members of our Post are active volunteers/members of the Freedom Museum (downtown Manassas near the train depot). 

One of our Commander’s goals for this year is to increase our involvement in the community.

American Legion Auxiliary

The American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) is an organization separately chartered by the US Congress to support the American Legion.  It is open to male and female spouses, female dependents or descendants of American Legion veterans, living or deceased.   Auxiliary Unit 10 is an integral part of the Post 10 family, without which we could not perform our mission.  Unit 10 assists with all our ceremonies and events.  Unit 10 also has its own programs, such as supporting local veteran charities and Girls State.  The Unit conducts Food Drives, Back to School Supply drives, and Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets.  The primary fund-raising event of the Auxiliary is the annual “Cash Bash” in October, one of the most popular events on the Post 10 Calendar. Check out the Unit 10 Auxiliary page

Sons of the American Legion

The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) is an organization within the umbrella of the American Legion.  It is open to male spouses, dependents, and descendants of American Legion veterans, living or deceased.  SALSquadron 10 is an integral part of the Post 10 family, without which we could not perform our mission.  The members of the Squadron participate in and support many of the programs of Post 10, have their own service interests, notably the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation, and are at the core of most of the social activities at Post 10. Check out the Sons of the American Legion page.

American Legion Riders

The American Legion Riders are a dedicated and enthusiastic group of the American Legion Family. The American Legion Riders were formed: 1) to promote the aims and purposes of the American Legion, 2) to promote motorcycle safety programs, and 3) to provide a social atmosphere for The American Legion as a family-oriented motorcycling activity for members of The American Legion family.  The American Legion Riders uphold the declared principles of The American Legion as well as conforms to and abide by the regulations and decisions of the post, department, and national organization.

The American Legion Riders is not a motorcycle club (M/C). We do not practice M/C rules and regulations. Post 10 has a committed group of riders that brings a diverse group of members together with the goal to serve and ride. Check out the American Legion Riders page.

Our “Jeep”

Editor’s note: This article was authored by Sons Of The American Legion member, Randy Higgins, who lovingly restored and cares for Post 10’s Jeep. Personal pronoun references are to Mr. Higgins.

Standing as a silent sentry greeting members entering Post 10, our Jeep, affectionately known as “THE Jeep,” will celebrate its 70^th birthday in September, 2024.

Built for the United States Marine Corp. in September 1954 by Willys Motors, Inc. (pronounced Willis) in Toledo, Ohio, the Post 10 Jeep is formally known by military nomenclature as Truck, Utility, 4 X 4, M38A1 andwas one of 101,488 built – 80,290 for domestic use and 21,198 for export. Built between 1952 and 1971, the M38A1 saw extensive use in Korea and Vietnam by all branches. They were well-liked by the military, and many claim it was the best Jeep ever produced. Its predecessor was the WWII-era MB, and its successor was the Ford M151, which was not well accepted by the military, especially after driving the M38A1s.

The M38A1 tips the scale at 2,660 pounds and is powered by a 72 horsepower 134 cubic inch (2.2litre) four-cylinder engine, has a Borg-Warner 3-speed transmission, and has a top recommended speed of 55 mph, although they do go faster. It was designed to ford deep streams with the use of a “snorkel” and a vertical exhaust pipe which extended the air intake and exhaust several feet above the windshield and necessitated the use of waterproof ignition and electrical systems, which increased the complexity and cost of repairs and maintenance.

Unfortunately, after attempting to research the service history of our Jeep, I found out that the military never kept records of where each one served. So, it’s anyone’s guess as to the history of ours. More than likely, it served stateside, as I have been informed by military historians that most Jeeps serving overseas were left there. We aren’t sure if the numbers stenciled on the hood are the original number assigned to it or a personal preference of a previous owner.

Our Jeep was built to specific Marine Corps. specifications that differed from other M38A1s serving in other branches, which included reinforced front and rear bumpers with lifting rings for air transport, additional waterproofing, and undercoating, along with rear limited-slip differentials. All Marine Corp Jeeps were painted 34052 forest green with flat yellow numbering on the hood. Any additional lettering was typically done after delivery to its unit.

Our Jeep was obtained on March 29, 2004, from a Manassas area collector, and supporting documentation indicates that it was not titled until October 2008. The registration card that came with it shows that, at one point, it was registered in Pennsylvania. It was reportedly in running and driving condition when we got it, but I’m told by members that were here in 2004 that it was marginal at best. Interestingly, receipts from 2009 show that repairs were performed, including a new fuel pump and batteries – both of which are currently being replaced after 13 years.

In March of 2018, knowing that I owned and worked on classic cars, I was asked by Commander Toni Barber if I would be interested in working on the Jeep to get it back in running condition after several years of inactivity and lack of maintenance. She wanted to start using it in local parades and other events. I agreed and began a journey with the Jeep that I can best describe as a love-hate relationship.

The first order of business was having my buddy, Jase Pence of Valley Towing, bring the Jeep to my garage, where I could assess the amount of work needed. It was a lot — drain the nasty, stale gas, flush the fuel lines, replace the fuel filter, spark plugs, points, condenser, and fan belts, change the oil, and rebuild the carburetor. This was needed just to get it started. The tires were in desperate need of replacing as they were old and dry-rotted. Legionnaires Tom and Resha MacIntosh and Toni Barber stepped up by reaching into their pockets to foot the cost of new tires and inner tubes. The mounting and balancing were donated by Rice Tire and done by my son, Jimmy Higgins. Every system of the Jeep was gone over, and each grease fitting was lubed — taking over two full tubes of grease!  After all the work, it was still difficult to start the Jeep, and it was unreliable — having cut off several times in the most inopportune places, such as the Christmas Parade.  The fuel-sending unit was not working, and we ran out of gas several times — once with Toni Barber riding shotgun as we luckily coasted into a gas station on fumes. 

It was decided that the seat covers in the Jeep needed to be replaced and a new canvas top installed — both of which were pricey. Liz Higgins, my wife and Auxiliary member started a fundraiser for the needed funds. Over the course of a few months, Liz and other members of the Auxiliary baked cookies and peanut brittle, knitted blankets, and made crafts that they sold on Friday nights, quickly raising the needed funds.

The starting issues, which were intermittent, plagued the Jeep for a couple of years, which is where I developed my love-hate relationship. When it started and ran, I loved it, but when it wouldn’t start, I wanted to shove it over a cliff. After spending hours trying to figure out the problem, I enlisted the help of several of my fellow “gear heads” to help brainstorm the starting issue, but we kept coming up empty. We all agreed it had to be something simple, but we couldn’t figure it out. Persistence paid off when, after getting a tip from an online military Jeep group, I checked the wire inside of the distributor and found that although it appeared in good shape, it was actually broken on the inside, causing it to short out and prevent starting.  It was a simple issue, after all. While trying to start the Jeep, I wore out the 24-volt starter — which you can’t just drive up to Auto Zone and buy. It had to be special ordered from a company in Pennsylvania, and it was paid for by a generous donation from the Riders. At the same time, Jeff, the owner of Commercial Tool & Die in Marshall, Virginia, saw my online posts seeking repair advice and reached out to offer his assistance free of charge to the Post.  The next day Bob Drake and I loaded the Jeep on his trailer and hauled it to Marshall. Within a week or so, Jeff had it started and running like a top. For his efforts, Dave Quimby, Bob Drake, and I drove out to Marshall and presented Jeff with an American flag.  Since then, the Jeep has been upgraded to an electronic ignition which improved starting and driving tremendously.

Following the 2023 St. Paddy’s Parade, the Jeep will be in my shop, having a new clutch, water pump, and fuel-sending unit installed, along with routine fluid changes and new batteries. The maintenance of an old vehicle never ends, but it pays off when you see the smiles of kids waving in a parade or hear a veteran reminisce about their service with a similar Jeep.

Successfully getting our Jeep into operational condition would not have been possible without the support of the Post 10 family — Auxiliary, Legionnaires, Riders, and Sons, who all came together with financial contributions and moral support to help me keep THEIR Jeep running.

Our Jeep in action:

Websites where you can find out more about the Legion: