Royal Canadian Legion Maple Leaf Post 84
Maple Leaf Post 84 background:
The Royal Canadian Legion Maple Leaf Post 84 originated in Royal Oak Michigan in 1926 and chartered as the BESL (British Empire Service League) in 1935, later changed to the Royal Canadian Legion by proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1960. It was started by ex-British Empire Military Service veterans who were U.S. Citizens or had chosen to move to the United States to start a new life post-WW1 (including WW2 and Korea), raise families, and live the American dream. The Post grew and thrived with men and women that had a connection to the British Empire but chose America as their home. While the British and Canadian connection and customs were strong these were Americans. Many members had children that were born in America and served proudly in the American military; these men and women were patriots. As time went on many of the founding veteran members passed on but left us with a sound organization that was a mainstay in Royal Oak for decades. In 2021 our Post moved from Royal Oak to Berkley, the American Legion Post 374 welcomed us with open arms to reside in their building and today we are proud to call Berkley our home. While we have few members who have served in the British or Canadian military, we have a dedicated associate and affiliate membership and several American military veterans who follow the mission of the Royal Canadian Legion while serving their community.
Mission:
“Our mission is to serve veterans, active military, law enforcement members and their families. To promote remembrance while serving those in need in our community and country”. It is important to know that the funds we raise and donate go to local needs and stay in our community. We don’t send money outside the USA (apart from a portion of our membership dues). While we are a “Royal Canadian” organization and follow the Royal Canadian Dominion By-Laws we care for all veterans and don’t distinguish between Canadian or American Veterans, if you are a local Veteran in need we try to help whenever we can.
Membership:
To those patriotic Americans who don’t qualify for membership at the American Legion, VFW, or any of the other American Veteran organizations please consider membership in the RCL Post 84. You are not required to have previous military service; Associate membership: includes parents, spouses, widows, widowers, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews, of a person eligible for “Ordinary” membership. Affiliate membership: non-Canadian citizens or non-Commonwealth subjects from an Allied nation (USA) that support the Royal Canadian Legion aims and objectives. You can serve your community, and work closely with the American Legion Post 374 (including the “Sons of the American Legion” and the “Auxiliary”) while supporting local veterans.
To our new and potential members, our current officer team and general membership welcome you. We want you to be a part of an organization helping and supporting local veteran programs including our local 1st responders and the greater community. Be assured that our focus is local with full transparency.
RCL Post 84 Officers
Commander:
Jim Pierce
1st Vice Commander:
Gary Benchich
2nd Vice Commander:
Linda Brown
Adjutant:
Bryan Schindel
Finance Officer:
Ilene Harmon McGough
Service Officer:
Kara Rasmussen
Sergeant at Arms:
John Davids
Trustee:
Kurt Brown
Trustee
Tracey Bala
Trustee:
Ray Bala