Downey American Legion Post 21 reports rise in military funerals, seeks help with building repairs and operating costs

Thor Gunderson, commander of Downey American Legion Post 21, told attendees at a meeting in Downey that the post conducted about 32 military funerals last year and has taken on additional duties after nearby veteran posts reduced or ended funeral services.

"We did about 32 funerals," Gunderson said, adding that Preston’s American Legion has shut down and that the local VFW has only three elderly members and can no longer perform funerals. "We're doing all the funerals, down south. We buried 3 people, 3 veterans this week."

Gunderson said the post has 42 members, about 15 of whom are young enough to be active. He said two recent recruits who served in the Marine Corps and Army will soon help with honors and transportation for veterans.

The post raises money by operating the beer booth at the Bannock County Fair. Gunderson said booth revenues are about $2,000 during the fair; the post recently acquired and rehabbed a trailer for that purpose. He said the post donates funds to programs serving disabled veterans, naming one effort based in Montana and a local site near Cottonwood that hosts severely disabled or post-traumatic stress–affected veterans. "We donate a thousand dollars every year. And then, actually, it's 13 to 1,500 because there's those of us that contribute part of our own money," Gunderson said.

Gunderson described other community activities: donating 50 American flags to the local elementary school; serving as master of ceremonies and providing military honors at local Veterans Day and POW/MIA events; transporting veterans to appointments in Idaho Falls and West Jordan, Utah; and helping widows and neighbors with yard work and similar needs.

He also asked for continued local support after saying the post had received a recent contribution from meeting organizers. The post’s meetinghouse, he said, is an old Civilian Conservation Corps building built in 1926 and in need of subfloor repairs. "We're gonna have a project this year to rebuild the subfloors," Gunderson said, adding that local carpenters will lead the work and members will provide labor.

A meeting participant suggested the post seek waivers or reductions on utilities from the City of Downey and explore lower minimum service charges from Rocky Mountain Power to reduce operating costs. A staff member at the meeting offered to help by pursuing fee reductions and to provide a letter of recommendation if needed.

No formal vote or county action was recorded on the request during the meeting.