Photography by Karen Presecan Photography
Every December, veterans and volunteers at the Stafford American Legion Post 290 collect, sort, and pack boxes of food for local families in need. Throughout the year, teenagers train on the Post's firing line, scholarships go to graduating seniors, and motorcycles roll out on rides that honor the fallen and raise money for those in need. These activities vary, but the mission stays constant: Post 290 serves veterans, their families, and the community it calls home.
Eight Decades of Service
The American Legion was born in Paris in March 1919, after World War I, to advocate for veterans. Stafford's chapter was chartered on August 3, 1946, shortly after Marine Corps Base Quantico expanded and around the time U.S. Route 1 was widened and paved. James Ashby Jr. served as first commander, and the original building stood off Route 1 on what is now American Legion Road. Today, the Post is located at 1141 and 1151 Mountain View Rd. Over the years, the Post took on Boys State, Auxiliary Girls State, American Legion Baseball, Americanism programs, scholarships, and other youth and outreach efforts. In 1966, Post 290's Wilbur L. Gray was elected Department Commander and led the Legion across Virginia. This August, the Post celebrated its 80th birthday.
Today, its work follows the Legion's four pillars: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth. The Stafford American Legion Post 290 Foundation, a 501(c)(3), is a separate nonprofit organization that supports Post 290 programs. Post 290 Bingo meets every Wednesday and Friday and serves as the Post’s main funding source for all Post programs. Together, these efforts support the wide range of work that follows.
"Much of our success is attributable to our close association with the Post 290 Legion family," said Commander Rick Schultz. Greg Nilges added that the Post is "considered one of the strongest Posts in the Department of Virginia"—and it is easy to see why. The group supports missions as diverse as its 600 members, each bringing experience and passion to the work they do for the greater community.
The Holiday Food Basket
For more than 70 years, the Holiday Food Basket Program has supported Stafford County residents in need, making it one of the Post's largest community outreach projects. It partners with the Stafford County Department of Social Services (DSS) Holiday Program, which matches community groups with families who need Thanksgiving or Christmas help. Families receiving SNAP or TANF can register with DSS. The program isn't state-funded and runs entirely on volunteer sponsors. This year, Post 290 is matched with about 100 registered families.
“Every verified DSS family on our list receives boxes of food, a loaf of bread, and a restricted gift card for a ham or turkey and fresh produce suited to their needs,” explained BJ Payne, Committee Chair.
Community partners make it possible. Most of the food comes from participating Stafford County Schools and the Post's bingo collection. United Brokerage Packaging donates the collection boxes, Shoppers has donated carts to make filling boxes easier, and Flowers Foods makes a special trip to deliver fresh bread. Mountain View Rescue Squad generously allows the Post to use its facility for sorting and packing. The program also offers service hour opportunities for students and welcomes anyone in the community to help.
The Legion Family at Work
Through three affiliated groups, the Post reaches out in different ways. The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 operates under the motto "Service, Not Self" and supports veterans, military members, and their families at home and abroad. Through 20 committees, its members advocate for veterans, mentor youth, and promote good citizenship.
Each year, the Unit sponsors girls from Stafford County to attend Virginia Girls State and awards scholarships to Stafford County graduating seniors who are children or grandchildren of veterans.
Squadron 290 of the Sons of the American Legion carries the mission to the next generation. Membership is open to male descendants, adopted sons, and stepsons of Legion members and qualifying veterans.
Chapter 290 of the American Legion Riders is part of a national movement of more than 425 Rider programs. Riders nationally raise money for multiple veterans' and children's causes and ride for charities ranging from veterans' foundations to Toys for Tots.
Caring for veterans also means caring for the flag. Every year, volunteers place more than 1,800 American flags on veteran gravesites at 46 Stafford County cemeteries. The Post collects unserviceable flags, retires them respectfully in the fire pit on its grounds, and donates classroom flags to Stafford County Schools.
Beyond that, the Post’s 28-acre grounds also include a sports complex with a 90-foot baseball field, a multi-use field, a fastpitch softball field, and a concession stand. Nearby, the Court of Honor features memorial bricks honoring loved ones and supports Post 290 programs.
Investing in Young People
The Post supports Boys State and Auxiliary Girls State, the Youth Cadet Law Enforcement program, American Legion Baseball, the National American Legion Oratorical Contest, Post 290 Bombers girls fastpitch softball, multiple Scout units, and scholarships and awards. Its Junior Shooters program has recently become a competitive youth program. Athletes ages 12 to 18 train at the Post, building confidence, discipline, and marksmanship in a safe, structured setting. They compete in the Old Dominion Junior Rifle League, the Virginia Commonwealth Games, and American Legion and Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) events. As a designated satellite range, the Post also regularly welcomes regional competitors.
Over the past five years, the Post 290 Junior Shooters have advanced to the CMP National Championship level every season, demonstrating exceptional consistency, discipline, and competitive excellence. The team has also earned invitations to the American Legion National Championship in both 2023 and 2026, placing Post 290 among the nation's most respected and successful junior marksmanship programs.
"The team's advancement to the national level of competition is an impressive achievement that reflects the commitment of our athletes and coaches," said Mike Flanagan, team manager. "Our athletes exemplify the values of sportsmanship, responsibility, and teamwork that define Post 290. We are proud of every athlete who steps onto the firing line."
A Place Where Members Get It
Beyond the programs, the Post is also a place to gather. After monthly meetings, during steak nights, or on a Wednesday or Friday Bingo night, members come to swap stories and enjoy time with people who understand military life.
“It’s nice to just get out of the house and meet others with similar values and those who have been through similar experiences,” commented Michael Hardgrove.
Others can relate. When asked what keeps them coming back to Post 290, numerous members responded simply: “The people.”
The down-to-earth, service-minded people of Post 290 exemplify the values instilled in them during their service, and they are keen to give back to this community any chance they get. Interested in becoming a member? Greg Nilges says, “Stop in and check us out.” His “heartfelt pitch” always starts with “Support who supports you.” As the largest veteran service organization, The American Legion “represents over 1.6 million members when lobbying Congress in support of the rights and benefits of veterans and their families.”
And one would be hard pressed to find a Post fulfilling its mission better. After eighty years, Post 290 still does what The American Legion was founded to do: look after veterans, invest in young people, and lend a hand to neighbors in need.
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If you'd like to learn more about Stafford American Legion Post 290 or would like to help support its programs, information is available at staffordpost290.org or you can follow their Facebook pages: American Legion Post 290 Stafford Virginia and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 290 - Stafford VA.
