By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

Tim Shaw routinely drove past American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls before he was "slapped on the face."

"I'd go past this beautiful building with a tank out front while taking my grandson to school," the Navy veteran said.

Shaw realized he could do more to assist fellow vets and the community, so he attended a few Sunday breakfasts at the post to learn a little more about it.

It didn't take long for him to realize that while the post is the largest in the state with more than 600 members — including Legionnaires, auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion — only 50 or so active volunteers take on a plethora of activities that the nonprofit offers.

At 62, Shaw said he's on the lower end of the age spectrum among those volunteers.

"It's hard to say no when you see a lack of people helping them," he said.

As the Legion celebrates its centennial this year, veterans and their family members take pride in the nonprofit's history of supporting youth through baseball, an oratorical contest, the Boys State government education program, Boy Scouts and much more.

Bingo, honor ceremonies at funerals, a community awards event, Memorial Day program, flag retirement and GI Bill education benefits are among the other offerings.

As Legions look at the horizon, soliciting more volunteers — particularly younger veterans — is critical.

"It's just a different world, so we're going to have to make efforts to reach out to Gulf War and Afghanistan veterans," Shaw said. "We have put thought on how to approach them."

Shaw said one idea is reaching out to other veterans' organizations that are also struggling to find volunteers and younger members.

"There are a lot of overlapping issues," he said.

Community awareness is also critical. Shaw said that after a stretch of leadership challenges at the post, the nonprofit drew 111 people, including several elected officials, at last week's banquet honoring police, firefighters, educators and Legion members.

Shaw believes that positive vibe resonates throughout the community and carries into other activities.

Local Legion posts, which also include organizations in Coeur d'Alene, Rathdrum, Athol and Worley, are using the centennial year to get back to the basics: Reminding veterans how the Legion was started so the benefits are not just taken for granted.

"A group of 20 officers who served in the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I is credited with planning the Legion," Rathdrum Commander Dee Sasse wrote in a newsletter to members. "AEF headquarters wanted to improve morale."

Doug Harms, Athol's 87-year-old commander, said he's marched in every parade in Athol and Bayview since 1986.

He said the future of the Legion is worth fighting for. The post had nearly 400 members in the late 1990s, but membership has dropped to 152 despite growth in that area.

"We're really trying to teach the kids about the American Legion," Harms said. "I feel sorry for the youngsters. They didn't grow up like we did. Instead of talking to each other, they pull out one of those dumb phones. If you can change that, lots of luck. Many don't know what a democratic form of government is."

Harms said the Athol Legion has started to make phone calls to veterans in hopes of drawing new volunteers. The numbers were provided at the national level.

"We just want to see how they are doing," he said.

Reaching out to vets in the Legion's bar is also important, Harms said.

"If they're a veteran, we talk to them about being an American Legion member," he said. "If they're not, everybody knows someone who has been in the service. Once you get them hooked on volunteering, you've got it made. They see what they're doing is good, and that's what life is all about."

Post Falls Commander Kris Phillips said change is never easy, but sometimes it's good for the organization overall. She said the Legion intends to add a smoking hut out back of the bar in hopes of cleaning up the image that the nonprofit is just a smoky club.

"As the commander, I represent everybody and want to make it open and inviting as possible," she said.

Phillips said the Legion will also explore new offerings such as a junior shooting sports program in hopes of drawing new blood.

"A lot of the younger veterans just don't see (the Legion) as necessary as it was back in the 1900s," she said, adding that's why family-oriented events such as Christmas parties and Thanksgiving dinners are critical.

There are signs that the Legion is changing with today's trends, however.

While female commanders were rare in the past, they are common locally with both Phillips and Sasse leading their posts.

"Those who try to intimidate Kris learn that's not a doable project," Shaw said with a laugh.

Phillips, who was a senior chief officer in the Navy, said she's not leading the post alone. It's about working together and holding others responsible.

"Everybody was so used to doing things alone," she said. "We all know the chain of command, but it needed to be pushed into action. People are appreciating that now. They know that I'm not looking over their shoulder."

Despite challenges in an ever-changing world, Shaw remains upbeat about the future of the American Legion. He believes the nonprofit's four pillars — care for veterans, a strong national defense, Americanism and youth — will prevail.

"We want to do it all, but we also have to be realistic," he said. "I believe we are headed in the right direction."