History of the American Legion Post 24
The American Legion Post 24 was chartered in 1936 and is named after Roy O. Fourr who served in Company B, 31st U.S. Infantry during World War I. Roy O. Fourr was born on April 8, 1889 and died in Vladivostok, Siberia on March 1, 1919, serving his country.
Since there was no post home, Post 24 held its first meeting in the old Cochise County Courthouse building on Toughnut Street, which is now the Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park. Five members, Jim Giacoma, Brad Smith, Milton Kellar, Cecil Costello and Howard Lindsey Sr., each donated $50 to acquire a post home.
The
wife of Jim Giacoma, Ruth, donated to the post a building on the north side of
Allen Street
between Fourth and Fifth Streets, which became Post 24's home for the next 49
years. The same five men went to the Bank of Bisbee and borrowed the money to
complete the transfer of deed from the Costello estate to the Post. That
building was sold in 1985 when the Post moved to its present location on the
corner of Second and Allen Streets.
A great
debt of thanks is given to the Giacoma family and the other founding fathers of
Post 24. For it was through their efforts and love of country that veterans of
Tombstone, and those visiting our city, and their families have a place to
congregate and socialize with their comrades. Because of the Giacoma's,
Kellar's, Costello's and Lindey's dedication, caring and generosity, the City
of Tombstone has and continues to look to the American Legion for help, support
and a place for family fun.
One
year after the inception of the Roy Fourr Post 24 an Auxiliary was formed.
The Unit 24 Auxiliary has provided assistance to veterans and their families
during war and peace time, has contributed significantly to the community, and
has provided support for many endeavors. From providing wreaths and flags for
Memorial Day, celebrating holidays, providing programs for local youths such as
Girls State and the children's Christmas parties, helping veterans and families
in need and providing support for surviving family members, Roy Fourr Unit 24,
Auxiliary have always made a positive impact on this community and its
residents.
SAL.....
In April of 2004 a notice was posted to form an American Legion Riders chapter for Post 24 Tombstone AZ. The notice was for all eligible members, Legion members, Legion Auxiliary members and Sons of the American Legion who support the American Legion Riders Mission Statement to come join the Post 24 American Legion Riders.
On Saturday 10 April 2004 at 1000 a meeting was convened at Post 24 to form a new chapter of American Legion Riders. Eligible Legionnaires present were Jack Hughes, Ruben Guerra, Jim Harvel, Jim Burns and Bob Hammett. At this meeting officers were elected. The elected officers were President Jack Hughes, Vice President Jim Harvel, Secretary Ruben Guerra, Treasurer Jim Burns and Sgt. at Arms Bob Hammett.
Once officers were established the business of By-Laws was discussed. After completion of the business of the By-Laws a discussion and motion was made, seconded and voted on to meet each second Saturday of each month at Post 24. At this time American Legion Riders Post 24 was formed and became the second American Legion Riders chapter to form in Arizona shortly after Florence formed the first ALR. Soon after this Florence American Legion Riders disbanded making Tombstone Post 24 American Legion Riders the oldest American Legion Riders chapter in Arizona.
American Legion Riders 24 (ALR 24) now has over 70 members. In the past seven years American Legion Riders have supported many veterans, veterans families and it’s local community. ALR24 has donated to the Tombstone Animal Shelter, the Tombstone Food Bank, the Bikers against Diabetes Fund, the American Legion Legacy Fund, and the Vietnam Vets Legacy Fund and supported many other veterans riders groups at poker runs and rallies to raise money for Veteran causes.
ALR24 has coordinated or supported two Order of the Silver Rose ceremonies to honor veterans who suffer from the effects of Agent Orange. ALR24 hosted the second annual Arizona American Legion Riders Campout for over 300 attendees. Most members of ALR24 are also members of the Patriot Guard and support PGR missions by standing in flag lines or participating in escorts to honor falling Veterans.
The American Legion Riders Post 24 must be members of the American Legion Family who are also motorcycle enthusiasts. They can be found participating in parades, partaking in motorcycling events, and supporting the communities in which they live, work, and play. Members of the ALR 24 are unique as they come from the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion.
The American Legion Riders Post 24 were formed to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are in keeping with the Aims and Purposes of the American Legion and to promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for American Legion members who share the same interest. American Legion Riders Post 24 will use our Association to promote and support programs of the American Legion.
The American Legion Riders is not a Motorcycle Club, and does not practice M/C rules or regulations. The American Legion Riders is family-oriented, just as is its parent organization the American Legion