TULSA, Okla. — This summer Tulsa's American Legion celebrated 100 years, making them the oldest operating post in the nation. But now donations are falling short, and they're struggling to keep up with overhead costs.
"I'm concerned that we're going to lose this building. Post one will go on in some shape or fashion but this is a historic building. It should be a valued part of Tulsa," commander Bryan Davis said.
Davis said he's treading water, with costs averaging about $6,000 every month. Now he's considering plan B for a place vets can gather.
"Maybe you can't talk to your wife about it, maybe you can't talk to your coworker about it, your feelings. But you can talk to the veterans about your feelings. They'll understand. It's a home of understanding is what it is," Davis said.
Some call the location on 8th Street a home away from home.
"I've spent a third of my life here, a little bit over a third of my life here. My grandsons, one of them is 25 now and the other one is 19. When they were growing up, they grew up here," Mike Deutser said.
Members are hopeful knowing the legion will live on.
"I'd be lost. I'm here almost every day as it is now since I've retired a few years ago. I'd be lost, I'd wonder where I was going to go. It gets boring staying at home, especially as you get older," Deutser said.
Right now the commander is working with corporate sponsors with the goal of preserving this piece of history.
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