History

"ANDY" ANDERSON, POST 125 GULFPORT, FLORIDA

"Andy" Anderson Post #125, Gulfport, Florida, received its original charter under the name "Gulfport American Legion Post #125 on December 17, 1941 with eighteen, charter members, basically World War I veterans.

With the advent of World War II, Post #125 gradually grew in size, but was still predominantly World War I members.

When peace was declared after World War II, the City of Gulfport suffered a severe depression. Hundreds of veterans returned home. Defense industries had closed down. Many veterans were suffering from injuries, medical problems; unemployment was extremely high and hunger and homelessness ran rampant. There were no laws to protect the veteran nor agencies to extend care for the sick and disabled.

The name Godfrey "Andy" Anderson continuously cropped up everywhere. He opened his home to all veterans who needed help, whether they were sick, disabled, hungry or homeless. No problem was too big or too small.

"Andy" Anderson's home bulged but no veteran was turned away or went hungry. The name "Andy" Anderson reached canonization proportions in the City of Gulfport and remained so until his death April 15, 1947.

After his demise, Gulfport American Legion Post #125 realized the impact this man, Godfrey "Andy" Anderson had on the lives of all the veterans of both World War I and World War II, who came in contact with him.

Within a matter of several months, a movement was made to give everlasting honor to Godfrey "Andy" Anderson, in memory of a true humanitarian who saw fit to give of his time, home, food, care, money and perhaps his life, to aid and assist in any way he possibly could, any military man who served his country.

On December 1, 1947, the name Gulfport American Legion Post #125 was changed, and a new charter for the "Andy" Anderson Post #125 was issued, in honor of the man who gave so much to any and all veterans in need.

"Andy" Anderson Post #125 Post Home is located at 1607 49th Street South, Gulfport, Florida. Post #125 held regular meetings the first Thursday - 8 P.M. each month and social meetings the third Thursday monthly 1983-84 tenure.

"Andy Anderson Post #125 grew tremendously since inception with 18 Charter members April 15, 1947 on the original charter. 1983 membership started with 417 and 100% plus was reached December 31, 1983 and still growing.

This was not accomplished without "growing pains". Post #125 worked extremely hard on the drive for young veterans, row having one of the largest groups of active "young" veterans (Korea and Viet Nam) in District 16.

During 1983-84, many progressive and creative changes in "Andy" Anderson Post #125 took place. A great amount of remodeling of the Post Home was accomplished, both inside and out, made possible by the addition of many new fund raising projects, a strong rapport with a hard-working Auxiliary and labor supplied by members.

"Andy" Anderson Post #125 actively participated in many community affairs 1983-84. The Color Guard participated in parades, military services, burial details, flag-raising ceremonies and many other occasions, whenever called by the City of Gulfport or other Post Homes not having a Color Guard.

Post #125 achieved its 100% membership of 447 for the second consecutive year in 1988-1989.

Post #125 donated 133 pints of blood through Community. Blood Bank.

A dinner honoring all Post Commanders was held. Awards were given to the Law Officer of the Year, Outstanding Citizen of the Year and an Award to the Mayor of Gulfport.

Post #125 participated in Memorial Day Services, Veterans Day Parade, Gulfport’s opening season for Little Leaguers' parade, Four Chaplains' Ceremonies at Williams Park in St. Petersburg.

Children and Youth activities involved Halloween, Thanksgiving baskets, Christmas activities with baskets for the needy, Easter egg hunt.

Post #125 performed five memorial services for members and non-members. Post #125's Color Guard traveled to Bushnell, a distance of 135 miles (roundtrip) to perform ceremonies of a Legion member.

Repair work on the roof was completed. Post #125 is working on completion of a security fence, paving the parking lot, and enhancing the interior appearance of the building.

This is the year 1989-1990 and much has transpired since July of '89 for Andy Anderson Post 125, Gulfport, Florida.

Post #125, an extremely active post at all times was moving right along into the 1989-1990 American Legion year. Commander Don Duffy had great plans to continue on with Community Affairs, children and welfare, Baseball, Blood Donor Program, all the fund raising social fun functions. At the first 16th District meeting in September, Commander Duffy stated "He would have no problem meeting his goals". Famous last words.

On September 18, 1989, Andy Anderson Post #125 was completely gutted by fire early a.m. Arson was the cause and suspects were apprehended.

Treasure Island's John G. Doran Memorial Post #158 offered the use of their Post to Post #125. Donations and benefits were put on to help with this worthy cause.

Architectural plans were submitted to the City of Gulfport Zoning and Planning Commission. Post #125 hopes to break ground for a two story 8,000 square foot building, in May or June of 1990.

This bit building step was made possible by the concerted effort, and complete cooperation of all Post, Auxiliary and SAL members including support from the local community.

Since Post #125 has been in the temporary surroundings they have endeavored to put on a function at least once a month to help increase the building fund. Leasing and maintaining the temporary quarters have placed a drain on the treasury and the Post continues to endeavor to relieve this liability.

In 1990, a vacant building was found on 5th Avenue South, near the corner of 64th Street. The building covered 7,550 square feet and was in need of some repairs. Enthusiasm for the building was high.

The membership had to vote on two different buildings at a June meeting, (1) a two-story building at 5th Avenue South and, (2) a design for a one story building for the old burned out site. By a closed ballot the vote was to purchase the building on 5th Avenue South.

The asking price for this building was $150,000 with the seller holding the mortgage at 10% for 15 years and one third down payment. Remodeling costs were estimated at $100,000.00. Parking was more than adequate plus the members could also park on the street. The asking price for the old building site was $60,000.00.

As the current Commander Don Duffy said, "From the ashes the Phoenix did arise". It took over fourteen months, but the wait was worth it to the membership. No expense was spared; it is a beautiful building inside and out. The Grand Opening and the Dedication was held Sunday the 2nd of December 1990.

This Post is active all Legion functions, and was the first in Blood Donors in' 1990 for having the most Blood Donors in the Department of Florida.