"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.
