American Legion Post 184 in Double Springs is turning to gaming as part of its effort to reconnect Veterans and community members. Leaders say they plan to introduce American Legion Gaming nights as they work to increase participation and bring more activity back to the post, the Northwest Alabamian reported.
The effort comes as the post works through several challenges, including declining membership and maintenance issues at the post building. Matthew Stanfield, who transferred from American Legion Post 33 in Haleyville, was elected commander of Post 184 in 2025 and has been working with other officers and American Legion District 14 leaders to strengthen the post’s programs and community presence.
Stanfield said the Legion’s mission continues to focus on helping fellow Veterans while also serving the surrounding community. Bringing people together at the post remains an important part of that effort, he explained to the Northwest Alabamian.
Post 184 has seen its membership drop significantly from past decades. Records at the post show that membership once reached around 100 members for many years, but today that number has fallen to roughly 20, the Northwest Alabamian reported. As older generations of Veterans pass away, leaders say the organization must find ways to connect with younger Veterans who served in conflicts such as the Gulf War and the Global War on Terror.
At the same time, the post is dealing with facility needs, including a heating system that no longer works. Without heat, the building cannot be comfortably used during colder months. Members are planning fundraisers, such as auctions, raffles, and yard sales, to raise money for repairs and improvements to the post.
Alongside those efforts, American Legion Gaming is one of the programs leaders are working to introduce in hopes of bringing more people back to the building. The program was developed with help from District Judge Advocate Tim Howard, who also serves as chairman of American Legion Gaming for Alabama.
Howard has been visiting posts throughout the state to help set up gaming programs that encourage participation from Veterans, families, and community members. According to the Northwest Alabamian, the program centers on family-friendly games that can be played online or together at the post.
Gaming events could include digital versions of classic board games such as chess and checkers, along with other casual online games. Howard said the goal is to create a welcoming environment where people can gather, talk, and spend time together.
The program is also intended to provide another way to support Veterans who may be dealing with challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury. By creating a social setting where Veterans can connect with others, organizers believe gaming activities could help reduce isolation and strengthen camaraderie.
Post leaders also plan to install fiber internet service in the building to support gaming activities and other online communication once the program is established. The improved connection would allow Veterans to join games with people from other areas while also making it easier to stay connected.
In addition to gaming plans, Post 184 is also looking at starting a Sons of the American Legion squadron. The group would include sons of Veterans dating back to World War I and could help involve younger generations in Legion programs.
Leaders say rebuilding participation at the post will take time, but community involvement remains key. Through gaming and other activities, members hope to create a welcoming space where Veterans and residents can gather while continuing the Legion’s long tradition of service.
Source: Northwest Alabamian
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