Empowering Veterans and Communities
Jonestown American Legion Post 883 focuses on service to veterans, service members, and the communities we cherish. Join us in making a difference.
SGT. Marlin Leroy Gahres
Born 20 December 1916 to Elias Wellington Gahres and Eva Cedilia (Shadle) Gahres in Jonestown, PA. Marlin was one of eight siblings, six younger brothers (all which served in the United States Military) and one older sister. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in June 1940 and was assigned to the 7th Signal Company, 4th Signal Battalion, 4th Infantry Division.
Marlin served in World War II where he perished on 09 June 1942. He was one of 54 passengers on the American Steam Merchant Ship "U.S.A.T. Merrimack" which departed from New Orleans and was in route to Cristobal, Panama. The ship was attacked and was hit by one stern torpedo from German Submarine U-107 about 65 miles southeast of Cozumel Island, south of the Yucatan Channel.
Marlin received the following Commendations and Awards: ★ Purple Heart ★ World War II Victory Medal ★ American Campaign Medal ★ Army Presidential Unit Citation ★ Army Good Conduct Medal
Marlin shares a cenotaph at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery with his brother, Paul, who also lost his life in service to his country with the U.S. Navy on 13 December 1943, just 18 months after Marlin.
Jonestown Veterans Banner Updates
We’re finally at the point with the Jonestown Veteran’s Banner Project that we are able to start accepting applications!
The following information will be required with submission: We will need your nominee’s DD214 copy to confirm Veteran status along with a point of contact with each submission. Please include your name, mailing address, and telephone number as this will be used to return DD214 copy in the event your nominee is not accepted.
Please mail to:
Jonestown American Legion Post 883
P.O. Box 778
Jonestown, PA. 17038
If you are having issues locating a DD214 then please go to the County Courthouse to obtain a copy. It will be required. All of the banners will be constructed by Horst Signs in Myerstown. The average cost of each banner will be around $135. This fee will be paid by the nominee or family of the nominee. There is currently an account set up with JBT here in town for donations. If you would like to make a donation, please reference the Jonestown Banner Project. We appreciate any and all donations to this very worthy cause. I know it’s been quite a road and over 2 years since I set out to accomplish this for Jonestown, but I could not have done this without our local American Legion Post 883 so a huge thank you to them for partnering with me to make it possible! With that being said, we’re finally here Jonestown! I can’t wait to see our local heroes get recognized around town so let’s get started! Get your applications in!
A huge shout out to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association PA 22-5 for their generous donation towards the Jonestown Veteran’s Banners Project! Their association is donating the monetary value of 2 banners! Thank you for your support to our cause!
This will be the first flag made in honor of Sgt Marlin Gahres whom our American Legion Post 883, here in town, is named in honor of. He never returned home and his remains were never recovered so he is classified as MIA.
In Memoriam
2026 has not been good as we have lost some dear friends of Post 883.
Please keep them and all their family, friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Annelie U. "Ann" Menzel
We are greatly saddened by the news of Annelie's passing. She worked at the Jonestown Legion for many years. Annelie was one of a kind, she was sassy, funny, kind, hard working and always ready to have fun and laugh. She will be greatly missed by those who knew her. Prayers to Brian and the rest of her family during this very difficult time. May you RIP Annelie! ❤️ Please have a Coors Light in her honor!
Keith "Hotdog" McQuate
Born in Lebanon on September 27, 1961, he was the son of the late Kenneth McQuate and Hazel (Harmon) Krall. He worked as a machinist in metal fabrication. He was a member of Sons of the American Legion, Jonestown and the AACA. He enjoyed fishing, working on cars. The legion family lost another friend. We send sympathy to his family and friends during this difficult time.
John Nemec
We are sadden to share the news that John Nemec passed away March 11th. He and Mary were long time members of the Jonestown American Legion and John served on the board for several years. He was a good guy, served his county, and loved his wife dearly. The legion family will greatly miss John and sends prayers to Mary and their family during this most difficult time.
Red Friday is a symbolic gesture where civilians and military supporters wear red clothing—such as shirts, ties, or ribbons—every Friday to honor and remember service members deployed abroad. The acronym R.E.D. stands for "Remember Everyone Deployed", emphasizing the importance of keeping troops in mind and showing solidarity with their sacrifices and service. The red color itself represents the courage and sacrifice of those serving in the military
The Wall That Heals
On Veterans Day 1996, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) unveiled a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., designed to travel to communities throughout the United States. Since its dedication, The Wall That Heals® has been displayed in more than 800 communities throughout the nation, spreading the Memorial’s healing legacy to millions.
GET THE GEAR!
Click the link below to go to our Post 883 store! All items locally made and proceeds of each sale go to our Post.
Just a few samples of the many different options available. Click the link above to see all the styles, colors and designs.
Samples can also be found hanging in the canteen. Ask a bartender for more information on what is available.
Our Commitment to Service
Together We Serve
Serving Those Who Served
At the Jonestown American Legion Post 883, we prioritize service to veterans and active military members.
We foster community connections.
Join us in our mission to support and uplift.
