We are the American Legion Post 53, and we work hard for our Veterans. Chartered in 1919 (the same year Congress granted the National Charter to the American Legion), the Legion met at Hemet Elementary School. The existing building was erected in 1947 and has been in continuous operation since construction.

We have in our Legion two Silver Star recipients from the Vietnam War, Don Simpson and Ronnie Imel, both Army Veterans.

Don Simpson was awarded for his actions during Vietnam

Service: Army Rank: First Sergeant Division: 9th Infantry Division.

Ronnie Imel was awarded for his actions during Vietnam

Service: Army Rank: Staff Sergeant Division: 1st Infantry Division

Ronnie Imel was also inducted into the 75th Ranger Regiment Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Silver Star is awarded for gallantry in action and is the third-highest military combat decoration that can be awarded to a member of the United States military.

We have over 400 Legionnaires, and all have been an essential asset to our Legion. Our Legion is broken down into four groups: the Legionnaires, Riders, Sons, and the Auxiliary. To be able to function and keep our doors open on a day-to-day basis, we have our Friday Night dinners served between 5-7 pm, where each of the groups serve the best meals in town.

American Legion Riders volunteer at the Legion on the 1st Friday of each month to cook a Southern Fried Chicken dinner with mashed potatoes and gravy with green beans, ham hock, and Roll.

American Legion Legionnaires volunteer on the 2nd Friday to cook and their meal consists of a Cheese Burger, potato salad or coleslaw and a drink.

American Legion Auxiliary volunteer on the 3rd Friday and they cook a tasty Mexican dish consisting of 2 Tacos, Beans and Rice, and a can of Soda.

American Legion Sons Volunteer on the 4th Friday of every month. They cook Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Salad, and a drink. All dinner meals cost $8.00 per meal.

Don’t forget! On the 2nd Saturday of the month, the Legion serves breakfast from 7-10 am. Our delicious breakfast consists of 2 Eggs, 2 Pancakes, 2 Sausages, and a glass of Orange Juice and Coffee $7.00.

Bingo is played every Tuesday evening at the American Legion. Games start at $10.00 per package. We have 16 Bingo games with large payouts between $80.00 to $250.00. Doors open at 3 pm. Early Bird Bingo starts at 5:30 pm. Regular Bingo begins at 6 pm. Wait! We also have a bus that picks you up and drops you off. Say it ain’t so!

We just want you, the reader, to know that we are here and to join us for our activities where all proceeds go to helping our Veterans. Keep an eye out for our other activities on www.alpost53.com and we’re also on Facebook.

The American Legion Post 53 organization exists with the sole mission to aide and support our local Veterans living within the Riverside County area. In order to continue serving them, we desperately need financial assistance. If you or your organization would like to make a tax-deductible donation of any amount, we would be most appreciative. For further information, please contact Joe Males Acting Post Commander at the American Legion Post 53 Hemet, CA at (951) 658-2436. Thank you in advance for your support. Tax ID number and 501 (c) (19) numbers available upon request.

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