American Legion Post 161 was named for two local heroes who gave their lives defending our great nation during WWI. Corporal William Wallace Wilmore Jr, an Arvada resident, US Army, Company C, 354th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, died in battle in WWI on the French front on September 13th, 1918. PVT Benjamin A. Richter, a Wheat Ridge resident, was a member of Battery E, 341st Field Artillery was killed in action on September 15th, 1918 in France. Both were laid to rest in the St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Thiaucourt, France. The post was awarded a National Charter from National Headquarters on the 28th of May 1928.
Arthur Apel, our first commander was instrumental in establishing our initial legacy. Harold Tegler, commander, continued this legacy from 1988 - 1989;1989-1990;1990-1991;1992-1993, 4 years, during which the Post continued to grow and prosper. Paul Erickson served four years as Commander and oversaw the construction and subsequent opening of our new headquarters on 19 June 1986. Frank Carney was our longest serving Commander and served for fourteen distinguished years. Frank was highly respected by our members, The Arvada City Council and community. During his tenure, he spearheaded many initiatives that grew membership and improved the post and community. Ron Nelson, our current Commander, is aggressively pursuing new ideas that will solidify the Post so we can continue to carry on our mission in to the future.
Since Wilmore-Richter Post 161 was established we have created and maintained a strong bond/association with the City of Arvada government and the community. This bond was recognized again by the Arvada City Council with a presentation to the post for outstanding service. One of our initial key contributions to the city was the purchase and presentation to the city its first Ambulance. Thus, the city was able to respond to emergencies with a state of the art ambulance.