GREENVILLE — Greenville American Legion Post 140 continues its long-standing tradition of giving back in a big way, quietly supporting dozens of charitable causes and community organizations throughout Darke County.
Much of that generosity happens without fanfare. But when pressed, Post 140 Commander Ken Wombold shared just how extensive the Legion’s impact was in 2025.
During the past year alone, Greenville American Legion Post 140 donated more than $120,000 to local organizations and initiatives, including:
HealthCare Foundation; Children’s Shriners Hospital Foundation; Ohio Wave Fast Pitch; Fisher Nightingale House; Darke County Cancer Association; Garst Museum; Greenville Athletic Boosters; Honor Guard and Color Guard uniforms; Greenville Girls Softball Association (GGSA); Greenville Citizens Baseball League (GCBL); American Legion Baseball; Light Foundation; Blue Star Mothers; Sons of the Legion (SAL); Annie Oakley Golf Committee; Hollansburg Legion Golf; free monthly breakfasts for veterans, firefighters, police officers and first responders; 4-H; Darke County Youth Junior Fair; Darke County Sheriff’s Warm Winter Wear program; Darke County Veterans Services Washington, D.C. trip; Greenville City Schools Washington, D.C. trip; Back Yard Bonfire; Boys & Girls Club; Fish Choice Pantry; Arcanum VFW Golf Tournament; Morgan’s Place; assistance for homeless veterans; and numerous other community efforts.
“Our veterans feel it’s our place to help other veterans,” Wombold said. “We don’t leave anyone behind. We don’t feel the need to blow our own horn, even though some people think we’re just a bunch of old guys who like to drink — we’re not. We give back to the community. We support our youth, our hospitals, the Sheriff’s Department, and a wide range of charities. We do quite a bit more than most people realize.”
One of the Legion’s most significant — and least visible — commitments is the Greenville Honor Guard, an expense fully supported by Post 140. Each year, Honor Guard members take part in at least 40 military funerals, often exceeding 60 services annually, regardless of weather conditions.
“Any veteran who served under honorable conditions is entitled to a military funeral,” Wombold explained. “They don’t have to be a member of the American Legion or the VFW or anything else. Once you signed your name and became a veteran, you’re entitled to that honor, and our job at Greenville American Legion is to provide it. We don’t charge for that — it’s simply what we’re supposed to do.”
Post 140 outfits the Honor Guard with matching blazers, caps, rifles, and maintains buses used for funeral services across the county.
“It’s a pretty good expense,” Wombold said. “Everyone wears the same blazer and the same color cap. Many people have seen our buses around town. That uniformity matters — it’s about dignity, respect, and honoring those who served.”
While much of its work remains behind the scenes, Greenville American Legion Post 140 continues to be one of the most impactful charitable forces in the community — living out its mission of service, remembrance, and support for veterans and neighbors alike.
