Reed-Gregory Post 7 was Chartered September 1919 in Elko, Nevada
Post Namesake
Lt.Reed — WWI aviator & Lt. Joseph Gregory — WWII Corps of Engineers
Notable Members
Morley Griswold, who had served in the US Army during WWI, became the first Commander of Post 7 in Elko when it was formed in September 1919. He later became the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Nevada from 1927 to 1934, and served out the term of Governor Frederick Balzar upon his death. From March 21, 1934 to January 7, 1935, Morley Groiswold served as the 16th Governor of the state of Nevada. Post 7 has also had 3 of its members who have served as Department Commanders for the American Legion of Nevada over the years. Stanley E. Davis 1936-37 Edward J. White 1989-90 James K. Byars 2013-14 Post 7 had the youngest Post Commander to serve anywhere in the Legion in 1947. Ted Blohm 1947-48 aged 21 Ted took the reins of leadership from his father Walter Blohm, who had been Post Commander two years earlier. Many of the early pillars of Elko belonged to Post 7, and the Post is proud to carry their tradition of service into the 21st century.
What Makes this Post Unique
Post 7 serves a very isolated area in NE Nevada, and has been active since the earliest days of the American Legion. Reed Post 7, named after a local WWI aviator killed in WWI, held their first Armistice Day “Military Ball” at the Bradley Opera House in Elko to celebrate the first anniversary of the End of Hostilities in the World War, to the sounds of the Mayer Orchestra. The Post was active in veterans affairs during the years leading up to the second World War, and provided a Department Commander in 1936 — Stanley E. Davis. After WWII, the Post honored Lt. Joseph Gregory, who had been killed on D-Day at Omaha Beach, by adding his name to the Post, thus Reed Post 7 became Reed-Gregory Post 7. Edward White was elected Department Commander in 1989, and the Department Convention was held in Elko in June 1990. Following in the footsteps of these gentlemen, James K. Byars has become Department Commander for the years 2013-14, and Post 7 continues its tradition of service to the veterans of Elko and the surrounding area. The members of Post 7 look forward to the challenges of the 21st century, and are anxious to do their part in the upcoming Centennial Celebrations. Go Legion!