About The American Legion
About The American Legion
The American Legion, established in 1919, is the largest veteran’s organization in the U.S., dedicated to advocating for veterans and their families. Through various community programs, it promotes Americanism, national security, and youth mentorship, ensuring that those who served our country receive the support they deserve. The Legion plays a crucial role in helping veterans transition to civilian life, providing essential resources for healthcare and benefits, while also engaging in local community service activities that foster a spirit of patriotism and camaraderie.
Key Highlights of Our Mission
- Advocacy for veterans’ healthcare and benefits, ensuring their needs are met.
- Community programs that promote Americanism and support local initiatives.
- Youth mentorship programs that inspire the next generation of leaders.
The American Legion is committed to serving veterans and their families through advocacy and community engagement. Our programs are designed to address the unique challenges faced by veterans, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support. We believe in fostering a strong sense of community, where veterans can connect, share experiences, and contribute positively to society. By promoting Americanism and national security, we aim to instill pride and responsibility in all citizens, encouraging active participation in civic duties and community service.
Through our various initiatives, we strive to create a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and their families. Our commitment to advocacy, community service, and youth mentorship reflects our dedication to building a better future for all. Join us in our mission to support those who have served and continue to serve our great nation.
History of
Sterling Russell Post 100
Who is Sterling Russell?
Sterling Russell was born March 24, 1895, in Grafton, Utah. His grandfather, Alonzo Russell, was a blacksmith who was called by Brigham Young to help settle Southern Utah. He settled in Grafton with three wives and built three wooden homes for them. He then built a two-story brick home and moved his second wife (his first had died in northern Utah), who was caring for more children than his other two wives. One wife had returned to northern Utah, and the third one said, “If I can’t have the first nice home, I don’t want one.” As a result, there is only one Russell House in Grafton; it has been restored and stands next to the one-room schoolhouse, which has also been restored.
Sterling was the seventh of eight children, and last of six sons, of Alonzo and Elizabeth Russell. Alonzo was a farmer, as were many of the residents of Grafton at that time.
Sterling’s early schooling was in the one-room schoolhouse in Grafton, which served grades one through eight; he then attended Dixie High School in St. George and graduated in May of 1916. That fall he began serving as principal and teacher at the elementary school in Virgin, and he married Eliza Farnsworth of St. George, whom he had met in High School, on December 23, 1917.
Sterling was drafted, and with about 20 other young men left for Fort Clearey, California, in June of 1918. After basic training he was assigned to the 40th Division, which was immediately sent to join the American Expeditionary Force in Europe. When they arrived in France in early September, the 40th Division was broken up and he received a new assignment to Company G of the 305th Infantry Regiment, 77th Division. Three days after his arrival, on September 26, the Meuse-Argonne Offensive began. This offensive was a major part of the final Allied offensive of World War I, and stretched along the entire Western Front. It also was the largest offensive in United States military history, involving 1.2 million French, Siamese, and American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines.
During the latter stages of this offensive, on November 7, 1918, Sterling volunteered for a patrol to scout the enemy’s location. This patrol came under fire and Sterling was killed. He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery northwest of Verdun, France.
Sterling’s daughter was born 14 November 1918 in St. George, one week after his death. His wife Eliza named their daughter LaFrance in honor of her father’s service in France.
Eliza married Joseph Mecham in 1920; LaFrance grew up in St George, but moved to Salt Lake City in 1937 to attend LDS Business College. Eliza also moved to northern Utah sometime after 1940.
In December of 1919, Post 100 of the American Legion in Hurricane was organized and named in Sterling Russell’s honor. Many of its first members and officers had known him.
Sterling Russell’s Granddaughter wrote this brief biography in 2006.
Sterling’s daughter was born 14 November 1918 in St. George, one week after his death. His wife Eliza named their daughter LaFrance in honor of her father’s service in France.
Eliza married Joseph Mecham in 1920; LaFrance grew up in St George, but moved to Salt Lake City in 1937 to attend LDS Business College. Eliza also moved to northern Utah sometime after 1940.
In December of 1919, Post 100 of the American Legion in Hurricane was organized and named in Sterling Russell’s honor. Many of its first members and officers had known him.
Sterling Russell’s Granddaughter wrote this brief biography in 2006