About Us
Our Namesake
Charlie Waters
Born Sept 17, 1932 - Died Sept 3, 2015
Unites States Marine Corps 1951 - 1958
Korean War Combat Veteran
Commander of Fresno Post 4
July 1, 2014 - Sept 3, 2015
“Charlie Waters was not just a great man, he was a shining example of selflessness and service to others. His tireless work on behalf of Fresno and its veterans is a testament to his unwavering love for his home and his country.”
-Former Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin
Charlie in his own words....
(From Fresno Bee Article on Sept 3, 2015: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article33815988.html)
Mission
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow servicemembers and veterans.
About the Post
Fresno Post 4 was established in 1919 and was incorporated in the State of California in 1926.
As one of the oldest active posts in the state, we strive to support our local veterans and make a positive mark in our local community.
We have seen our ups and downs. Several years ago, our numbers were dwindling and now deceased member Vincent Shuttera, a Guadalcanal Marine who is also one of our oldest and most dedicated members, held this post together with the help of another deceased member, George Dillon...until Commander Charlie Waters was elected to office and provided the much needed leadership and enthusiasm to charge us into the future.
Upon his death, the post undertook the direction and vision Charlie had and pushed forward. Over the last year or two, a significant influx of new members have revitalized the post with a new era of leadership, motivation and growth...the likes of which Charlie would be very proud of.