American Legion Post in Morehead names first female commander in 100+ year history

MOREHEAD, Ky. ( FOX 56 ) — The American Legion was created more than a century ago to serve as a patriotic veterans nonprofit organization.

Today, there are nearly 2 million members of posts around the world. In Kentucky alone, there are more than 100 American Legion posts.

Post 126 in Morehead, on Saturday, did something it had never done in its long history: swore in a female commander.

Commander is the highest honor at a given legion post and this distinction of being the first woman at the post in Morehead goes to Sadee Louise.

After medically retiring from the Navy 11 years ago, Louise and her boyfriend moved to Morehead and the two thought it would be a good idea to check out the American Legion. From there, she fell in love with the community of veterans that was there.

When the chance to be the next commander came up, it was an opportunity Louise knew she could do a lot of good with and help future members of the post like the legion did for her when she joined.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS

• Asbury University becomes 1st US ARRI-certified film school
• ‘Cemented his name in American history:’ John Lewis’ legacy celebrated in Kentucky
• Pikeville doctor sentenced for illegally prescribing amphetamines

“It’s an interesting thing to be a female in a man’s world and it’s been nice to see how much these gentlemen have embraced me and are supporting me,” Louise explained. “I wasn’t expecting it because I’ve had to fight those battles before. I hope that that the younger generations of women are watching and can see that it’s possible and it is an avenue and just because things have always been done a certain way doesn’t mean they have to keep being that in a certain way.”

Speaking of the future generation, Louise said the key to success is to be prepared, do whatever you’re setting out to do to the best of your ability, and prove the doubters wrong.

In speaking with veterans like Louise from across the state, they all say the same thing about their fellow soldiers.

You form a bond with your comrades that is indescribable because of the shared experiences you have while in service. Experiences that 99% of the country will never experience.

For Louise, she admits there were low moments transitioning to life after service. But then she found the Legion and they welcomed her in with open arms.

She’s held several roles in the organization so when the opportunity was presented to her to be the post’s newest commander, Louise thought it was a no-brainer, given how much the post has meant to her.

“Starting out as a bartender here, I’ve been able to see people come in there and just have fun and I’ve been able to see other days where people come in and really need to talk and there’s always somebody to talk to and that no matter what part of the post or what role you play, there’s just always support from all sides,” Louise said.

Louise also credits the huge variety of members at the post in Morehead for making it so special.

She said there are veterans from every branch, who served at different times in history, making the conversations all the more unique.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.