March 26, 2024

Borrego Springs American Legion: Support For Veterans

Share

Borrego Springs: A Haven for Veterans


Borrego Springs is a haven for veterans, offering not just stunning scenery but a strong community that actively supports those who served. At the heart of this support system is American Legion Post 853, a cornerstone for veterans, their families, and the entire town.


A Legacy of Service: The American Legion


Founded in 1919 by World War I veterans, the American Legion is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization.  Their mission? To improve the quality of life for veterans, their families, and our communities.  Post 853 embodies this mission in countless ways.


Beyond the Battlefield: How Post 853 Serves


Need help navigating complex VA benefits? Post 853 offers free advice to veterans. They honor fallen heroes at funerals, ensuring their service is never forgotten.  From putting up flags on patriotic holidays to leading parades, they add a touch of tradition and respect to Borrego Springs.


But their support goes beyond veterans themselves. The dedicated Women's Auxiliary provides a vital social network for spouses, fostering a sense of belonging.  They hold fundraising breakfasts for local high school sports teams, demonstrating their commitment to Borrego Springs' youth.  And perhaps most unique, Post 853 offers visiting veterans a place to camp on their property, making Borrego Springs even more attractive to those who served.


Supporting the Supporters: The Bargain Barn


Many of these initiatives are funded by the Bargain Barn, a thrift store run by Post 853.  Think of it as a treasure trove where you can find hidden gems while simultaneously supporting a great cause. Every item you unearth goes towards vital community programs and veteran initiatives.


Interested in Getting Involved?


If you're a veteran looking for support, or simply curious about how you can help, contact American Legion Post 853. 


Borrego Springs is fortunate to have the American Legion Post 853 and the Bargain Barn. Let's thank them for their continued service to our community and our veterans!


Learn More About Borrego Springs

By Andrea McKenna June 5, 2026
Celebrating Tacos, Lotería, and Community
By Andrea McKenna June 3, 2026
Congratulations to the newly elected officers of the Sons of the American Legion
May 31, 2026
Community recycling moves forward
By Andrea McKenna May 26, 2026
American Legion Post 853 leads a day of remembrance and tribute
May 12, 2026
Watch the video to hear Briem Cole's story and learn about his goals.
March 10, 2026
Michael and Julia Johnson take top honors in Borrego Springs Michael Johnson and Julia Johnson were named the winners of the 2026 Peg Leg Smith Liars Contest, held March 7 at American Legion Post 853 in Borrego Springs (circa 1916). Their winning performance, The Ballad of Peg Leg Smith , mixed music, costume, and tall-tale humor in a way that captured the spirit of one of Borrego Springs’ most distinctive traditions. Michael opened by noting that he had won the contest the previous two years, making this his third straight victory. This year also marked the first time he and Julia Johnson performed together. In the act, Michael sang The Ballad of Peg Leg Smith , while Julia appeared as Sister Mary Virgin Cleopatra Gamora, adding to the comic stage presence that helped set the performance apart. The performance played to the crowd with a mix of desert references, Borrego humor, and Peg Leg mythology. Johnson wove in mentions of local places, wild desert characters, and the enduring mystery of Peg Leg Smith’s lost mine, all while leaning into the exaggerated storytelling style that defines the contest. The finale brought the act back to its central idea: “We never found his mine, but we loved his mystery.”
Show More

Share This Post