Chris Flores is in his first year as commander of Dickey Springer American Legion Post 113, and things are happening.
On Wednesday evening of this week, Flores and members of American Legion Post 113 presented Alamosa High School wrestling coach Rusty Johnson with a check for $14,200 from a $100 raffle held to benefit the wrestling team.
As a result of the raffle and the outreach by members, the American Legion in Alamosa is gaining members under Flores. The new energy is coming at a perfect time.
In the summer of 2026, American Legion Post 113 will host the state convention for American Legion members across Colorado, a gathering that has Flores and other American Legion members planning ahead.
Flores is also hoping to start a local chapter of the Sons of The American Legion (SAL) but is mindful that “I don’t bite off more than I can chew.”
The raffle to support the Alamosa High School wrestling team fits into the American Legion pillar of support for children and youth. The other pillars are Americanism, national security and veterans affairs and rehabilitation.
“We gladly helped fulfill what they needed and hopefully this money can go a long way in supporting them,” Flores said of the donation to AHS wrestling
Of all the work he has initiated, Flores may be most excited about the addition of new Dickey Springer Post 113 members.
“If we don’t have new members, we die,” he said. “I don’t think a lot of people know that the American Legion is here. But this is my first year as a commander and I’m trying to get people to realize we’re here and this is part of what we do.”
The hosting of the state convention awaits. It will be held in Alamosa in the year Colorado celebrates 150 years of statehood.