INDIANAPOLIS — The flags that symbolize service no longer fly in front of Tillman H. Harpole American Legion Post 249, whose charter dates back to the late 1930s.

“It’s a sad time for me, just to stand here and see it deteriorate like this,” said William Garrett, a 20-year member of Post 249. “It was a happy place.”

Garrett, 77, misses those happier times.

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According to the state’s American Legion, those happy times came at a price. This price is one that, they say, Post 249 did not pay.

“They owe, not including the PNC and PPP loan, $112,234.50,” said Mark Gullion, former commander of the Indiana American Legion Department.

The state’s American Legion says it tried to work with the local post office. Supporters say they cooperated.

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“They gave us a checklist,” said Cecil Holly, former commander of Sons of Allegiance Post 249. “We actually followed that checklist and completed it. It was after that that we discovered a secret meeting where they decided to say that they wanted to disband Post 249.”

The state organization does not agree.

It says Post 249’s compliance issues and evidence of significant mismanagement have left the post with serious financial liabilities.

Some of these non-compliance issues included the position not having an active liquor or gaming license. On top of that, they say their 501C status was also not up to date.

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WRTV has contacted the Indiana Gaming Commission. They said the permit for American Legion Post 249 expired earlier this year and the post had not been applied for renewal.

The Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission said Message 249 expired on July 17, 2023, and was considered “dead” on February 6, 2024.

They withdrew the post’s charter and all of its assets are now owned by the state American Legion. They also say there was little communication from those involved at the local level.

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“We held several meetings for members of the SAL Auxiliary and the Legion. Why didn’t you come, why didn’t you voice your opinion,” Gullion said. “Why didn’t you come up with these plans? We tried.”

Despite the discussions, both organizations say the historic closure of the post is a sad day for the community.

“For a lot of older veterans, this was their refuge,” said Jeffrey Pettigrew, former commander of Post 249. “A place where they could feel safe and comfortable and where they could meet people. other veterans.”

“I have lost many nights of sleep over the last year trying to find a solution to save this historic message and keep it in the community,” Gullion said.

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The state’s American Legion says it is in talks with a prominent local community member who is interested in purchasing the property on MLK Street.

The newspaper says it plans to appeal the state’s decision to the national executive council.

The Indiana American Legion alleged that the charter was under investigation for theft and fraud by IMPD. IMPD says it is not aware of any active investigation into this post.