American Legion John H. Collins Post 24 Fund

For generations, the members of American Legion John H. Collins Post 24 in Derby have lived by a simple belief: honoring the sacrifices of America’s veterans means helping to shape the character of the nation’s future leaders. In 2025, the Post strengthened that commitment by establishing the American Legion John H. Collins Post 24 Fund at the Valley Community Foundation (VCF), ensuring that its work supporting Derby’s youth will continue for years to come.  

The fund reflects the American Legion’s long-standing mission to promote the principles of Americanism -- values such as courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and community service -- within the local community. Through the fund, Post 24 will continue awarding monetary prizes to deserving Derby High School graduates who demonstrate those qualities.  

 “The American Legion has always taken an active role in educating our nation’s youth about the sacrifices America’s veterans have made to protect our founding principles,” said Post Commander Erwin “Gus” Williams. “By recognizing young people who understand and carry forward those ideals, we hope to inspire future generations to appreciate the freedoms they enjoy and the responsibilities that come with them.”  

 Post 24 has long supported programs that help young people grow as citizens and leaders. In addition to its awards for graduating students, the Legion has traditionally encouraged youth participation in athletics -- particularly baseball -- and currently supports Derby’s Little League. VCF has also partnered with the Post in the past, awarding grants to help send local students to the American Legion’s Boys State and Girls State programs, civic leadership programs and experiences that teach students about government, citizenship, and public service. The creation of the fund now ensures that these efforts will endure, even decades from now.  

 “Recognizing that any organization can face challenges over time, we wanted to make sure these programs would continue even if the Post itself were ever unable to operate,” Williams said. “This fund allows our mission to live on.”  

The idea to establish the fund was first suggested by longtime Post member and Service Officer Paul Lutson, who encouraged leaders to connect with VCF. Lutson, who passed away unexpectedly in March 2025, created a fund at VCF shortly before his death -- leaving behind his own legacy of service to the Valley.  

“Our goal is a simple but very important one,” Williams said. “We want to make sure that the young people of Derby understand the values that define our country and carry those principles forward as tomorrow’s leaders.”