COLIN HYDE POST 172

      Colin Hyde Post 172

Commander Matt Klous’ Message:

Greetings to all, I am your Post Commander for 2026-2027. I have some big shoes to fill. Gary Sakuma has been the Post Commander for the past 9 years (10 total). He has been steadfast in his dedication to the Post and to the Island. He was rewarded for his service by being selected by the Chamber of Commerce as the Grand Marshal for this year’s Grand Old Fourth parade. I extend my thanks to him and ask that you do the same when you see him around. 

My priority this year is not new membership - it is taking care of the members that we have. I have already reached out to many of you and will continue to do so. I want to know how you are, what is going on in your life, how our Post can help you, and what it would take to get you back to our meetings and our special events. Every one of you is important to me, and we are a part of a great Veterans organization that we can be proud of. 

Please note that we have changed our meeting nights to the first Tuesday of the month. This was done to allow more members to participate. We are trying to make the meetings more fun- come out and see what changes we have made. 

Matt Klous, Commander of Colin Hyde Post 172 

The American Legion is built on the four foundational pillars of Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Americanism, Children & Youth, and National Security.  

Please join us as we grow our Post, strengthen our programs, and continue our leadership within our Washington State Department. Some of our achievements over the past year include: 

• We hosted – for the first time ever – a very successful visit and luncheon for the American Legion National Commander Dan K. Wiley. 

• We awarded two $1,500 scholarships for deserving Bainbridge High School students. 

• We sponsored a BHS High School student to compete in the state Oratorical Contest. 

• We earned over $5,000 to support veterans programs throughout our communities and state during our annual Poppy Drive at locations around the Island. 

• We sponsored 2 excellent BHS students to attend the Evergreen Boys and Girls State program. 

• We hosted a Veterans Day and Memorial Day commemoration. 

• We provided the Color Guard for the Bainbridge Island Grand Old 4th of July festivities. Past Commander Gary Sakuma was the Grand Marshal. 

• We participated in Wreaths Across America, honoring Veterans by placing wreaths on their graves 

• We met our 100% membership goal for the third year in a row 

Last year’s Post Legionnaire of the Year was 1st Vice Commander Cindy McCall, who distinguished herself with her tireless energy, bringing back our 4th of July picnic at the Post, as well as Children’s Christmas party with Santa Claus and other holiday potluck events. She is a mainstay help at Bingo and a member of the Legion Color Guard. 

Also, for the first time, a Lifetime Achievement Award went to Bill Beck, who as Post Commander for 6 years successfully steered the Post through a transitional period, making the Post what it is today. He wrote the Post Constitution and Bylaws, chartered and commanded the Post’s first Sons of the Legion Squadron, and was selected as the Department of Washington’s first Department Legionnaire of the Year.