About Us
American Legion Motto
"Veterans Strengthening America."
Mission
The American Legion is built on a promise from men and women who swore with their lives to defend and protect the United States through military service. The promise begins at enlistment, grows through training and discipline in the U.S. Armed Forces and continues after discharge, as veterans in service to community, state and nation. To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Our Preamble
For God and Country, we associate ourselves together for the following purposes:
- To uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of American
- To maintain law and order to foster and perpetuate a 100% Americanism.
- To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars
- To inculcate a sense of individual obligation to the community, state, and nation
- To combat the autocracy of both the classes and masses
- To made right the master of might.
- To promote peace and good will on earth
- To safeguard and transmit to posterity the principles of justice, freedom, and democracy.
- To consecrate and sanctify our comradeship by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.
Dr. Leonard C. Barnes Bio
Chancellor Emeritus for SUSBO
Dr. Barnes received his high school diploma from Central High School in Bogalusa, LA. He earned a B.S. Degree from Southern University Baton Rouge, Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado, and an Honorary Doctorate from Southern University Baton Rouge.
He served his country in the United States Army as a 1st Lieutenant Infantry Officer. In 1949, Leonard assumed the position of Head Athletic Coach at Booker T. Washington High School in Shreveport, LA until he excelled to the position of Assistant Principal in Charge of Administration.
In 1967, he became Director of Student Personnel at Southern University at Shreveport-Bossier. In 1969, Dr. Barnes was named Vice-President of the Shreveport-Bossier campus, a position that was later promoted to Chancellor for Southern University at Shreveport-Bossier, a post he held for 17 years. As a multifaceted and exceptional man, Leonard extended his ability and resources as a member of Delta Upsilon Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Board of Director of the Southern University Foundation, the Louisiana Community Technical College Board, the Friends Board of the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, and Independence Bowl Board.
The Booker T. Washington's Football Stadium was named in his honor. The Leonard C. Barnes Administration Building was named in honor of the longest serving Chancellor at Southern University at Shreveport-Bossier campus. The dedication ceremony was held on March 18, 2005.
He was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church in Shreveport for more than 50 years. He served as a Sunday School teacher and a Trustee.
Published in Shreveport Times on Dec. 2, 2011
