Hair & Matthews American Legion Post 32 has served veterans and the Hope Mills and Fayetteville community for more than sixty years. Our vision for a strong America is built on a strong national security, taking care of veterans, mentoring youth, and promoting patriotism and honor.
Who We Are Named For
Post 32 is named in honor of two North Carolina servicemen who gave their lives for their country: Leon Kermit Hair and Oliver Weldon Matthews Jr.
Leon Kermit Hair was a Seaman Second Class in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was killed on September 11, 1942 in a collision at sea aboard the USS Algorab, an attack cargo ship. The original post was numbered 315, chartered in Hope Mills in 1946, and named in his honor. Hair is buried at the Big Rockfish Presbyterian Church Cemetery on Highway 301 South.
Oliver Weldon Matthews Jr. was an infantryman serving with the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, in the Korean War when he was killed in action by an enemy grenade in August 1951. Post 68, formerly in Massey Hill, was named in his honor. Matthews is buried in Cross Creek Cemetery just off Ann Street in Fayetteville.
How Post 32 Was Formed
In late 1958, both posts were experiencing a decline in membership and support. The leadership of both chose to join forces and merge. National Headquarters approved the merger, and Hair & Matthews Post 32 was chartered. Post 32 has been at its current location since the early 1960s, built on land donated to the post.
A note from the post historian: We are still in need of a good photograph of Leon Hair. If you are a relative or have historical materials connected to either of our namesakes, please get in touch.
Visit Us
Hair & Matthews Post 32 is located at 3814 Legion Road, Hope Mills, NC 28348. See our events and meeting schedule or contact the post to plan your visit.