Lowe’s Hometowns Supports Veterans Through the Renovation of American Legion Post 321

For generations, the Central Mecklenburg American Legion Post 321 in Huntersville, North Carolina has been a gathering place for veterans and their families. The building holds stories of service, friendship, and shared sacrifice. Over time, those walls began to show their age. 

The roof leaked. The bathrooms were not accessible to all members. The hall, the post's only source of income, was worn and tired. 

That's when Lowe's stepped in with a Lowe’s Hometowns grant and red vest associate volunteer help. 

For Kevin Horn, a Lowe's associate and Marine Corps veteran and the Commander of the local branch, Post 321 is more than a building. It is a place where those who have served can continue to give back. 

"When you leave the military, that sense of mission does not just turn off," Kevin says. "The Legion gives us a way to keep giving back to each other, to our families, and to our community." 

The Legion has long been a cornerstone of Huntersville. Many of the names that line the post's interior walls, like Blythe and Kerns, are also the names of the streets that wind through town. Each generation has helped keep the Legion alive, from the Korean War veterans who built it to the younger veterans now leading it forward. 

When Kevin became commander of Post 321, he knew the building needed more than a coat of paint. 

"The roof leaked, the bathrooms were not ADA compliant, and the walls were taking in moisture," he says. "We needed help to keep this place standing." 

Through the Lowe's Hometowns grant program, Kevin and his fellow veterans received the support they needed. Associates from nearby stores and the Store Support Center rolled up their sleeves, replacing floors, painting walls, and updating restrooms to meet accessibility standards. 

Lucas, Lowe's store manager who volunteered on-site, says the effort was personal. "This is our community," he says. "These veterans are our neighbors. Helping them rebuild this post was about giving back to the people who have given us so much." 

Today, the hall is bright, safe, and welcoming once again. It is a space for meetings, community events, and the quiet moments of connection that mean the most. 

For Joseph Reale, a longtime member and past commander, the renovation represents more than new walls. "Everyone wants to be remembered when they are no longer around," he says. "What we are doing here ensures this place will still stand 50 years from now." 

With the help of Lowe's Hometowns, Post 321 is ready for its next chapter, one filled with new members, new families, and a renewed sense of pride. 

Lowe's Hometowns is a five-year, one-hundred-million-dollar commitment to rebuild and revitalize the spaces that bring communities together. The upgrades made to American Legion Post 321 are just a small part of Lowe's larger goal to make a 10 million square feet impact.  

Still, no measurement can accurately count what these changes mean for the post. As Kevin says, "This project is not just about fixing a building. It is about honoring those who came before and building a future for those who will come next."