Batesville American Legion has first-ever female Commander

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – The Batesville American Legion Prell-Bland Post was chartered on March 12, 1920. 

The Post has welcomed veterans and the public for more than a century with a rich tradition of serving those who served while also supporting the Batesville community.

For the first time ever, the Post is being led by a female as Laveda Ferguson was sworn-in as Commander earlier this year. 

Ferguson is a southern Illinois native who joined the Army Reserves when she turned 18-years-old. 

She was called to active duty during Desert Storm in 1990 and was deployed to the Middle East.

After the military, she lived in South Carolina before moving to Batesville with her husband a few years ago. 

She joined the American Legion to give back to the community and describes it as an honor to lead the Post. 

“I got involved in the Post because I’ve realized it’s my time to get more involved with the community and to also shape the future of this local American Legion and how more people can get involved,” Ferguson said. 

The Batesville Post is fully open to the public as they offer event space that is available for weddings, birthdays, graduation parties and other activities. You do not have to be affiliated with the Legion to rent it. 

The event space features a fully-furnished kitchen, an outdoor area overlooking the lake, handicap accessible entries, newly-remodeled ADA-compliant bathrooms, and an open bar. 

The indoor event room has a capacity of 100 people. You can learn more about it by calling Mark Gunter at (812) 525-1111.