The Oldest American Legion Post in the state of Tennessee recently broke a 99-year tradition with the election of Lolita Poplar as Post Commander. She is the first woman to serve in that position.
“It is indeed an incredible honor to be elected to serve this organization with such a long and illustrious tradition that does so much to help our veterans,” said Poplar, who is he post commander for 2018-19. She was unanimously elected on April 14.
The founder and CEO of Poplar Christian Health Service, a Christian counseling wellness ministry in Memphis, Poplar is also the first African-American Post Commander of Post 1 Memphis.
“I want to help as many veterans as possible with their health care needs, improve the relationships between the veteran and civilian communities,” Poplar said. “I also want to build better race relations and I believe the American Legion can lead the way and set the example.”
Poplar has been a member of the American Legion since 2016. She will take over from Cmdr. Terry Adams, who served as Post Commander for three years. Both Adams and Poplar transferred from the Millington American Legion Post to revitalize Post 1 Memphis.
