American Legion, Vietnam War Memorial Post 639 review: Violations of law and misconduct

In 2021, the Post mentioned received two PPP loans from a local bank, these were to pay employees during the Covid shut down. Employees were laid off and neither received any pay for lost time which was the purpose of these loans. The employees are very trust worth and they stated they had not been paid. Bank records exist for the purpose of both loans. This is apparent bank fraud and fraud against the U.S. Government.

On 11/1/22 Commander Mike Goforth stated support for a Missouri Bill to pull the Mo. National Guard out of command of the Military and place it under Executive Authority. This was a promotion of a political Bill and objective of one political party, a violation of AL Policy and IRS Code.

The above mentioned Commander took executive control of all financial aspects of Post 639, signing authority for withdrawals, approval of all expenses, oversight of the Finance Officer and all other duties. He then hired his wife to tend bar. Both have access to cash, purchases, receipts, billings, paid vouchers, as well as any disbursements.

Said Commander has installed Gaming machines as a non-profit, there are no audit controls for cash receipts, tickets or winnings by Legion authorities and Post Officers have had access to these machines. This is an apparent violation of Missouri State Gaming Law.

Said Commander has refused to allow any audit of Post 639, an audit has never been made since inception over 20 years ago. Estimated receipts of this Post are over $500,000 annually.