By Margaretta Hickman, President of Lakiba N. Palmer American Legion Auxiliary
Mr. Joe Rush joined the Dennis T, Williams Post 310 in 1988. He was a soldier in the United States Army stationed in Okinawa, Vietnam, Fort Bragg, North Carolina and here in San Diego, California in the Airborne Infantry until his retirement in 1996.
Joe enjoyed hanging out in the early days with the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary way back when the Post had “Dirt Floors.” Post 310 then was known as “The Old Soldiers Home” to many.
Joe Rush is a Starch Legionnaire. He served in numerous Offices/Positions at Post 310. He served as 1st Vice commander, Chairman of Boys State working with students from Lincoln High School, Morse High School, O’Farrell and Gompers schools.
Commander Joe Rush served as Commander of Dennis T. Williams Post 310 for two terms. 1994-1996 and 2013-2017. He seldom ever missed an event for the Post or the Auxiliary. transportation was never an issue, because he did not own an automobile.
Commander Rush saw Post 310 as an “Eyesore” and an embarrassment to him and other leaders in the community, so he took steps to rebuild Post 310.
Joe Rush saved Dennis T. Williams Post 310 from Eminent Domain.
Commander Joe Rush shared his concerns with Fellow Legionnaires and was instrumental in finding a funder and developer to rebuild Post 310.
He got the Encanto Community Planning Group to change the zoning so that housing could be built for veterans on the property.
Joe along with others secured a $3 Million Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Dennis T. Williams Post 310 was renamed “Lakiba N. Palmer” in honor of a San Diego native Young Lady who served in the United States Military named “Lakiba N. Palmer” who was sadly killed on the U.S.S. Cole. The first post ever to be named after an African-American woman.
Commander Joe Rush was also proudly instrumental in renaming Lise Street to Lakiba N. Palmer Street, a few blocks from Post 310.
After years of planning and negotiations, they broke ground in 2020. What a beautiful property in Southeastern San Diego.
Today, because of the vision of Commander Joe Rush, the newly rebuilt post and property now house 40 plus apartments for veterans that live above and across the Street from Post 310, namely ”Post 310 Veterans Homes”.
We all should thank Emeritus Commander Joe Rush for all that he has done for his service to our country first, our veterans, military and their families, community, Post 310 American Legion Legionnaires and Unit 310 American Legion Auxiliary.
We will always love you as Commander Joe Rush. You will always be remembered as a true Legionnaire and friend. May God bless you forever!
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