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Minnesota’s sole women-only American Legion post is hoping to get the word out about their post, which meets in Austin.

The charter for SPAM Post 570 was signed in December of 1946 and was started by former Hormel Foods leader Jay C. Hormel after World War II because of the female veterans coming back to the community.

Mary Fargen of Austin, who has been a part of the post for about 30 years, said Hormel was patriotic.

SPAM Post 570 has seen members ranging from Hormel Girls to the first all-women American Legion Drum and Bugle Corps to compete in the August 1947 National American Legion Convention in New York City. The post was active in patriotic events and philanthropic ventures.

She said when she joined 30 years ago, there was a large group of women who were a part. As the older members died, the group diminished to the point that at one time she was the only member. It was reactivated in 2007, and today there are 12 members, including three from Albert Lea.

Nowadays, the members are involved in efforts that help veterans as well as other community efforts, including the River Rats and VFW car shows, among other activities.

Fargen said the post is nice for women veterans as sometimes they go through different things in the military and may feel more comfortable talking to other women who have been in their shoes.

Fargen served from 1973 to 1980, serving in places including Fort Jackson in South Carolina and Fort Richardson in Alaska.

She said they hope to reach out to younger veterans, though she recognizes that they may have children or families. She noted the value of younger members in bringing new ideas.

Anyone interested in attending the post can contact her at 507-438-4132. The post meets on the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at 809 12th St. SW in Austin.