The American Legion Post #403 in Rochelle was established in 1919 the same year that the American Legion was established as a National veterans organization. The first recorded post commander was Fred E. Gardner. Subsequent Commanders until 1939 were Charles Kepner, Orion Wing, Mortimer Hathaway, George O'Brien, Malden Barker, Clarence Anderson, Albert Lind, Bernard Faley, Charles Hanson, John Manning, Harold Stevens, Edward Slothower, Walter Vierke, Raymond Pyatt, Harold Palmer, William Johnson, Roy Westin, Arther Guest, Clyde Harris, Fred Durin. The Rochelle American Legion Post #403 was legally organized as a corporation under the laws of Illinois in April 23, 1929.

Arnold Heltness, Commander from 1977 to 2002, succeeded in keeping the post active. Limited by a small membership and sources of income, Arnold and legion members helped the Rochelle community by supporting programs of the Hub City Senior Citizens, Boy Scouts, Little League Baseball, Hope, Hospice and by purchasing the flags for Memorial Day. Today the post still contributes to the same programs. Commanders from 2002 to present are Arch Millotte, By Kyler, Marvin Winkel, William Gaston, Gordan Carlson. Some Commanders have not been listed because of the limited records the post has at this time.