Gadfly reporter Sarah McClendon subject of American Legion Post 20 meeting, Sept. 22
Gadfly reporter and trail blazing female journalist Sarah McClendon will be the subject of a virtual meeting of the National Press Club's American Legion Post 20 on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m.
Post 20 Historian Easter Thompson will give a presentation on the life and times of McClendon, who reported on presidents and politics for half a century. She was known for making presidents uncomfortable with aggressive questioning at White House press conferences. An Army veteran, she served during World War II as a public relations officer in the Army Surgeon General's office. McClendon was a longtime member of Post 20 and was the only female commander of Post 20 in its 102-year history.
McClendon was among a small, vocal group of women journalists who lobbied to have the Press Club allow female members. Women were eventually allowed to join the Club in 1971; the Club's McClendon Room -- the Post 20 meeting place -- is named for her.
All Club members are invited to the meeting. RSVP to Post 20 Sergeant at Arms Evelyn Moy at [email protected], who will provide a meeting link.
Post 20 was founded at the Club in 1919 at the suggestion of famed World War I General John 'Black Jack' Pershing. At the time Pershing was serving in Washington and was an associate member of the Club.