The formation Jayhawk Barracks 1113 traces its roots to a meeting held on October 4, 1957, in the Topeka Municipal Auditorium. They met to organize a Topeka barracks of the Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A. The meeting was led by A. Ross Neville, and attended by Buddy William Max Hoffman. Hoffman gave a speech concerning unfair treatment of World War I veterans by the Veterans Administration. This prompted formation of the organization, and temporary officers were elected. William L. Baker was elected commander, Roland E. Shafer was senior vice-commander, John L. Banks was junior vice-commander, and A. Ross Neville was quartermaster. At the next meeting on November 1, 1957, the Jayhawk Barracks name was chosen. During the first annual election Leo F. Vaughn was elected as the first commander and was noted for making steady strides as leader of the organization. The organization adopted several programs over the years including hospital visits, carnivals, watermelon feeds, and corn popping. They also supported legislation concerning pensions and war veterans rights.
From the description of Veterans of World War I of the U.S.A., Jayhawk Barracks 1113, records, [ca. 1961-ca. 1985]. (Kansas State Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 713703798
