Throughout American history, Walker and the Leech Lake area have provided men and women to serve in the military in every conflict the country has endured. Since Walker was founded in 1896, many of its original citizens were veterans of the Civil War. William Spencer was the first man from Walker to give his life serving his country in World War I, and Robert Ross was the first in World War II. The American Legion Post 134 in Walker is therefore named the Spencer-Ross 134 Legion Club. In 2015, the club was named “The Best Legion Club in Minnesota.” It is very active in community affairs and has one of the finest Color Guards and Motorcycle Units in the area. John Sewell was the first Walker resident killed in the Korean conflict, and Max Nelson was the first to make the ultimate sacrifice in Viet Nam. In more recent years, the area has provided men and women to serve in conflicts in the Middle East.