Commerce
Supporting the economic and civic vitality of Indianapolis and the broader Indiana community.
Service Club of Indianapolis
About Us
Who we are, what guides us, and a century of heritage from 1920 to today.
Who We Are
A brotherhood of those who served
The Service Club of Indianapolis is a private social club whose members have served in the armed forces and who reside in Marion County, Indiana, and contiguous counties. Membership is by invitation and sponsorship from a current member — recruitment is in person only.
Our members are veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, and all branches of the United States military — united by shared sacrifice and the bonds of service.
Veterans Only
Every member has served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard.
Membership by Sponsorship
New members are invited in person by a current member. The Club does not recruit online or accept open applications.
Community Rooted
Serving Marion County and contiguous counties — deeply connected to Indianapolis since our founding.
Social Camaraderie
Furnishes frequent opportunities for social intercourse including weekly luncheons, annual galas, cultural and sporting event attendance.
Patriotism
Sustaining the high standards of patriotism and self-sacrifice that inspired the American people in times of war.
Brotherhood
Learn more about membership
Veterans Only
Every member has served in the United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force or Coast Guard.
Membership statistics shown aren’t current — compiled 12/8/25.
U.S. Army
74 Members, 50%
U.S. Navy
29 Members, 19.6%
U.S. Air Force
26 Members, 17.6%
U.S. Marine Corps
15 Members, 10%
U.S. Coast Guard
4 Members, 2.8%
U.S. Space Force
0 Members
Membership by Sponsorship
Proposed member must meet the following requirements:
- Be a person of good character, a citizen of the United States, and who maintains permanent residence within the vicinity of Indianapolis (Marion County and any of its seven contiguous counties).
- Be sponsored by a Club member in good standing with one year’s membership and be introduced at two club meetings.
- Served on active duty in the armed forces of the US for a period of two years or more; or in the active or reserve component of any of said armed forces, or the Army or Air National Guard, for a period of six months active duty and five and one-half years’ reserve duty.
- Be elected into the Club by the general membership.
Community Rooted
The Club is deeply connected to the Greater Indianapolis Metropolitan communities including the following counties:
- Marion County (City of Indianapolis)
- Hamilton County (North)
- Hancock County (East)
- Shelby County (Southeast)
- Johnson County (South)
- Morgan County (Southwest)
- Hendricks County (West)
- Boone County (Northwest)
Social Camaraderie
The Service Club of Indianapolis has vibrant, fun and rewarding social events and speaker programs. Among the many such events and programs there are:
- Weekly Luncheons
- Weekly Guest Speakers
- Holiday Gala
- Summerfest Party
- Indy Fever Games
- Indy Indians Games
- Indy Fuel Games
- Museum Tours
- Marksmanship Events
- Dinner Theater
- Shooting Club
- Euchre Club
- Book Club
- Bourbon Appreciation Club
Our Values
What guides the Club
Friendship
Building lifelong bonds between those who answered the call of duty — a brotherhood that transcends time.
Service
Continuing our service to country, state, and community long after the uniform is set aside.
Commerce
Supporting the economic and civic vitality of Indianapolis and the broader Indiana community.
Patriotism
Sustaining the high standards of patriotism and self-sacrifice that inspired the American people in times of war.
Our Mission
Why we gather
To sustain in times of peace the high standards of patriotism and self-sacrifice which inspired and actuated the American people in time of war; to foster and perpetuate the principles of American citizenship; to continue our service to our country, our state and our community; to furnish an opportunity for social camaraderie; and to promote the collective and individual interests of active and former service members.
1920 — Present
Our Heritage
From our founding after World War I through a century of service, the Club has gathered veterans across generations — preserving the bonds forged in uniform and continuing service to community and country.
The Service Club of Indianapolis
There was very little difference of opinion as to the name of the Club. The distinctive requirement: every member must have seen service in the armed forces. It was agreed that no more logical or natural name could be chosen for this organization of ex-service men. — By Phillip C. Lewis, Charter Member.
A club takes root in Indianapolis
In the years after World War I, the Club established weekly gatherings, civic involvement, and lasting friendships among Indiana veterans. Fellowship, service, commerce, and patriotism became the pillars that still guide the Club today.
58 members return to active service
As the US entered World War II, 58 members of the Club returned to active service in all theatres of action, including the famed Hoosier aviator H. Weir Cook, killed in the South Pacific. 156 sons and daughters of members also served — five were killed in action, including two sons of founder John Paul Ragsdale, who himself returned to active duty.
A new generation of those who served
Veterans of Korea and Vietnam joined the ranks of the Club, carrying forward the same bonds of comradeship. The Club remained a place where men who had worn the uniform could share fellowship across eras of service.
Opening to new veterans
Following WWII, members hotly debated opening membership to new veterans. It was not until 1963 that the first son of a World War I member was admitted, expanding the Club’s tradition to a new generation of those who served.
Desert Storm, Iraq, and beyond
Members who served in Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan, and later conflicts found a home in the Club. Across decades, the purpose stayed constant: to sustain the high standards of patriotism and self-sacrifice that unite those who have served.
One hundred years of comradeship
The Service Club of Indianapolis marked its centennial — a century of weekly fellowship, civic service, and bonds forged among veterans of every conflict. From World War I charter members to those who serve today, the Club’s story continues in Indianapolis.
Veterans of all conflicts welcome
Today our membership includes veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, and all subsequent conflicts. The original purpose remains unchanged: to foster the comradeship we all experienced during our time in uniform, regardless of branch, era, or where we served. — By Tom Jones, member since 1993.