Post 161 Arvada, Colorado
Post 161
Arvada, Colorado
About This Post
Post Namesake
Our post was named for two local heroes who gave their lives defending our great nation during WWI. Corporal William Wallace Wilmore Jr, an Arvada resident, US Army, Company C, 354th Infantry Regiment, 89th Division, died in battle in WWI on the French front on September 13th, 1918. PVT Benjamin A. Richter, a Wheat Ridge resident, was a member of Battery E, 341st Field Artillery was killed in action on September 15th, 1918 in France. Both were laid to rest in the St. Mihiel American Cemetery, Thiaucourt, France.
The post was awarded a National Charter from National Headquarters on the 28th of May 1928.
Notable Members
Arthur Apel, our first commander was instrumental in establishing our initial legacy. Harold Tegler, commander, continued this legacy from 1988 - 1989;1989-1990;1990-1991;1992-1993, 4 years, during which the Post continued to grow and prosper. Paul Erickson served four years as Commander and oversaw the construction and subsequent opening of our new headquarters on 19 June 1986. Frank Carney was our longest serving Commander and served for fourteen distinguished years. Frank was highly respected by our members, The Arvada City Council and community. During his tenure, he spearheaded many initiatives that grew membership and improved the post and community. Ed Shreeve, our current Commander, is aggressively pursuing new ideas that will solidify the Post so we can continue to carry on our mission in to the future.
What Makes this Post Unique
Since Wilmore-Richter Post 161 was established we have created and maintained a strong bond/association with the City of Arvada government and the community. This bond was recognized again by the Arvada City Council with a presentation to the post for outstanding service. One of our initial key contributions to the city was the purchase and presentation to the city its first Ambulance. Thus, the city was able to respond to emergencies with a state of the art ambulance.
Photos
Boy Scouts
Post Picnics
POW/MIA Post Memorial
Honor Guard Ceremonies
HISTORY
1920
Post 161's first home
May 28, 1928
The Post was awarded a National Charter on 28 May 1928.. The Post's first home was in the Mcilvoy house which was located at 7307 Grandview Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. The McIivoy house is now home to the Arvada Historical Society.
The Post was awarded a National Charter on 28 May 1928.. The Post's first home was in the Mcilvoy house which was located at 7307 Grandview Avenue, Arvada, Colorado. The McIivoy house is now home to the Arvada Historical Society.
Auxillary established at Post
May 21, 1929
The Women's Auxillary was established at the post on May 21, 1929. Evalina Campbell was elected as the first President.
The Women's Auxillary was established at the post on May 21, 1929. Evalina Campbell was elected as the first President.
1930
Post awarded National Distinguished Service Certificate
Jan 12, 1934
The National Commander awarded the Post a Distinguished Service Certificate for exceeding annual membership requirements.
The National Commander awarded the Post a Distinguished Service Certificate for exceeding annual membership requirements.
Post purchases and donates Ambulance to the City of Arvada
Oct 9, 1939
The Post leadership learned that the City of Arvada needed an Ambulance to support their Emergency operations. To support this critical need the Post purchased and donated an Ambulance to the city in 1939. The picture was taken at the Mc Ilvoy house which was the our first Headquarters. The Post Commander is shown presenting the ambulance to the Arvada City Mayor.
The Post leadership learned that the City of Arvada needed an Ambulance to support their Emergency operations. To support this critical need the Post purchased and donated an Ambulance to the city in 1939. The picture was taken at the Mc Ilvoy house which was the our first Headquarters. The Post Commander is shown presenting the ambulance to the Arvada City Mayor.
1950
Post establishes initial sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop
Jul 1, 1958
The Post established our initial sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 231 on this historical day and has continued to support the Troop for the last 60 years.
The Post established our initial sponsorship of Boy Scout Troop 231 on this historical day and has continued to support the Troop for the last 60 years.
1960
Sons of American Legion awarded National Charter
Jul 19, 1965
The National Commander, Donald E. Johnson and the Department Commander Charles W. Ferris signed the National Charter to officially establish the Sons of American Legion at Post 161.
The National Commander, Donald E. Johnson and the Department Commander Charles W. Ferris signed the National Charter to officially establish the Sons of American Legion at Post 161.
1980
Mortgage Will Burn in Arvada
Jul 8, 1984
The Post will officially burn their mortgage on Sunday July 8, 1984 at 2PM. The ceremony took place at the American Legion Activities Center located at 5455 Wadsworth in Arvada. All Legionnaires, Auxilary and Sons of the American Legion members were invited and urged to attend. Leaders of the Post were: John Kells-Murphy, Eldon Haugsen ,Dick Nelson and William Sale Jr.
The Post will officially burn their mortgage on Sunday July 8, 1984 at 2PM. The ceremony took place at the American Legion Activities Center located at 5455 Wadsworth in Arvada. All Legionnaires, Auxilary and Sons of the American Legion members were invited and urged to attend. Leaders of the Post were: John Kells-Murphy, Eldon Haugsen ,Dick Nelson and William Sale Jr.
Post 161 Buys New Building Site
Mar 8, 1985
On 8 March 1985 the post took the first giant step in the big move from the current Headquarters in the Urban renewal area to the site of the new Post home. Commander Paul Erickson and Building Committee Chairman Marvin Nold signed the closing documents on this date for the land purchase. The land is located at 60th and Lamar Streets in Arvada. Bud Snyder was very diligent as Chairman of the Board of Governors..
On 8 March 1985 the post took the first giant step in the big move from the current Headquarters in the Urban renewal area to the site of the new Post home. Commander Paul Erickson and Building Committee Chairman Marvin Nold signed the closing documents on this date for the land purchase. The land is located at 60th and Lamar Streets in Arvada. Bud Snyder was very diligent as Chairman of the Board of Governors..
Post 161 establishes new Post Hq"s
Jun 19, 1986
Paul Erickson, Post Commander spearheaded the planning and construction of our beautiful new Headquarters. Construction began in January 1985 and was completed on June 18, 1986. The building was officially opened on June 19, 1986.
Paul Erickson, Post Commander spearheaded the planning and construction of our beautiful new Headquarters. Construction began in January 1985 and was completed on June 18, 1986. The building was officially opened on June 19, 1986.
1990
Burn the Mortgage
May 18, 1991
On this important day the Post successfully paid off the mortgage for our current Headquarters, Wilfred "Bud" Snyder and Paul Erickson were the signatories for the loan and were greatly relieved that this key milestone was achieved. This milestone was achieved as a direct result of the outstanding support of our volunteers and our members.
On this important day the Post successfully paid off the mortgage for our current Headquarters, Wilfred "Bud" Snyder and Paul Erickson were the signatories for the loan and were greatly relieved that this key milestone was achieved. This milestone was achieved as a direct result of the outstanding support of our volunteers and our members.
Post donates American Eagle to city of Arvada
May 17, 1993
Our Post donated $26,000 to the City of Arvada for the commissioning of an American Eagle which was placed at City Hall. The monument is "In remembrance of all Veterans who gave of themselves so that peace may prevail."
Our Post donated $26,000 to the City of Arvada for the commissioning of an American Eagle which was placed at City Hall. The monument is "In remembrance of all Veterans who gave of themselves so that peace may prevail."
2000
Post awarded Department of Colorado Award
Jun 28, 2003
The post was awarded the Judge Wilbur M. Alter Award for having the most outstanding rehabilitation program in Colorado for the year 2002-2003 by the State Commander Naamon Owens.
The post was awarded the Judge Wilbur M. Alter Award for having the most outstanding rehabilitation program in Colorado for the year 2002-2003 by the State Commander Naamon Owens.
Post awarded National Commander plaque
Apr 15, 2006
Tom Bock, National Commander awarded the post a National Commander plaque on April 15, 2006. The plaque was awarded :" In grateful appreciation for your hard work and dedication to elect the first National Commander of the American Legion from Colorado. Without your financial support and dedication the road to success would have been more difficult. Please accept my sincere thanks for a job well done."
Tom Bock, National Commander awarded the post a National Commander plaque on April 15, 2006. The plaque was awarded :" In grateful appreciation for your hard work and dedication to elect the first National Commander of the American Legion from Colorado. Without your financial support and dedication the road to success would have been more difficult. Please accept my sincere thanks for a job well done."
Post awarded 2005 Post Newsletter Award
Jun 24, 2006
Department of Colorado awarded the Post a 2005 Post Newsletter Award Category II 2d place for publishing an outstanding Post Newsletter during the 2005-2006 year.
Department of Colorado awarded the Post a 2005 Post Newsletter Award Category II 2d place for publishing an outstanding Post Newsletter during the 2005-2006 year.
Post awarded Hackberry Hill Elementary Science Fair Plaque
Mar 1, 2007
On March 1, 2007 the Post was awarded an Appreciation Plaque from Hackberry Hill Elementary for outstanding support to the schools Science Fair.
On March 1, 2007 the Post was awarded an Appreciation Plaque from Hackberry Hill Elementary for outstanding support to the schools Science Fair.
Post awarded 2007 Post Newsletter Award
Jun 23, 2007
Department of Colorado awarded the Post a 2007 Post Newsletter Award Category II 2d place for publishing an outstanding Post Newsletter.
Department of Colorado awarded the Post a 2007 Post Newsletter Award Category II 2d place for publishing an outstanding Post Newsletter.
2010
Post awarded Colorado Boys State Certificate of Appreciation
May 7, 2010
Colorado Boys State awarded the post a Certificate of Appreciation for " Your active participation and support of the 2010 American Legion Colorado Boys State program. Your sponsoring of boys and financial support have contributed to the success of our program and positively influenced the future leaders of our country."
Colorado Boys State awarded the post a Certificate of Appreciation for " Your active participation and support of the 2010 American Legion Colorado Boys State program. Your sponsoring of boys and financial support have contributed to the success of our program and positively influenced the future leaders of our country."
Post awarded 2010 Community Service Award
Jun 25, 2010
The Department of Colorado awarded the post a 1st place Community service award category # 5 plaque for a most outstanding Community service report from 2009 thru 2010.
The Department of Colorado awarded the post a 1st place Community service award category # 5 plaque for a most outstanding Community service report from 2009 thru 2010.
Post awarded Last Man Squadron Plaque
Oct 13, 2011
The post was awarded a Last Man Squadron Plaque" in memory of the members of the Last Man Squadron." The plaque was donated by the family of Richard A. Schitz, a member of the squadron.
The post was awarded a Last Man Squadron Plaque" in memory of the members of the Last Man Squadron." The plaque was donated by the family of Richard A. Schitz, a member of the squadron.
