The Groundbreaking for the New Post Home began with an Invocation given by Harold Mines, Chaplin, Post 160. Charles Barrett, Sr. Vice Commander, Post 160 and June Burgess, President, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 160 followed with a Welcome from The Legion Family. Mr. Barrett was standing in for Keith Hardman, Commander, Post 160, who has been sidelined recently due to illness.
Bill Lienhop, Past Commander, Post 160, followed with recognition of special guests in attendance from the American Legion.
From The American Legion, Department of Georgia, attendees included Commander Dale Barnett, Finance Officer Bob Pollard, and Assistant Sergeant at Arms Dan Zimmerman.
From The American Legion, Department of Georgia, 5th District, attendees included Commander Nathan Conn, Sr. Vice Commander Buddy Acree, and Jr. Vice Commanders Larry Diehl, Mary Lepley, Bill Beaudin, and Randy Goodman.
Wade Lnenicka, Post 160 Member, Smyrna Mayor Pro Tem, and Ward 6 Councilman, then recognized local area elected officials who were in attendance.
From the City of Smyrna, attendees included Mayor A. Max Bacon, Ward 1 Councilwoman Melleny Pritchett, Ward 4 Councilman Mike McNabb, Ward 7 Councilman Pete Wood, and Former Mayor Harold Smith.
From Cobb County, attendees included Commission Chairman & Atlanta Regional Commission Chairman Sam Olens, District 2 Commissioner Joe Thompson, and Former Commission Chairman Bill Byrne.
Dennis Barlow, Post 160 Building Committee Project Manager remarked on the design and features of the new Post Home and the construction schedule which is expected to commence in late July and be completed in March, 2008.
City of Smyrna Mayor, Max Bacon, followed with brief remarks outlining the expansion plans for Brinkley Park and the importance of the American Legion to the local community. Mayor Bacon cited the following WWII Veterans that were in attendance: Dorothy “Dot” Bacon, Bob Logan, Mitt Mittendorf, and Pete Williams.
Ceremonial Groundbreaking for the new Post Home followed, with numerous members of The Legion Family taking part along with their special guests and elected officials. Donna Smallwood, Chaplin, Auxiliary Unit 160 concluded the program with a Benediction
