Commander Hellquist was introduced to the post in 2012 when he and his grandfather Past Commander George Swenson (1959-60, 2014-15). He started his Legion career in Gurnee 771 in September 2007 when he returned from Basic Combat Training from Fort Sill, OK. He would start as District Historian and Assistant Sgt. At Arms for the 10th District. After being appointed to Adjutant for Post 748, he started to learn the value of the American Legion and wanted to become more active. He ran up the Chairs in the District as he was Adjutant for the post and was elected to District Jr. Vice, Sr. Vice, while serving as Post Commander here in Antioch.
