Now we come to 1952 and if ever the Post was in a dense fog and seeking leadership, it is here and now. The year just passed seen a Jr. Vice Commander bypass Sr. Vice and jump into leadership. Comrade Rollie Wight Sr. had served in both wars and was Sr.Vice Commander under Harvey Kenitz. He was next in line for commander and certainly qualified. Due to his own business he was forced to give up any idea he may have had of being commander.
Any legionaire with ambition of becoming a Post Commander should have at least six or seven years of practical legion experience. One office in particular is Post adjutant, another is finance officer. Last but not least is the service officer. Here we are putting men into the Commander's chair with only two or three years in the legion. The Post has two men that have served on committees and held minor officers, but when they were asked to assume an advanced office, they declined. The next man they chose for Post Commander is an example. Practically a new member he was elected Sr Vice Commander. The Sr. Vice is also the membership chairman. There were no incentives or promotions for membership last year and the Post fell short of it's quota.
Ralph Bateman was elected Commander for 1952. This was a pitiful year. Comrade Bateman took over as Commander for two meetings and then he was transferred by his company to Washington State, and another legionaire with little experience took over the job. Edward Sullivan was Sr. Vice and now became Commander. Gil Gieslar moved up to Sr. Vice and the Jr. Vice office was left vacant. Due to his work, Edward was unable to attend meetings and soon also stepped down. This meant that Gil Gieslar now moved up to Commander with no experience.
Here was a young man with a wife and three children, doing all in his power to fill the needs of supply and demand. He worked a full time job, spent time with his family and served the best he could as Commander.I believe he is the only legionaire of Post 80 to be Jr. Vice, Sr. Vice and Commander in one year.
All legion functions and activities were carried out but as last year there are no minutes or records of the year. Al Mrkvicka was elected commander for 1953.
