Ernest B. Montrond, 65-year Legion member

World War 2 Navy veteran, Ernest B. Montrond, 89, holds the distinction of being an active card carrying member of Middleboro’s American Legion Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64, when in March he observed his 65th year in the organization.

Ernie, as he is known by his many acquaintances, was inducted into the Navy in June 1943 and after boot camp at Great Lakes was assigned to the Norfolk Naval Base in Virginia, where he attained the rank of Coxswain. He was discharged on December 26th, 1945.
( Milestone Observed: Ernest B. Montrond, who recently observed his 65th anniversary as a member of Middleboro's American Legion Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64, is seen reviewing historical documents regarding his longtime membership. His year as state commander of the Department of Massachusetts AmericanLegion in 1973/1974 is contained in a huge documentary book. Montrond is posed at the local post in front of a flag reportedly carried by Siemon L. Nickerson during World War 1. Photo published April 14, 2011 in Middleboro Gazette.)

Prior to his induction, the 1939 graduate of Taunton High School, he had worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) for a year in Company 129 at Mt Okemo in Ludlow, Vermont as the assistant company clerk. He then found employment with Winthrop-Atkins as a stock clerk from December 5, 1941 until his service time in 1943.

The day after New Year’s in 1946, Ernie returned to work at the local company where he worked for a total of 53 years before retiring in 1994 as the supervisor of the stock department.

Ernie met his wife, the late Helen Louise Athanasiou of Middleboro, while working at Winthrop-Atkins. She worked at the company for 39 years as a glue machine operator. They were married for 63 years at the time of her passing on July 3, 2009. Their daughter, Helen Adeline, a graduate of Adrian College in Michigan is also an Air Force veteran. She is married to Richard Beard of Bellevue, Nebraska and they have two children, William and Danielle.

During Ernie’s 65 year American Legion participation, he has attained numerous awards and leadership titles. He gives credit to Horace Atkins, the 1940 Commander of Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64, who invited him to join the Middleboro Legion.

On the local level, over the years, he has served in nearly every position within the Post 64 command, including Post Commander in 1964. During that year’s tenure, Ernie led Post 64 through its 45th anniversary celebrations. He currently serves as the judge advocate for the Post.

At the District 10 level he has seen service in all sections including being elected to Deputy Sergeant at Arms and District Commander.

Statewide, Ernie served as Vice Commander for five years and was elected Massachusetts Department Commander in 1973 at the 55thannual state convention held in Springfield. He also was department chairman for the Children and Youth committee on many occasions.

In January 1974, a testimonial was held in his honor at the Venus De Milo restaurant in Swansea, where 861 persons, including Legionnaires, politicians and friends, honored the outgoing State Commander. At this banquet Harold E. Tower, Jr., Commander of Middleboro’s Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64, presented Ernest B. Montrond with a gold life membership card.

At the end of his term as Commander, the Department of Massachusetts American Legion presented him with a huge book comprised of his accomplishments, news clippings and photos. It is titled: “Dept of Mass 1973-1974” and it weighs in the vicinity of 10 pounds!!!

Turning the pages of that commemorative book, one finds the names and photos of many leading politicians of the time and other famous personalities, whom Ernie “rubbed” elbows. They included Governor Francis W. Sargent, Congress members Margaret Heckler, Joe Moakley and Thomas P. Tip O’Neill,Jr; Senator Ted Kennedy and Arnold “Red” Auerbach , Boston Celtics, coach and general manager.

In 1987 Ernie was further honored by the state Legion membership as he was selected as the “Legionnaire of the Year,” which recognized his fundraising efforts for the Child Welfare Foundation.

His leadership role showed again in 1988, when as chairman of the Children and Youth Committee of the Massachusetts American Legion, the Department earned the Number One spot in the country for funds raised. Ernie represented Massachusetts on the podium at the 1988 Convention at Louisville for that achievement.

He was a speaker at that event and accepted the Legion’s National Garland D. Murphy award on behalf of the Department. He spoke to the audience of some 8,000 Legion members and their guests about the fund raising achievement.

“It was a real thrill for me to speak at that convention,” said the longtime Post 64 member. While discussing his appearance at that 1988 convention, Ernie failed to mention the names of some of the other distinguished speakers: presidential candidates, Michael Dukakis and George Bush, comedian Foster Brooks and President Ronald Reagan. Ernie’s photo is seen on the pages of “The American Legion” magazine regarding that convention.

On the National Legion front Ernie served several terms as an elected alternate National Executive Committeeman.

Robert Burke, current Commander of Post 64, expressed admiration for Ernie and his many accomplishments,”He is extremely popular… Many of the Past Commanders consider him to be a mentor.”

In 2009, Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 observed its 90th anniversary and participated in Middleboro’s 340th historical celebration in the town hall auditorium. Ernie represented the Post on that day,November 14, 2009, as he manned the table/booth display for Post 64.

Ernie lives in East Taunton in the family homestead and is a member of Middleboro’s Central Methodist Church.
( Written/photo by Bob Lessard, Historian, published in Middleboro Gazette, April 14, 2011)