2013 AMERICAN LEGION POST 197 HISTORY
01-02-2013 Regular meeting. Warren Ramsey spoke about defibulator to the members
$200 donation to cart derby from post (men)
Hall rental in 2012 generated $3400
Terry Blanchard contracted for 1 year at $100/month to clean hall
Charter draped in honor of Robert Bosch (died in Dec 2012) and Gordon William Lilly
New refreshment officer is Ron Knepfler
Card playing on Thursdays at 1:00 pm in the basement
01-29 &30-2013 Deep cleaning of hall and painting of kitchen ceiling by county inmates
01-30-2013 Member Al Wehner passed away. 58 year member
02-06-2013 Regular meeting: Tim Robinson is acting commander in Ron Volmering’s absence
Charter draped in honor of Albert Wehner
Kevin Ramsey spoke about veterans fishing outing which may change because of low water levels. Something different might have to be planned, scheduled for June 8th
Don Ahrens spoke about the history of The Pledge of Allegiance
02-16-2013 Veterans Party (formerly Stag Party) approximately 50 Vets in attendance
02-22-2013 Funeral for David Spearman: Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home
Members present: Leo Bennett, Tim Robinson, Richard Kirsh,
Terry Blanchard, Darrell Connell, Jerry Bohn, Jim Leiby, Bob Sopczynski Jack Landenberg AmVets: Jerry Wojdyla
03-06-2013 Regular Meeting, $175.00 donation from Ladies Auxiliary to cart race
Dave Lawson from Edward Jones gave our annual report concerning our Post’s investments
Nominating committee: Arnie Koehn, Darrell Connell, Bob Sopczynski, Al Kleinknecht
03-13-2013 Funeral for member James Jezewski at OLLH Church
Funeral arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home Passed away March 7, 2013
American Legion members present: Terry Blanchard, Bob Sopczynski, Jim Leiby, Jerry Bohn, Tim Robinson, Arnie Koehn, Leo Bennett, Marvin Emming, Dave Halifax, Bob Winkel, and Christi Cook AmVets members: Oscar Schave and Jerry Wojdyla
03-16-2013 Legion birthday party-- Terry Brown, State Representative guest speaker.
Seventy members were present. Certificates for years as an American Legion member were awarded at the party
Special Recognition and certificate to Leonard (Pic) DeFrain …..69 years
5 years: David C. Reichelt
Walter Schave
Gerald A. Smith
10 years: Alan J. Essenmacher
Nicholas J. Essenmacher
William R. Haas
Donald S. Osmulski Sr.
Gary E. Rose
Larry E. Schelke
John Ayotte
15 years: Alan L. Backus
Judith Harrington
Clifford Kurzinski
Carol A. Stacer
Lee R. Woody
Bob Sopczynski
20 years: John H. Bickel
John R Jacobus III
Jay A Landenberg
Dallas Marks
John J. Pott
25 years: Carlton W. Engle
Ernest A. Ortenburg
25 years: Scott R. Richardson
Joseph A. Shay
30 years: Ronald V. Wolschleger
Terry Blanchard
35 years Lewis I. Brown
Richard B. Geiger
40 years Warren Ramsey
45 years Arnold koehn
4-03- 2013 Regular meeting: Kevin Ramsey gave an update on the Veteran’s fishing outing, everything is on schedule
Charted draped in honor of James Jezewski
Susan Stanke talked about poppy sales May 2nd-May 4th
Commander Ron Volmering returned from Florida
Post Officer nominations are:
Commander…….Ron Volmering
Sr. Vice Commander………Tim Robinson
Jr. Vice Commander…….Geoffrey Blain
Adjunct…………Arnold Koehn
Treasure……….. Alan Kleinknecht
Chaplin…………Paul Ginther
Historian……..Jim Leiby
Judge Advocate…… Bob Sopczynski
Service Officer……….Jim Leiby
Sergeant-At-Arms……….Terry Blanchard
New Members: Aaron Bradshaw
Roger Trayner
Phillip Duran
04-18-2013 Funeral for member August Abraham Jr.
Arrangements by Smigielski Funeral Homes
Members Present: American Legion Post 197
Ron Volmering Arnold Presley Paul Ginther
Terry Blanchard Robert Oakes Jerry Bohn
Arnie Koehn Tim Robinson Marvin Emming
Darrell Connell Jim Leiby Bob Sopczynski
Bob Winkel
VFW Post 5470: Harold Sussella
American Legion Post 318: Melvin Bischer, Caseville American Legion
04-24-2013 Blood Drive
05-01-2013 Regular meeting:
Charter was draped in honor of Member August Abraham Jr. (58 yrs.)
New member……Dale Foreman
It was decided to give (2) $300 scholarship instead of (3) $200 scholarships as in the past.
Hall rental pricing was discussed, no changes were made. For rental rates see Al Kleinknecht
May 2nd through May 4th is poppy sales ($2328.33 with some monies still outstanding)
05-04-2013 Memorial Service for WWII Veteran Viola Mary Weber at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church
American Legion Post 197 members in attendance:
Terry Blanchard
Jack Landenberg
Ron Volmering
Jerry Bohn
Tim Robinson
Fred Mutart
Jim Leiby
AmVets Port Hope:
Jerry Wojdyla
VFW Post 5740:
Marvin Emming
Harold Sussella
05-11-2013 Mortgage at Ruth State Bank paid in full from funds in Raymond James account
05-19-2013 Member Randulph (Rudy) DiLucia passed away
05-22-2013 Scholarships awarded for $300 each (2) to Thomas Stein and Thomas Roggenbuck at the awards ceremony at the community center. Awards presented by Tim Robinson and Jim Leiby. Ladies Auxillary presented (2) awards of $250 each to Jocelyn Braun and Katrina Rayment
05-25-2013 Memorial Day Parade in Bad Axe
05-27-2013 Memorial Day Parade in Harbor Beach
05-28-2013 Memorial Bench temporarily installed on front lawn
06-01-2013 Memorial Mass for Rudy DiLucia
Members present : American Legion Post 197
Terry Blanchard
Bob Sopcznski
Warren Ramsey
Jim Leiby
Jack Landenberg
Tim Robinson
Al Welker
Arnie Koehn
Bob Winkel
Don Ahrens
Richard Kirsch
Paul Ginther
Eddie Sweat
Jerry Bohn
Oswald Dobat
Richard Schmalz
Frank Lorkowski
Darrell Connell
06-02-2013 Regular meeting
New couch in meeting room donated by Terry Blanchard
Charter draped for member Rudy DiLucia
Steve Young guest speaker talked about veterans benefits
Free fishing day for veterans is June 8th
Veterans float won 1st place in Bad Axe Memorial Day Parade
2013 Post Officers installation ceremony. Officers installed as nominated by the nominating committee in March.
06-29-2013 Memorial Service for Kevin Kelsage at Palms Church
In Attendance: American Legion Post 197
Terry Blanchard
Jack Landenberg
Tim Robinson
Jerry Bohn
Darrell Connell
Paul Ginther
07-02-2013 Memorial service for Louis Shleifer at Harbor Beach VFW
VFW in attendance:
Neal Stanley
Leo Bennett
Marvin Emming (Parisville)
Lloyd Kramer
Tim Robinson
American Legion present:
Jim Leiby
Arnold Presley
Terry Blanchard
Bob Sopczynski
Darrell Connell
07-03-2013 Regular meeting
Flag disposal ceremony, about 25 members and citizens attended
Little League Champions guests, presented post with 1st place trophy
Member George Arwine died 3Jul2013
Boat donated by Ron Knefler is for sale, $1500 is minimum bid
One flag was donated to Chris Hinson whose personal project is to
replace tattered flags around town.
50/50 Al Kleinknect
New Members: Laurie D. Soper Gerald Wolschleger
David Wilkowske Earl M. Stutzman
Roger A. Talaska
07-07-2013 Port Hope Parade, Four members marched with 2 floats entered (cart float and Veterans float)
07-08-2013 Funeral for member George Arwine at Lighthouse Assembly of God
American Legion members in attendance
Ron Volmering Terry Blanchard Leo Bennett (VFW)
Paul Ginther Jerry Bohn Jerry Wolschleger (VFW)
Tim Robinson Arnie Koehn
Bob Sopczynski Jim Leiby
John Bickel
07-10-2013 Blood drive at hall
07-11-2013~ Maritime Festival
07-14-2013
07-20-1013 Harbor Beach and American Legion Downhill Cart Derby, 59 drivers in four categories
08-07-2013 Regular meeting
Charter draped for member George Arwine
Secretary/Treasurer Bob Sopczynski and race Co Chairman Jim Leiby retired from the cart derby committee. Member Ron Kociba will replace Jim as race co chairman, no secretary/treasurer has been named as of yet.
A check in the amount of $1400 was presented to the post from the cart derby fund raiser. Also there is approximately $300 in checking account and approximately $500 inventory of shirts and hats to be sold which are already paid for. Other cart derby assets to be turned over to committee total approximately $1800. These include ramps, camera and accessories, trailer, button press and accessories, cart dollies, starter pistol, and misc banners and parade decorations.
Boat donated to the Post was sold and a check for $1625 was given to Commander Ron Volmering. Bob Sopczynski was high bidder
08-13-2013 Bldg committee meeting to discuss purchasing a shed, members of the
Legion will build it with most materials donated by Geoff Blain.
08-20-2013 Cement for the memorial bench and shed completed.
08-20-2013 Cart committee meeting to discuss new co chairman and secretary/treasurer. Ron Kociba will be the new co chairman, Steve Oglenski and Jean Winkel will share the secretary/treasurer responsibilities.
08-21-2013 Funeral for member Raymond W. “Briggs” Noble at OLLH Catholic Church
Arrangements by Ramsey Funeral Home
American Legion members present:
Paul Ginther Marvin Emming Terry Blanchard
Ron Volmering Leo Bennett Bob Winkel
Arnie Koehn Tim Robinson Robert Oakes
Jim Leiby Bob Sopczynski Jerry Bohn
Francis McGowan representing VFW Post 9344
08-24-2013 Memorial service for Gordon William Lilly at family home
Died: 1-30-2013
VFW Post 9344
Dennis Essenmacher Leo Bennett
Delbert Burkhard Marvin Emming
Tim Robinson
American Legion Post 197
Jerry Bohn Ron Volmering
Terry Blanchard Jim Leiby
08-29-2013 Football Game Honor Guard
09-03-2013 Storage shed completed except doors.
09-04-2013 Regular meeting: No guest speaker.
Attendance drawing was increased to $10.00
NO SMOKING ON HANDICAP RAMP
Dave Reicheld resigned from the Legion because of personal reasons and he feels the board did not support his campaign to receive benefits that he thinks he is entitle to as a disabled veteran.
Charted draped in honor of Raymond “Briggs” Noble.
09-15-2013 Summer Picnic at hall
09-20-2013 Honor Guard at football game
09-21-2013 Chili cook off in Harbor Beach, Post 197 finished in 9th place
09-23-2013 Funeral for member LeeRoy Dutcher
Arrangements by Apsey Funeral Home, Deckerville, MI
Internment: Downing Cemetery, Deckerville, MI
American Legion Post 197:
Ron Volmering Bob Sopczynski
Jim Leiby Marvin Emming
Tim Robinson Arnold Presley
Fred Mutart Jerry Bohn
Darrell Connell Arnie Koehn
Paul Ginther
USCG Harbor Beach:
Peter Brown Evan Beavers
VFW 9344:
Delbert Burkhard
AmVets 115:
Oscar Schave
10-02-2013 Regular meeting, Eric Lundy guest speaker
Charter draped for member LeeRoy Dutcher
Veterans dinner will be November 9th with Ron Wrubel as guest speaker
10-16-2013 Blood drive
10-18-2013 Honor Guard at football game
10-24-2013 First aid class by Warren Ramsey at hall
11-01-2013 Veterans breakfast at high school, approximately 80 veterans attending
11-02-2013 Funeral for member Joseph L. Emming
Smigielski Funeral Home, Ubly, Michigan
Internment St. John Cemetery
In attendance representing American Legion: Marvin Emming, Ray Emming, Ron Volmering, Jim Leiby Terry Blanchard, Jack Landenberg, Fred Mutart, Arnold Presley, Paul Ginther, Jerry Bohn, Tim Robinson, Arnold Koehn, Darrell Connell
Representing AmVets: Jerry Wojdyla
Representing VFW Post 5740: Douglas McIntyre, David Kramer, Delbert Burkhard, Jerry Mixter, Harold Sussella
11-06-2013 Regular meeting: Charter Draped for member Joseph L. Emming.
J. P. Lermont, Harbor Beach Fire Chief talked about fire safety and
the city’s early warning system.
Christmas Parade is Dec 7th .
Snow removal will be done by Chris and Paul Ginther
New member: Shawn Kraft.
Chili cook off winner this month is Darrell Connell with venison chili.
11-08-2013 Honor Guard at football playoff game.
11-09-2013 Veteran’s Dinner, 80 members attended. Speaker Ron Wruble
11-11-2013 Luncheon at Port Hope Lutheran School for all veterans.
12-04-2013 Regular meeting: Coast Guard gave a presentation about their mission in Harbor Beach.
Christmas Parade is December 7th.
Winner of this month’s chili cook off is: Bob Winkel with chicken chili.
Steve Young talked about homestead tax relief for veterans and unmarried spouses of deceased veterans. You must have a 60% disability for any one disability or 70% for any combination. Also you must be permanently unemployable.
Chart was draped for member Lewis I. Brown.
January meeting changed to January 8th
New members: Dennis Lorkowski and Joseph Melonetti
Prisoners will be at the hall the end of January.
Doors have been installed on shed.
12-07-2013 Christmas Parade in Harbor Beach.
12-11-2013 Bldg committee meeting to decide what color to paint bingo room.
12-26-2013 Bldg committee meeting for bingo room update.
Funerals Participated in by Post 197 in 2013
David Spearman
James Jezewski (member)
August Abraham Jr. (member)
Viola Mary Weber (WW11)
Randulph (Rudy) DiLucia (member)
Kevin Kelsage
Louis Shleifer
George Arwine (member)
Raymond “Briggs” Noble (member)
Gordon William Lilly (member)
LeeRoy Dutcher (member)
Joseph L. Emming (member)
