First Elmer C Peterson then Owen Kunze

Richard Small Department Commander 1964-65

History of American Legion Owen Kunze Post 116 Alpena, SD In 1919, Alpena veterans were returning from their stint in the service. They felt that there was a need for continued service to their country in peace as well as in war. Under the leadership of veteran C.J. Aisenbrey, the Legion Post was organized in Alpena. A meeting was held at the Dreamland Theatre on Nov. 25,1919, and 15 veterans signed the Charter and paid their dues. The Charter members were C.J. Aisenbrey, Roy Brammer, Allen J. Brigham, Gary Butler, John Bunyak, C.W. Clauson, Carl H. Daleske, Martin Erickson, Thomas Hammer, John O. Lewis, Steve Millhouse, Louis G. Snowdon, Dale J. Tillary and John M. White. In December of 1919 another meeting was held to get organized and elect officers. Thomas Hammer was elected Commander; Louis Snowdon, Vice Commander; C.J. Aisenbrey, Adjutant; John Lewis, Finance Officer; James White, Chaplain; Allen Brigham, Historian. The Post was named after a fellow veteran who had passed away and became known as the Elmer C. Peterson Post of the American Legion. The Post was active in Boy Scout work, and activities beneficial to the ex-service men and their families. For some unknown reason, the Post disbanded in 1927. After World War II ended, returning veterans decided to revive the Legion Post. It was named after Owen Kunze, a member of the Air Corps who lost his life in the North African sector while on a mission against the enemy. The Post Constitution was approved and adopted Oct. 12, 1945. The Post incorporated in 1948. Charter members of the new Post were WW1 veterans Jens Peterson, Sam Burnison, Fred Heintz, George Krumm, Robert Hayes, Christ Peterson, Lewis Brzazowsky, Fred Kempf, Roy Brammer, Jake Neuharth and Allen Brigham. World Was II veterans were W.J. Brandenburg, W.B. Thompson, Melvin Helgerson, and Ed Koschel. Newly elected officers were Allen Brigham, Commander; Christ Peterson, Vice Commander; Albert Bloom, Adjutant; Frank Kempf, Sgt. of Arms; Sam Burnison, Finance Officer; Ray Hall, Historian; Harold Balding, Chaplain. In 1948, Mrs. Florence Cook donated a building to the Legion and it was remolded to serve as the Post home. A kitchen was added on in 1955. Fund raising activities included an annual Oyster Stew and Fun Night each November, occasional dances, Bingo parties, rabbit and fox hunts, bake sales etc. Regular activities sponsored by the Post were Boys' State; Junior Legion Baseball; Pheasant Hunt for the Veteran's Hospital; Citizenship awards; Donations to local causes; School Citizenship awards; Memorial Day program; Donation of flags to the school; Sponsoring school classes to Pierre to visit the State Legislature, Honor Guard at Funerals; and publishing a Post paper. Dick Small, a local mail carrier, was elected Dept. Commander in 1964-65. The Post hosted his homecoming with a parade and a banquet. In the late 90's, the building was in need of extensive repair and a nearby business wanted to purchase it as they planned to use the space as a parking lot for their employees. The Post home was sold to this business and the building was burned down. After much discussion, the members decided not to rebuild as the active member numbers were dwindling and a new building would be a debt that would be difficult to repay and maintain. The gymnasium is owned by the Town of Alpena and the Town Board offered the use of the gym to the Legion free of charge. We used the gym for meetings, fund raising activities and some storage space. The school closed in 2003 and the gym was made into a Community Center. We continue to have our meetings there. Preceding our meetings, we enjoy a pot luck supper with the Auxiliary then we have our individual meetings. We have a steak fry for our members in Sept. In November, the Auxiliary has a special event to honor us on Veteran's Day and we take our Colors to Huron for their Post's special program. The Legion's birthday is observed at the March meeting and in May, we make plans for the Memorial Day program. We make a cash donation to Special Olympics and sponsor a Boys State delegate when there is an interested delegate. Our current membership is 34 and since 2000, we have honored 34 deceased comrades. Current officers of our Post are as follows. Commander... Irving Wessel Vice-Commander. . . Richard Jones Adjutant and Finance Officer... Ray Scherschligt Chaplain... Ron Uttecht Our Post is small but we do our best to keep it going to serve God and Country.