Seventy Years (70) of Continuous Service
Turnbow-Higgs Post 240 American Legion Department of Texas located in Stephenville, Texas proudly announces a legendary achievement by member John Rogers.
John is celebrating his 70th year of continuous service to the American Legion. To date, he is the only Post 240 Legionnaire to reach this level of service. Comrade, Mickey Maguire, with 69 years of service will begin his 70th year of service in July of 2017.
At age 97 (5/25/1919), John is the most senior member of Turnbow-Higgs Post 240. He earned his American Legion membership by serving in the US Navy during WWII & Korea.
John is an Honorary Life member of Post 240.
He served 4 consecutive terms as Post Commander (1990- 1995) and led a Post 240 revitalization during those years. He, Brad Thompson (69 years of continuous service at time of death last year) and Joanna Lay were responsible for a successful fund raising campaign that resulted in the complete renovation of the fifty-year-old Post Hall. Brad Thompson provided the inspiration, Joanna Lay the administration and John Rogers the perspiration as he led the ground attack.
In 1939, John was one of many employees hired to construct the Post Hall building. Little did he know at the time he was carrying bricks and mortar, that December 7, 1941 would eventually lead to his becoming Post 240 Commander and responsible for the building he was helping to construct.
John’s lengthy service to Post 240 is unparalleled. He has served Post 240 in all officer’s position but his proudest achievement is having served several years as Post 240 Honor Guard bugler. His loyal and dedicated service of performing “Taps” during hundreds of Military Funerals is an honor John holds dear and will always remember.
John has returned from several weeks of rehab at Heartland Rehab of Bedford, TX. and remains at home, recovering from a serious respiratory ailment. John’s grandson is providing 24/7 care and John is receiving professional in home rehab. Medical testing has been prescribed and will be conducted over the next few days.
