Albert A. Cree,Post #31, Rutland Vermont becomes Department Commander in a contentious battle between Clarence E. Lynch of Burlington Post #2 at the 1946 State Convention held in Burlington,VT.
Tensions mounted as two men vie for the office of Department Commander. The final tally 239 for Cree and 235 for Lynch. Post #1 of St Albans and Post #2 of Burlington came out strong with 87 votes for Lynch. Then, a surprising turn of events with Montpelier Post #3 and Barre Post #10 combined for 57. Everything was neck and neck race and the Northern Posts began to split their votes. Rutland solidified the southern area with Rutland leading with 42 solid votes for Cree. At the end the slim margin of 4 votes Lynch gave support to Cree and asked all delegates to come together. Cree thanked Lynch for his strong support and that the Department would strive together to make a difference.
He was quoted as saying ' To make the Legion a pride of the people of Vermont and the veterans".
Albert Cree was well known as the President of Central Vermont Public Service Corps.
World War I veteran of the US Air Corps and pilot. See Prominent Post Members Bios for Post Commanders.
