Local Legionnaire Robert Gates received a bit of a surprise during the National Convention of The American Legion last month in Reno, Nevada.
Gates, who is the Commander of Grandview’s Fred E. Hayes Post 57 of The American Legion, was inducted into ANAVICUS during their annual breakfast at the National Convention.
ANAVICUS, which stands for Army, Navy, Air Force Veterans in Canada – United States Unit, is something of an honor society for prominent Legionnaires. Membership is not limited, but tends to be restricted to those individuals with a list of achievements in service to the Legion, community, state and nation.
The organization, which is a Canadian veterans organization, recognizes they and The American Legion share common ideals regarding national security, care for veterans and military members, service to the community and patriotism as well as service to youth. As such, they seek to honor prominent Legionnaires who stand for these values.
Gates was nominated for membership based on his achievements with the local Post as well as his service on a District and State level with the Legion. His class of inductees included Wayne Elston of Benton City, who was honored for his service as State Commander.
“I was surprised to be nominated but much honored to be listed in their ranks,” Gates said. “I did get warning about the honor simply because I was attending the National Convention and told I had a breakfast to attend,” he added, “but the nomination process was completely hidden from me.”
Gates joins his Post’s Adjutant, Jim Davidson, who was inducted into the group several years ago at the end of his term as State Commander for The American Legion.
