The Tyrone American Legion Post No. 281 is proud to announce new officers for 2003-04 for Legion officers, Lady Auxiliary and Sons of the Legion.
Members of the three groups perform numerous duties throughout the year to serve the American Legion and to provide community service to the Tyrone area.
To be an officer of the American Legion, an individual must have served honorable federal active duty service with the U.S. Armed Forces between the following dates: April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918 (World War I); December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946 (World War II); June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955 (Korean War); February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975 (Vietnam War); August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984 (Lebanon/Grenada); December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990 (Operation Just Cause – Panama); August 2, 1990 to today (Operation Desert Shield/Storm).
The 2003-04 American Legion officers are: Steve Sellers, commander; Fred Zanghi, senior vice commander; Sam Wheland, junior vice commander; Bob Nein, adjutant; Sue Wheland, chaplain; William Moses, service officer; Jack Hiller, finance officer, and Bill Korman and Willie Martinez, sergeant of arms.
To become a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, an individual’s father, mother, sister or brother had to have served in the military at one of the above listed dates.
The 2003-04 American Legion Lady Auxiliary officers are: Jean Nein, president; Sally Martinez, vice president; Denise Sellers, secretary; Laurie Diehl, treasurer; Lou Shirk, chaplain and Alvesta Boytim and Helen Peterson, sergeant at arms.
To become a member of the Sons of the American Legion, an individual’s father or mother had to have served in the military at one of the above listed dates.
The 2003-04 Sons of American Legion officers are: Rick Maceno, commander; Aaron Parks, first vice commander; Al Seeger, second vice commander; Don Boytim, adjutant/chaplain and Sonny Weber, sergeant at arms.
Members of the Legion have a meeting once a month to decide ways to serve the post and to serve the community.
One example is the Ladies Auxiliary help with children’s organizations in the area while the men’s groups donate money to sports teams as sponsors. The Legion is also a long-time sponsor of the eighth grade essay contest at the Tyrone Area High School.
The men also perform ceremonies for the fallen veterans of the United States Armed Forces and perform the burning of the American Flag ceremonies. They also place crosses out each year at Legion Park for veterans of the area.
“They do it at no charge whatsoever,” said Lady Auxiliary member Alvesta Boytim. “They do it out of the goodness of their hearts.”
The Ladies Auxiliary provides catering for weddings, banquets and special occasions at the newly renovated social hall at the Legion. There are also many dances held at the Legion throughout the year for different events.
“It’s amazing what I’ve learned from the American Legion,” said Boytim. “You learn about our history and our past. People need to have respect for our military.”
Boytim also said the Legion is currently accepting new members.
