American Legion Field-Allen Post 148 honors oldest member

Larry Dehof (front in red shirt) receiving award

At the Third Annual Field-Allen Post 148 awards dinner held Saturday December 6, the Legion recognized Donald Rogers of Windham Center Road with a longevity award for 59 years of continuous service to the Post. 

Rogers stepped up to be Post Commander on several occasions (1965-66, 1968-69, 1972-77, and

1979-80) over his 59 years of service to the Post.

This year the Post established a new recognition award named in honor of Rogers to be presented annually to the Post member who epitomizes service to others. The award, named the “Commander Donald Rogers Service Award”, was presented by Past Commander Rogers to its first recipient, Larry DeHof, during the award dinner ceremonies. 

DeHof, the Post Sgt. at Arms, coordinated the Everlasting Gratitude Wreath program this year as well as being the driving force behind the formation of the Post’s Honor Guard and Rifle Squad.

Other awards and recognitions were presented including the recognition of Longevity Awards for Roger Timmons for 38 years, John Boyden for 38 years, William Johnson for 32 years, Mike Schwartz for 32 years, Maurice Merrill for 28 years, Charlie Cragen for 26 years, Terry Ladd for 24 years, Ed Pagurko for 23 years, Scott Briggs for 22 years, Peter Silvinsky for 22 years, David
Tanguay for 22 years, William Chipman for 21 years, Rod Voisine for 21 years, and Ed Ovington for 21 years. 

The Post also introduced several of its newest members: Ray Berard, Rebecca Cummings, Jerri Donn, Peter James, Craig Pride, David Rendall, Phil Sweetzer, Dan Wirtz and Fredrick D. Williams. 

Other recognitions included the presentation of Meritorious Service Awards to: Richard Small, Henry “Chuck” Whynot, and Larry DeHof for the contribution to Veterans and the community.

The final awards of the evening were presented by Legion Second District Commander, Curtis Merrill, for American  Legion National recognition to Commander Mel Greenier, Service Officer, Chuck Whynot and Walter Braley for membership recruitment for 2017.