[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 125 (Thursday, September 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HAPPY 50TH VFW POST 8275

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                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 1996

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, September 15, 1946, a group of 
young men gathered in a community hall in Au Gres, MI. They had a 
common bond, all having served our country in the Army, Navy, Air 
Force, or Marines. To preserve the pride in and service to their 
country, they formed VFW Post 8275.
  Fifty years later the illustrious post, under the capable leadership 
of Commander James A. Armour, boasts 209 members and the Women's 
Auxiliary, under the leadership of Marion Maytas boasts 60 members. I 
congratulate VFW Post 8275 on its 50th anniversary and commend their 
dedication to their country, community, and family.
  In 1946, department commander Arthur Greig installed 21 officers and 
members. They named VFW 8275 Post in honor of three young heros who 
paid the supreme sacrifice: John Rudolph, age 32, Leonard George Frank, 
age 23, and Harry Leroy Beauch, age 19.
  Because they did not have a post headquarters, they held meetings in 
various places including a school basement, a fire hall, and a council 
hall. The deficiency of a permanent base did not discourage or diminish 
the strength and tenacity of its members. By January 1948, under the 
leadership of Wilbur Lake, the Post purchased a building on South 
Mackinaw--near where the present Au Gres Fire Department building is 
today--for $300.
  Proving the strength and dedication of its families, the Women's 
Auxiliary to 8275 was founded and installed on February 12, 1950.
  Over the next 12 years, the post thrived and grew under the 
leadership of many capable leaders including, Commander Hubert Dewald. 
However, the years took its toll on the post home. Under the leadership 
of Commander Joseph Czapski the members considered moving to larger 
facilities to accommodate their growing membership. In January 1963, 
the city of Au Gres offered the VFW Post 8275 a 50 foot lot on Main 
Street with a 100-year lease. Robert Conell and Daisy Gess offered free 
property, which consisted of approximately 8 acres, 2 miles north of Au 
Gres on U.S. Highway 23. A deed to the property was presented and 
accepted at the March 8, 1963 meeting.
  With Archie McCready in command, $812.50 in the bank, another $800 
from the sale of the old building and $1,575 raised by post member 
Calvin Ennes, they had a small amount to begin construction and care 
for the property in April 1963. The post appointed Clem ``Whitey'' 
Bensen as building chairman and appointed Lincoln Emes as financial 
chairman. Donations of money, material, and labor began pouring in to 
support the post. The final meeting in the old post home was on May 5, 
1963.
  The first meeting in the new post home took place on September 13, 
1963. Since the building was yet a long way from completion, members 
were content to have planks for seats and sand for the floor. They 
decided to borrow $10,000 to complete the building and by May 30, 1964 
they held a dedication and ground breaking. They held a 3-day ``Burning 
the Mortgage'' celebration in April 1971 and an addition was added in 
September 1973.
  Today the post continues its community involvement including hosting 
bingo tournaments, dinners, and teenage parties. The members of our VFW 
post prove that the strength of our country depends, thrives, and grows 
because of the individuals who served our country and continue to serve 
long after formal commitment.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend these dedicated individuals. I urge you and 
all of our colleagues to join me in wishing the members of VFW Post 
8275 a most memorable 50th anniversary, with our thanks for all that 
they have done.

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