[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 163 (Tuesday, September 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1002-E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE RICHARD DINGLE AMERICAN 
                             LEGION POST 98

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 2021

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the centennial 
anniversary of the Richard Dingle American Legion Post 98 in Saint Paul 
Park, Minnesota. Just as it has since 1921, Post 98 welcomes veterans 
into its membership ranks from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. 
Members are committed to fulfilling the Post 98 mission of implementing 
the goals, aspirations, dreams, peace, and blessings for their country, 
friends, and families.
  On August 20, 1919, seventeen local veterans gathered in Saint Paul 
Park to apply for a temporary charter in the American Legion, the 
fledgling national Veteran's Service Organization which at the time was 
just one year old. Two years later, on July 2, 1921, Post 98 applied 
for a permanent charter for the Richard Dingle American Legion Post 98 
in honor

[[Page E1003]]

of World War I veteran Richard W. Dingle, a private in the U.S. Marine 
Corps, 5th Regiment, 2nd Division who died during the Battle of Belleau 
Wood in France. To this day, Post 98 upholds the important work of the 
American Legion to assist veterans and their families finding careers, 
expanding their education, applying for health care and other benefits, 
and providing a supportive community for Saint Paul Park veterans.
  Throughout its history, Post 98 has been steadfast in service, not 
only to veterans, but to the entire community. You may find yourself at 
a baseball game where the American Legion team is sponsored by Post 98, 
or at the Legion for dinner at the 328 Grill where you are likely to 
find families enjoying fun and games on the patio. You can also enjoy 
the Minnesota tradition of ``booya'' a rich stew cooked over an open 
fire, at the Legion's annual Booya fundraiser event, or stop by their 
Lenten Fish Fry each spring. Their long list of service work extends to 
all comers of the community, through donations to veteran's 
organizations like the Veterans Camp and Hastings Veterans Home, 
sending monthly care packages to active service members overseas, 
purchasing three fire trucks for the local fire department, donating 
school supplies, band uniforms and sports equipment to local students, 
and even helping to build city parks. Post 98 is also home to the only 
Honor Guard in South Washington County, leading them to perform at 11 
ceremonies each year on Memorial Day along with their service at 
veteran's funerals and other ceremonies.
  During the past year, Post 98 demonstrated true Minnesota hospitality 
and solidarity by extending a hand to union workers who were locked out 
of their jobs at the neighboring Marathon Refinery for more than six 
months during a contract dispute. Post 98 opened its doors to keep 
workers warm during bitter winter months and hosted food drives for all 
members of the community.
  Led today by Commander John Dingle, Post 98 continues to be a 
prominent member of the community as well as a leader in service. Madam 
Speaker, please join me in recognizing the members of the Richard 
Dingle American Legion Post 98 on its 100 years of service to veterans 
and the community.

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