[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 2, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E389]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE LENA AMERICAN LEGION POST 342 ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 2, 2023

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to congratulate the Lena 
American Legion Post 342 on its 100th Anniversary.
  Post 342 was founded on February 1, 1922, when the founding members 
came together to sign the Legion constitution forming the Lena American 
Legion Post. For 100 years, the Lena American Legion Post 342 has 
upheld the vision of legions across the country to the highest degree. 
Post 342 proudly carries the names of Lena natives and World War One 
veterans, Corporal Everett Doney and Private Desire DeGrave.
  Corporal Doney was born on October 3, 1893. He enlisted in the armed 
forces in 1917, serving with the Company M, 127th Infantry Regiment of 
the 32nd Division of the U.S. Army in France. Corporal Doney was killed 
in action on August 4, 1918. He is laid to rest in the soldier's 
section of Evergreen cemetery in Oconto, Wisconsin.
  Private DeGrave was born on April 8, 1896. He enlisted in the armed 
forces in 1917 and served with the 150th Machine Gun Battalion of the 
42nd Division, American Expeditionary Force in France. Private DeGrave 
was killed in action on July 27, 1918. He is laid to rest at St. 
Charles Catholic cemetery in Lena. The legion carries on the memory, 
service, and sacrifice of Corporal Doney and Private DeGrave through 
their vision of strengthening America by improving the lives of 
veterans, the military, and their families.
  Post 342 has continued to grow from their beginnings 100 years ago. 
Post 342 now has over 42 members located across the United States, who 
work together to teach future generations about the importance of 
service. The members of Post 342 are a true inspiration and example for 
all Americans. The continued service and dedication that the members of 
Post 342 have shown to not only the Lena community, but to the United 
States of America is deserving of the highest degree of recognition.
  As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Post 342, we must recognize 
the outstanding service that they continue to provide to Lena and the 
entire Oconto County community. Post 342 takes great pride in 
supporting the local Lena High School and other organizations via 
numerous community events. Post 342 continues to be a voice for the men 
and women who have served our country. At Post 342 every day they put 
country before self, just as they did the day they joined the service. 
American Legion Post 342 Doney-DeGrave is a true credit to Northeast 
Wisconsin.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring the Lena American Legion Post 
342 Doney-DeGrave as they come together to celebrate their 100th 
Anniversary.

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