[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 147 (Tuesday, September 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF AMERICAN LEGION 
                                POST 46

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 12, 2023

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the American 
Legion Post 46 in Ann Arbor, MI on the 100th anniversary of their 
founding. The support and care that they have shown to our veterans and 
our community over the last century is worthy of commendation.
  The Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46 was issued its charter in 
1923, named in honor of Erwin Prieskorn, an Ann Arbor native who died 
of his wounds in France during the First World War. Over the next 40 
years, membership increased to over 1,000 veterans. Membership has 
fluctuated over the years, but Post 46 is now 1 of the faster growing 
American Legion posts in the country by growing over 30 percent in 
membership in the last year alone.
  For the past 100 years, the members of Post 46 have dedicated 
themselves to their fellow veterans. Members are consistently 
volunteering at the Ann Arbor VA Hospital; visiting with patients, 
assisting spouses, and providing transportation for those who are not 
able to drive. In 2019, Post 46 gathered $100,000 to donate for the 
construction of a Fisher House at the Ann Arbor VA. The American Legion 
Department of Michigan followed suit, urging other legionnaires to also 
contribute during a yearlong campaign. In total, more than $500,000 was 
raised and the VA Ann Arbor Fisher House welcomed its first guests on 
June 1, 2020.
  Over the decades, Post 46 been committed to other community-based 
programs in the greater Ann Arbor area working on youth education, 
combating domestic violence and sexual assault, food insecurity, 
homelessness, and public health. Post 46 regularly donates and raises 
funds for the following organizations; SafeHouse Center, Food 
Gatherers, Hope Clinic, Staples Family Center, Salvation Army, Toys for 
Tots, Youth Scouting, placing flags at veterans graves every Memorial 
Day, high school scholarships, Boys State, Veterans Memorial Park, 
Washtenaw Community College, U of M ROTC, MSP Student Trooper Program 
and so much more.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating the 
100th anniversary of the Erwin Prieskorn American Legion Post 46. For 
the last century, their members have continued serving their community 
well after being out of uniform. We thank them for their service, both 
at home and abroad, and are excited to see what they can accomplish 
over the next 100 years.

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