[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22115]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF VFW METZGER-CROOK POST 6504

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JERRY F. COSTELLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join 
in honoring the 60th anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars 
Metzger-Crook Post 6504 in Waterloo, Illinois.
  In 1946, as many of our Nation's veterans were returning from serving 
their country in World War II, a small group of veterans in Monroe 
County, Illinois, began discussions about forming a local VFW post. 
With assistance from the adjutant of the neighboring post in 
Belleville, and after the original group solicited additional veterans 
for membership, the Metzger-Crook Post was formed and received its 
charter on April 27, 1946. The name, Metzger-Crook, was selected in 
honor of the first two Monroe County residents to give their lives in 
World War II, Monroe Metzger and William Crook.
  With 108 names on the original charter, John Mitchell was elected as 
the first president. Meetings in the early days were held in a variety 
of locations as the fledgling organization grew in size of membership 
and array of activities. The first fish fry and picnic was held on July 
4, 1946, and was such an instant success that it developed into an 
annual event.
  Post 6504 has provided support for countless individuals and 
organizations in Monroe County throughout their 60 years of service. 
Scholarship recipients, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, Operation Uplink and 
Adopt a Unit are just a few examples of the benefactors of Post 6504's 
support. The post also provides the use of assistance equipment such as 
canes, walkers and wheelchairs to anyone who asks.
  The Metzger-Crook Post 6504 Auxiliary is also celebrating their 60th 
anniversary this year. In addition to their duties at the post, the 
auxiliary has provided support for numerous organizations and 
individuals. Annual trips to visit nursing home residents, support of 
cancer research, local veterans hospitals and the children of veterans 
are just some of the ways that the auxiliary has contributed to its 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
members of VFW Metzger-Crook Post 6504 both past and present on 60 
years of serving veterans and the people of southwestern Illinois.

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