New officers to lead Des Plaines American Legion Post 36
At 7:30 p.m. On Tuesday, July 18, Des Plaines American Legion Post 36, 1291 Oakwood Ave., Des Plaines, held an installation ceremony for the following new officers for the coming year; July 2017-July 2018:
• Commander: Tom Strossner of Des Plaines, Air Force veteran.
• Sr. Vice Commander: Brian Barr of Arlington Heights, Navy veteran.
• Jr. Vice Commander: Stan Lokaj of Mount Prospect, Army veteran.
• Finance Officer: Zen Kalita of Des Plaines, World War II Army veteran.
• Chaplain: Susan Weber of Mount Prospect, Army veteran.
• Sgt.at Arms: Gary Nelson, Coast Guard veteran.
Post 36 is home to veterans who can come and share their experiences with other Veterans. Post involvement with the V.A. hospitals and clinics fulfills its mission statement to "aid fellow veterans who have needs."
Post 36 will continue to raise the profile of veterans in the community by supporting The Wall That Heals, a major project coming to Lake Park, Des Plaines, from Sept 27 through Oct 1. The Wall That Heals is a half scale replica of The Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. with the names of 58,479 men and women who gave their all for this country, 22 which are from Des Plaines.
In addition to supporting the Vietnam Wall project, Post 36 will continue with its' community programs of distributing 120 complete Thanksgiving dinners in November to less fortunate families in the area as well as Shopping with a Vet in December to additional less fortunate families. Post 36 receives support for these programs from Sam's Club through proceeds earned in joint participation of summer cookouts at the store.
For information, call commander Tom Strossner at (312) 816-8324 (noon-4 p.m. M-F) or email americanlegion36@gmail.com.