Post honors 2 recognized at state convention

Elgin American Legion Post 57 had two civilian award recipients at its 91st annual state convention held at Springfield July 8-11.

Jeff Olsen of South Elgin was presented with a Special Citation Award for his efforts in salvaging more than 250 discarded American flags in one year. This feat was accomplished during his daily route as a driver for Waste Management. His actions has received national news coverage, in print, TV, and radio.

Department (State) Commander William J. Flanagan of New Baden, Ill. assigned the duty of presentation to Tricia L. Dieringer, Americanism Chairman from Elgin Post 57.

Jeff and his wife, Stacie, an Army Gulf War veteran and a new member of Elgin Post 57, and their two children were guests of Elgin Post 57.

The second recipient for recognition was Kriston Johnson of Elgin. He will be a senior at South Elgin High School this fall. He was elected Secretary of State at this year's American Legion Boys State program held at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston on June 5-12.

Secretary of State is the third highest office at Boys State. Brian Elliott of Macomb, Ill. was elected Governor, and Sean Doherty of Elmhurst was elected Lt. Governor.

This year was the 74th consecutive year for Illinois Boys State, open to all boys in junior high school upon application. Don Sleeman, Adjutant for Elgin Post 57, said that this is the highest office held at Boys State of any Elgin group since he could recall in his 54 years as a member of the American Legion.

Also during the state convention, Elgin Post 57 submitted a resolution opposing the action of the Department of the Army for licensing of the usage of military insignia on clothing, asking that this practice be stopped and not continued in the future. This resolution was wrote by Robert Thrasher, a member of Elgin Post 57. The resolution was adopted unanimously by the convention floor.