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| ABOUT POST 264
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 Marceline King-Stephenson Memorial Post 264 American Legion Vice Commander Johnnie Herndon was recognized at the January 4, 2013 American Legion District Two meeting at the Bucklin Legion Hall. The Marceline Legion Post received the top award for the Northeast Missouri area for the Post contributions and activities for 2012. The winners are selected in from end of year post data reports and Vice Commander Herndon was recognized by District Two Commander Larry Warren. | ||
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Awarded to King/Stephenson American Legion Post 264 | ||
  |  Post 264 of the American Legion was originally chartered as the Theodore Roosevelt Post. The men back from Europe and The Great War formed the Post in 1919. Meetings were held in various members homes until shortly after World War II when the current Legion Building was purchased. Most people are unaware that the American Legion building was owned by the Legion itself, along with the VFW and the Purple Heart Club. The Purple Heart Club disbanded sometime in the forties or fifties, leaving the VFW and American Legion sole owners of this building.
For many years the Post existed providing fellowship and opportunity for service to our veterans. The primary activities were honoring deceased vets, having many fish frys and a weekly Bingo game to raise money. In the late sixties, seventies and early eighties the Post was commanded by George King. In the early eighties, Joe Fotenos succeeded George as commander. About that time, the state had passed a gambling law that all posts were required to buy a license to provide Bingo, of which, the state received a share of the money. Soon after Joe took over, a certain person was caught by a state Bingo inspector in the act of selling illegal pull tabs. Since Joe was commander, he was to appear in front of the Gaming Commission in Jefferson City to represent Theodore Roosevelt post #264 with Harry Porter as counsel. It was decided by the State of Missouri that the name Theodore Roosevelt had to be removed from state record. It was then that Joe brought to the floor of the post a vote for a name change. The consensus was to use the name King-Stephenson Memorial Post 264. Paul King was the first service man killed in World War II from Marceline. This occured at Pearl Harbor. Kenny Stephenson was the first service man killed in the Vietnam War from Marceline. The combination of these two names formed the current post name. The Theodore Roosevelt American Legion Post No. 264 was reorganized to become King-Stephenson American Legion Post No. 264. The official start date of the Post was August 14, 1985. A new Charter was sent to the Post. A list of Charter members, the Charter Membership Roll, was developed with 145 members, including two women veterans. New officers were elected for 1985-1986: Commander Don Guthrie, First Vice-Commander John Roberts, Second Vice-Commander Bill Toops, Adjutant Larry Lile, Finance Officer Elmo Gladbach, Service Officer Louis O'Connor, Historian Pat Burstert, Chaplain John Leopold, and Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Courtney. Officers got things going again with scholarships and other programs, including the wheelchair and walker program. A few years late, Charles Clark was awarded a 50-year membership certificate. Bingo as a fund-raiser was restarted. In July 1987, Herbert H. Collins, Jr. took over as commander. The city of Marceline's one-hundred year celebration occurred in 1988, with activities and events throughout the year. One of Commander Collins' tasks was to write a section on American Legion Post 264 for the centennial book, Marceline, The Magic City. Herbert Collins served as commander of the Post for the last half of 1987 and the first few months of 1988, but resigned because of health problems. In April, William [Bill] Courtney was appointed to finish out his term, which included color guard participation by Post members on July the 3rd, in the Marceline Centennial Parade, one of the highlights of the year of 1988. Wallace Seals, Second District, was the installing officer July 1988, for officers of Post 264. Howard E. Minich was to be the new commander and served for four years. Commander Minich was a strong believer in building-up membership in the Post and contributing to a strong American Legion at the state and national level. He was to take the number of total members from 147 members when he started in July 1988, to 234 members in 1992, an all-time-high for the Post. The previous all-time-high was set in 1946 at 223 members, membership boosted by returning servicemen from WWII [Theodore Roosevelt Post]. Commander Minich's four years were a busy time. A Ladies Auxiliary was started for Post 264. Meetings began for the Auxiliary in August 1991. Post 264 donated a $200 start-up money for the Unit. Later, the Legion and the Auxiliary held their meetings at the same time. The Post became a sponsor of a boy scout unit, Troop 99. Originallly, Boy Scout Troop 99 was started by Theodore Roosevelt Post No. 264 around 1930. The first scout leader was Charles Strickal, a charter member of the Post and in 1969, a 50-year member of the Post. Troop 99 was sponsored over-the-years by other organizations. At the February 1991, meeting, Rodney Wright, Scout Master and American Legion member, motioned that American Legion Post No. 264 act again as sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 99. The motion passed. At a later meeting, Roby Vanderpool, Assistant Scoutmaster and Legion member, requested that Boy Scout Troop 99 be allowed to meet in the basement of the Legion Building. A motion passed. Two tents were purchased by the Post for the use of Troop 99. The Post was presented at the April 1992, meeting with a certificate of appreciation by the boy scouts. The Post's finances were in good order and there were a number of donations to various community causes at this time. One example was a donation to purchase ten flags and the cost of holders for the Marceline Community Betterment flags for Ripley Park to promote the community. Roy Still motioned and it was passed to incorporate the Post. Post by-laws were updated. On October 19, 1989, the Post was incorporated in the state of Missouri. American Legion, Department of Missouri sent the Post a Supplemental Charter January 20, 1990, as an incorporated Post of Missouri. The Post expanded the wheelchair and walker program. Wheelchairs were repaired. New wheelchairs and walkers were bought. Hank Miller donated a wheelchair to the Post. The Post invested in equipment for bingo. A new bingo machine and two boards to display the numbers, were purchased. Around October 1990, VFW Post No. 1471 moved to a new building. The Post was invited by the Community to participate in a color guard at a rally to show support for troops involved in the Gulf War. This was scheduled for February 3, 1991. September 8, 1991, a Second District meeting was held at Marceline. The Post helped pay the meals of 20 Marceline students sent to Kansas City to see the Bill of Rights on display from September 20th to 24th, 1991. Second District of the Missouri American Legion, held a flag-burning ceremony for torn and worn-out flags, 2:00 P.M. on the 4th of July, near Marceline Ripley Park, year 1992. Sgt-at-arms Wesley Sportsman put the over-the-top ribbon awarded by Department of Missouri on the Post unit flag pole. Incoming Commander Lewis Evans presented Commander Howard Minich a plaque for Commander, 1988-1992. NATION [1988-1992]: In 1989, U.S. Forces invaded Panama and captured General Manuel Noriega. 1n 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. In the first part of 1991, the U.S. lead a coalition of forces in Desert Storm, to restore our ally, Kuwait. 1992, U.S. and Russian leaders meet to end the Cold War [September 2, 1945 to December 26, 1991] American Legion and Congress approved new elgibility dates for joining the American Legion: Lebanon and Grenada August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984. Panama December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990. Persian Gulf August 2, 1990 to date of cessation of hostilities. At the July 1992, meeting, Dr. Norris W. Preston, Department of Missouri Vice-Commander, swore-in Lewis Evans as the new commander and other officers. Commander Lewis Evans served two years. Commander Evans started the fall picnic, which continued for a few years. The first picnic was held September 19, 1993. Danny Graves provided the music at the picnic. The 100-year celebration in 1988 contributed to a community awareness that affected the Legion and probably increased Post donations to community projects. This was about to change, as the Post was to turn inward toward its own major project. William[Bill] Courtney thought-up the idea of building a veterans memorial, to be located in Ripley Park. In the past, memorials with the names of veterans had been built in the park, but as the years went by, these were eventually torn down. Bill Courtney's memorial would be a permanent monument. He asked Glen Lindbloom to help get the project started. Although the memorial was brought up before the Post at meetings, there was little interest in such a project. Somewhat discouraged, he told Glen Lindbloom that a veterans memorial would probably never be built in Marceline. The two persisted and at the January 1994, meeting a committee was formed to look into building a veterans memorial, the Marceline Veterans Memorial Committee. Members appointed to the committee: Charles Tomlinson, Glen Lindbloom, Keith Wilson, Roby Vanderpool, and Lewis Evans. Later, Louis O'Connor was added to the committee. At the March 1994, meeting, with the recommendation of the Marceline Veterans Memorial Committee, Roby Vanderpool motioned that the Post build a Marceline Veterans Memorial. The motion passed. The Boy Scout Troop 99 and the Legion continued to work together. The Legion bought new white slings for the boy scouts and the Legion to carry flags for parades and opening football ceremonies at the high school. Michael Vistrol, scout leader, invited Legion members to a scout parade, April 24, 1993, at Macon. Three Legion members rode the scout bus in the parade. Troop 99's Charter was presented to the Post. Michael Vistrol presented a woodcut, Fall Camporee 1993, Bee Trace District for Post participation of Commander Lewis Evans and Keith Wilson at the Fall Camporee. A committee was formed to develop new by-laws. New standing rules were developed for the Post. New guidelines for the Post's scholarship were written. An insurance update of the building and its contents was done. Loretta McMahon made the inventory of the contents of the Post. Louis O'Connor recommended that the Post increase its coverage. Roy Still recommended that a fish cooker be purchased for the Post. February 26, 1993, the new fish cooker was used for the first time at a fish fry for the Post. Loretta Mc Mahon recommended that at veteran services, the Post present a sympathy card, signed by members of the honor guard, along with the Flag given to the family of veterans. The flood of 1993, hit many areas of Missouri. The Post sent two donations for flood relied, one to Rucker-McAllister Post No. 7, Brunswick and the other to Swan Lake Memorial No. 586, Sumner. A Second District meeting was held at Marceline on June 6, 1993. A proclamation was read by W. W. Weant and a motion made to approve the candidancy of Dr. Norris W. Preston for Department Commander of the state of Missouri, 1994-1995. Motion passed. July 1993, Lorreta McMahon, a diligent and hard-working bingo chairperson, decided not to continue with bingo and Raymond Oldham was appointed as the new bingo chairperson, to replace her. At the August 1993, Post meeting, Commander Lewis Evans proclaimed and a motion was made that King-Stephenson Post No. 264 supported Dr. Norris W. Preston as a candidate for Department Commander of the state of Missouri for 1994-1995. Motion passed. In the summer of 1993, the Post took down the Legion sign on highway 5. Post dues increased to $20, starting January 1, 1994. At the October 1993, meeting, William [Bill] Courtney, for past service to the Post, was voted to receive a lifetime membership in the American Legion, by members of the Post. The Post had problems with the three flag poles on the Post roof. Ray Dennis said that VFW Post No. 1471, had installed a flag pole next to their building. He recommended the same set-up for Post 264. The flag pole would be structurally stable and accessable. Charles Tomlinson and Ray Dennis were assigned to a committee to look into a flag pole. $200 was donated to help the city of Marceline's Fire Department purchase a Jaws-of-Life. Improvements were made to bingo, the Post's main fund-raiser. A platform and railing were built in the back of the Hall for the bingo machine. Two new lights were installed in the front of the Hall where bingo tabs and sheets were sold. A smoke-eater was installed. Howard Minich recommended that the Post purchase a protective cover for the bingo machine, which was done. The Marceline Veterans Memorial Committee started work on their project. The Committee needed to develop a design for the Memorial, get veteran names to put on the Memorial, and obtain the proper authorization from the city of Marceline's Park Board to construct the Memorial in Ribley Park. Bill Courtney wanted two black granite walls with the names etched on bronze plaques put on the walls. Another idea was to build a concrete wall to hold the plaques. In meeting with members of the Marceline Park Board, Legion members found that Park Board members definately did not want a straight wall. They wanted a four-sided, five-sided, or eight-sided structure, but were favorable to a diamond-shaped Memorial with four plaques. The Memorial would be required to be wheel-chair accessable. The project would need to be built after the 4th of July celebration. Bill Courtney had 869 veteran names to put on the Memorial. It was decided to put the names that were to go on the Veterans Memorial in the yellow shopper [May 23, 1994] and the Marceline Press newspaper [May 26, 1994]. Additional veteran names were sought. There were discussions at meetings on whether to build the Memorial on a city lot and not in Ripley Park and have more control over the project. August 1994, Commander Robert Jobson, Green Hills Post No. 57, Bucklin, installed the new officers of the Post. Roby Vanderpool was the new Commander and would serve two terms. The first year of Commander Vanderpool's time-in-office would be a peak year for the Post. Dr. Norris W. Preston, formerly from Marceline, living at Moberly, Missouri, was elected American Legion Department Commander for the state of Missouri [1994-1995]. Membership in the Post for 1995 set a new all-time high of 239 members to break the record set in 1992 of 234 members. The Post dedicated a Marceline Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day, November 11, 1994, at Ripley Park. There were various ideas on what form the Veterans Memorial would take. At a meeting of the Marceline Veterans Memorial Committee, David Moore, of the Moore Company of Chillicothe, presented detailed blueprints of a memorial with two V-shaped walls made of gray granite and the names engraved in the stone instead of on a metal plaque. The Veterans Memorial Committee voted to accept this design over competing ideas. The plan of David Moore was submitted to the Marceline Park Board and was accepted. The foundation was poured before the first part of November and the walls were brought in just days before November 11, 1994. With Charles Tomlinson in charge of the project, a flagpole was installed in front of the King-Stephenson Memorial Post building. An extension was put on top of the flagpole so two flags could be flown without the bottom one hitting the building. This flagpole was similar to the flagpole in front of the VFW building. A Second District meeting was held September 11, 1994, at Marceline. Harvey Oertwig was District Commander. Those in attendance were invited to the dedication at Marceline. The Marceline Memorial VFW Post No. 1471 asked to join the Legion at the Fall picnic to be held on September 18, 1994, at the park area near the Country Club Lake. This was agreed upon by Post members. The weather was favorable on the day of the picnic. A tent was set-up. There was plenty of food and a number of veterans and their families were in attendance. Danny Graves and Jerry Cordray provided the music. There was a good community turnout at the dedication of the Marceline Veterans Memorial on November 11, 1994, at Ripley Park. The ceremony started at 11:00 A.M., with Color Guards from Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Post No. 1471. The Marceline High School band played. Guest speakers, who spoke from the gazebo in the Park, were Missouri State Representative Gary Wiggins, American Legion Second District Commander Harvey Oertwig, Legion State Historian Franklin A. Flesher, and National Executive Committeeman for the Missouri Legion Charles W. Salter. The black sheets were undraped from the Memorial. 1,159 names were engraved in the stone walls. After the ceremony, soup and chilli were served at the Legion Hall. Letters to the editor. The Marceline Press. Page 3, November 17, 1994. Dear Editor: I wish to thank the American Legion Post # 264 for establishing the fine Veterans Memorial in Ripley Park. My Dad was a charter member of the American Legion Post here and would have been very proud of the memorial. My family is well represented on this memorial. My Dad, Lewis Adair, World War I, my husband, Lyle Armstrong, World War II and the Korean War, my son Gayle Armstrong, Vietnam, my brother James Adair, World War II, my uncle Luther Adair, World War II, and my brother-in-law Frank Armstrong, World War II, plus a host of cousins and friends are all remembered. As we look at the memorial and we read the names, we should honor those who were willing to serve their country.
Sincerely,
Mary Armstrong Cameron and Warrensburg were selected as the 6th and 7th locations for Veteran Homes in Missouri. The Boy Scouts presented the Post with a Woodcut: Fall Camporee 1994, Bee Trace District. At the January 1995, meeting, Post members watched a video on the dedication of the Veterans Memorial given at the 6:00 P.M. and 10:00 P.M. News, Channel 3, KTVO, Kirksville, November the 11th. Raymond Oldham said he was pleasantly surprised at how well the Veterans Memorial project had turned-out. Recognition awards were presented to Loretta McMahan and Lewis Evans. Henry Eden and Keith Wilson made and donated a wooden gavel to the Post. On May 13, 1971, Theordore Roosevelt American Legion Post No. 264 awarded George King a life membership card. With this card the Post would pay his dues each year for his past service to the American Legion. A motion was passed that the Post purchase a life membership from National for George King. The Marceline class of 1996, presented a plaque to the Post for hosting Student Government Day. In the winter of 1995-1996, concrete was poured for a sidewalk around the Marceline Veterans Memorial. $50.00 was donated to the Veterans Home in Mexico, Missouri. $25.00 was donated to the General Omar Bradley Memorial at Moberly. Second District Commander Harvey Oertwig presented 50-year membership certificates to Joseph Still, Roy Still, and Howard White. Second District Commander Charles Lomax at the July 1996, meeting swore-in Henry Eden as the new Commander and other officers. Commander Eden was asked to take the position for one year, although he would prefer to be frying fish and working as the Post cook. Henry Eden did do a good job as Commander. District Commander Charles Lomax presented Louis Stella with a 50-year certificate of membership in the American Legion. Harry Carter was Commander when Louis Stella was recruited by Joe Lewis to join the Legion, 50 years ago. District Commander Lomax stated that at the 1996 State Convention this summer, Missouri Legion members were trying to make the USS Missouri a National monument and locate it next to the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. The USS Arizona was the first ship attacked at Pearl Harbor, starting the war for the United States, and the USS Missouri was where the treaty was signed ending the war. The two ships belonged together. A joint American Legion and VFW picnic was held September 8, 1996, at the park. As requested by Ray Dennis, all veterans were invited, not just members of the two veteran organizations. September 15, 1996, a Second District meeting was held at King-Stephenson Memorial Post No. 264. Second District Commander Chuck Lomax presided. He was a member of the Swan Lake Memorial Post No. 586, as well as his Adjutant and Finance Officer Wayne Woody. At the Veteran Day Ceremony at Ripley Park on November 11, 1996, there was a dedication of an additional 49 names engraved on the Marceline Veterans Memorial. Color guards from American Legion Post No. 264 and Marceline Memorial VFW Post No. 1471, participated in the Vetereans Day ceremony and dedication. The Missouri Legion had a Mule Cap pin design contest. Commander Henry Eden presented to Bill Courtney and Howard Minich 50-year certificates of continuous membership. A certificate has also been issued for J.P. Mendenhall of 50 years. At the June 1997, meeting Commander Henry Eden read from a Senator Kit Bond newsletter that the USS Missouri will make its last journey in May 1998, to its new home at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. There, it will serve as a museum and memorial site. [The ship is not designated as a National Historic Landmark.] Commander Charles "Chuck" Tomlinson served two years [1997-1998 and 1998-1999]. Commander Tomlinson had a demanding job at the city of Marceline and also had a home rental business. He was a busy person, but was able to add another job as commander with help from the Post's two Vice-Commanders, Roby Vanderpool and Henry Eden. Shaver roofing of Callao put an new roof on the Post building with a ten-year guarantee. The Post's bingo fund-raiser was not generating sufficent funds. Bingo had been changing over-the-years. At first the Post benefited from those changes, especially when Loretta McMahon was Bingo Chairperson. As the trend continued toward higher payouts and higher number of players, the Post could not compete. The Post needed to racket-up to a higher level, but did not have the volunteers. The Fall picnic was discontinued. $50 was donated to Marceline schools for a new gym floor. With a mutual agreement, it was decided that after this year, the Post would alternate serving soup and chilli on Veterans Day with the VFW Post No. 1471, Marceline. Over 200 people were served soup and chilli on Veterans Day, 1997. Commander Tomlinson presented 50-year certificates to James [Jim] Courtney and Louis O'Connor. The Post donated $250 towards the entrance fee for a Legion Baseball team. $25.00 was donated to the Marceline Meals-on-Wheels program. A new floor and a new front door were installed at the Legion Hall. At the January 22, 1999, meeting, Howard Minich motioned that we close the Legion bingo fund-raiser, starting tomorrow night, January 23, 1999. Motion passed. Marceline Memorial VFW Post No. 1471, requested that American Legion Post No. 264, transfer the responsibility of placing gravemarker flags for Memorial Day at the St. Bonaventure Catholic Cemetery to their Post. Motion made, seconded, and passed. The Post sold the bingo machine and two boards to Bingo System and Supply. At the May 1999, meeting, Honor Guards that are certified, will be compensated for each veteran funeral, by the state of Missouri, from funds coming from the River Boats. Thru a mutual agreement the Marceline Legion and VFW will split this fund at shared funerals. Lewis Evans was the Commander for the one-year of 1999 to 2000. Posts have their ups-and-downs. Posts grow and posts decline and in the Fall of 1999, interest in the Legion was at a low. At the start of 2000, Commander Evans was able to get things going again. The Boys State fee was raised to $300 per student. The wheelchair and walker program was discontinued. The holding area in the basement of the Post, where wheelchairs were stored, was torn-down and removed. Workable wheelchairs were given away. Marceline Savings and Loan was to be taken over by Marceline Regional Bank, which affected Post savings. Marceline High School did not have the Student City Government Day for the year 2000. The school decided to end the program at Marceline. $25 was donated to the Marceline Community Chest. $85 was donated to the Girl Scouts. Ivan Buckman, a Marceline community leader, became the Commander of Post No. 264 in July 2000, and would serve for seven years. Commander Buckman enjoyed and became involved in helping to organize and hold the veteran ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day, both held each year in Marceline at Ripley Park, centered around the gazebo. Commander Buckman contributed to putting additional names on the Marceline Veterans Memorial and when these slabs were filled to putting-up a new tablet or wall to hold names. The events of 9/11 brought a revival of interest from Area veterans in the American Legion Post of Marceline. In retrospect, our group had the right Commander for the time. Commander Ivan Buckman, to get more member involvement, sent-out post cards to Legion members inviting them to the next Post meeting and to attend the chilli/soup dinner on Veterans Day. [September 2000] A Certificate of Merit was awarded to American Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Post No. 1471 by the Missouri National Guard for providing Honor Guards for departed Area veterans from July 1st, 1999, to June 30th, 2000. The VFW Post No. 1471 gave the Post a book, Wall South, on a Vietnam Memorial Wall in Florida. [July 2000] The Post No. 264 U.S. Flag was at half-staff to honor Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan, who died October 16, 2000, with two others in a plane crash 35 miles south of St. Louis. Governor Carnahan was running for the U.S. Senate at the time. The Flag was flown at half-staff from the day of death until interment for the Governor. Along with ceremonies for Veterans Day, 2000, VFW Post No. 1471 had a display on the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. There was a dedication of the flagpole at the Delaney Funeral Home on November 11, 2000, with a firing squad from members of American Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Post No. 1471. Father Manus Daly, Rev. Jack Conrad, and Rev. Bryan Shaw participated in the ceremony. Howard Bowman, Bill Essig, Howard Minich, Dennis Cordray, and John Krumpelman were in the rifle detail. John Leopold spoke and Joyce "Doc" DeWeese, VFW Post Chaplain, gave a prayer. The Missouri National Guard was authorized to present, in its Veterans' Awards Program, to WWII veterans of Missouri, a medal, a medallion, and a certificate. [March 2001] In appreciation for volunteer work for the Legion Post, $50.00 was donated to the Marceline Girl Scouts. [July 2001] Roy Palmer donated a framed tribute to veterans for display in the hall. [July 2001] Second District Commander Arnie Arneson had a successful year in membership, 2001. Four members of District Two earned gold jackets, including Howard Minich of Post No. 264, with over 50 members. Second District was in first place in membership, state-wide. Trenton Post, Major Dale Stepp Post No. 31, was the top Post in the State in membership and in the top ten for the Nation. Marceline Post No. 264 was over-the-top and a goal-post for 2001. At the October 26, 2001, meeting, a letter from the National Commander was read concerning the tragedies of September 11th, 2001. A groundbreaking ceremony was planned at the Veterans Cemetery at Jacksonville, Missouri, on October 13, 2001. King-Stephenson American Legion Post No. 264 dedicated 46 names on November 12, 2001, engraved on the Marceline Veterans Memorial. This would completely fill the two v-shaped structures of the Memorial. The ceremony started at 11:00 a.m. The main speaker was American Legion State Adjutant Lynn Dorrell. Other speakers were Past Deputy Commander and National Vice-Commander Dr. Norris W. Preston and American Legion State Commander Norman Campbell. Marceline VFW Post Chaplain Clarence Schmitt gave a prayer. The Marceline High School Band under the direction of Lori Pyatt played. Susie Smith-Patten sang two verses of the Star Spangled Banner. Invocation and Benediction were presented by Rev. Martin Barker and Father Manus Daly. A 21-gun salute was given by color guard members from American Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Memorial Post No. 1471. At the meeting held February 22, 2002, Second District Commander Arnie Arneson presented Commander Ivan Buckman a 100% Post banner for membership 2001. King-Stephenson Memorial Post No. 264 and Magnolia Lodge No. 112, IOOF, hosted a chilli/soup fund-raiser on March 8, 2002, to help Walter Sprague, who was in an auto accident. Walter Sprague was a member of both organizations. $1,315.00 was raised. John Leopold, Ivan Buckman, and Howard Minich were on this fund-raiser committee. The Post held a chilli/vegetable soup fund-raiser on April 19, 2002, to earn money to help pay for a $500.00 Legion scholarship for 2002. On the scholarship committee were Ivan Buckman, Howard Minich, Louis O'Connor, and Glenn Lindbloom. $350.00 was collected after expenses for the scholarship. At the May 24, 2002, meeting, Frank Fregoe, guest from another Legion Post, recommended that the Post have a POW-MIA display in the Hall. A motion passed to set-up a display. King-Stephenson Memorial Post No. 264 donated $25.00 to the Missouri Veterans Home at Mexico, Missouri. [September 2002] Members were notified at the January 24, 2003, meeting, that Donna Bell had been awarded a plaque for playing "Taps" at veteran funerals and ceremonies. The Marceline Girl Scouts had a fund-raiser meal at the Legion Hall on February 20, 2003. A Second District meeting was held at American Legion Post No. 264, Marceline, on April 6, 2003. Bill Murray was District Commander. The Post held a chilli/vegetable soup fund-raiser for the $500.00 scholarship for 2003, on April 23, 2003. At the meeting on April 25, 2003, Commander Ivan Buckman presented Clifford Ray Dennis with his 50-year membership certificate. Bethany Baptist Church honored veterans on June 29th, 2003, at 10:00 a.m., and presented the Colors. The American Legion and the VFW participated. A dedication ceremony for the State Veterans Cemetery at Jacksonville, Missouri, was held October 25, 2003. The first veteran was buried at the Cemetery on November 3, 2003. The state of Missouri was authorized to present a medal, a medallion, and a certificate to Missouri veterans of the Korean War era. [2003] The American Legion Auxiliary of Post No. 264, ended. [May 2004] The Post Flag was at half-staff for 30 days to honor former President Ronald Reagan, who died June 5, 2004, aged 93 years. American Legion Post No. 264 was awarded a second Certificate of Merit thru the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program, for the period July 1, 2003, to June 30, 2004. The Certificate was signed by B. Wayne Medley, Colonel, [AVS,Retired], Director. At the August 27, 2004, meeting, Glenn Lindbloom, after a preliminary study, motioned that we purchase an additional tablet or wall to add to the two v-shaped walls of the Marceline Veterans Memorial. Motion was seconded by Ray Dennis and passed. Glenn Lindbloom planned to have the addition ready for Veterans Day, November 11th, 2005, with names. The Post donated $100.00 to help send sixteen members of the student council at Marceline High School, along with two sponsors, on a school trip, to the inauguration of the President, 2005. [October 2004] At the meeting held March 25, 2005, Commander Ivan Buchman presented Ray Morris with a 50-year certificate of membership. A computer problem caused the award to be given seven or eight years, late. Paul King, one of the names of King-Stephenson Legion Post, never had a memorial service after he went down with his ship, 1942, during World War II. A memorial was held at his monument at Mt. Olivet Cemetery on May 7, 2005, with full military honors. Former Post 264 Commander George King was a brother to Paul King. A Second District meeting was held at King-Stephenson Post No. 264 on June 5, 2005. David Malone was District Commander. The community of Marceline held a fund-raiser for victims of the Katrina Hurricane. The American Legion and the VFW provided a Color Guard for the event. [September 2005] King-Stephenson Memorial American Legion Post No. 264 dedicated 71 names on a new wall addition to the Marceline Veterans Memorial on November 11, 2005. Master of Ceremonies and Post Commander Ivan Buckman started the program at 11:00 a.m. The speaker was American Legion Missouri State Commander John Neger. VFW Chaplain Clarence Schmitt gave a prayer. Susie Smith-Patten sang the Star Spangled Banner. The Marceline R-5 Band, under Director Todd Parks, played God Bless America. There was a 21-gun salute from a combined American Legion and VFW color guard. Donna Bell played "Taps". Invocation and Benediction were by Rev. Nancy Smith and Rev. Mike White, Commander US Navy, Retired Chaplain. John Leopold, active Marceline veteran, with the engraving of his grandson's name on the new tablet or wall, has four generations of names on the Memorial, his father, himself, two sons, and the grandson. Post No. 264 donated $100.00 to the Cameron Veterans Home. [January 2006] Commander Ivan Buckman presented Howard Minich with a 60-year membership certificate. Commander Buckman presented Ray Morris with a 60-year certificate at his home, as he fell and was unable to attend the meeting. [May 26, 2006] William L. [Bill] Courtney, 96, Marceline, died October 16, 2006. He was a World War II veteran. He was a member of the American Legion and the VFW, Marceline. He received military honors at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. He originated and was a main force in the project, the Marceline Veterans Memorial at Ripley Park. On November 13, 2006, a new flagpole was dedicated at the Marceline Public Schools. The Post donated a U.S. Flag and a Missouri flag to Marceline Schools. The Post raised dues to $30.00 that began July 2007, for the 2008 dues year. [January 2007] A trip by the National Commander to Missouri, with a planned dinner April 11, 2007, at American Legion Post No. 264, was cancelled. Post Commander Ivan R. Buckman died April 18, 2007. Burial with military honors was at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. A plaque was given to the family of Ivan Buckman, Commander of King-Stephenson Memorial Post No. 264, 2000-2007. The state of Missouri was authorized to present to Missouri veterans of the Vietnam era a medal, a medallion and a certificate. [April 2007] Dean and Lucy Edgar donated $25.00 to the Post to purchase flags in memory of veteran Hyle[Sarge] Roberson. [April 2007] On May 18, 2007, Delaney Funeral Home hosted a National Guard exhibit. The Color guard was from members of American Legion Post No. 264, VFW Post No. 1471, Green Hills Post No. 57, and Swan Lake Memorial Post No. 586. "Taps" was played. Commander Eddie Smith, VFW Post 1471 and Howard Minich folded an American Flag. A helicopter and a Howitzer were on display. The Exhibit was well attended. May 9, 2007, military honors was at Mt. Olivet for George A. King, the Commander of Post No. 264 for 17 years. Nation [2000-2007]: September 11, 2001: terrorist attacks at World Trade Center and the Pentagon. October 7, 2001: war started in Afghanistan. March 19, 2003 to March 19, 2003: war with Iraq, followed by an occupation that ended December 2011. In July 2007, Darrell Messersmith became the new Commander of American Legion Post No. 264. Commander Messersmith was an active Legion member and was diligent about attending District meetings and the State Convention. He served as the Post delegate to the State Convention for four years, 2007 to 2010. He also visited other Posts. He kept abreast of what was going on the areas of veteran issues and the American Legion. The Post purchased an energy-efficient refrigerator for $400.00. [August 2007] The Post lacked a cook and Harriet Meyers filled-in, preparing meals for a number of meetings. The Post provided volunteers for color guards for the Toonefest parade, Homecoming parade, and the high school football games opening ceremonies. [Fall 2007] King-Stephenson Memorial American Legion Post No. 264 dedicated 30 names, engraved on the Marceline Veterans Memorial, on November 12, 2007. The Master of Ceremonies was VFW Post Commander Eddie Smith. Music was provided by the Marceline R-5 band, Todd Parks, Director. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Susie Smith-Patten sang the Star Spangled Banner. Speakers were Lynn M. Dorrell, State American Legion Adjutant and Marvin Harper, State American Legion Commander. John Leopold and Glenn Lindbloom read the 30 names. A combined American Legion and VFW color guard gave a 21-gun salute. Dana DeWeese played the bagpipes. Donna Bell played "Taps". Invocation was by Rev. Bob Seaman and Benediction by Rev. Mike White, Commander U.S. Navy Retired, Chaplain. After the ceremonies, it rained. A combined American Legion and VFW color guard was at the National Day of Prayer, May 1st, 2008, held at the Assembly of God Church. Frank Buckles, one of the few surviving WWI veterans, was at Laclede on Memorial Day, 2008. He was 107 years old and orginally from Purdin, Mo. A breakfast fund-raiser was held at Post 264 on Memorial Day, 2008. At the June 27, 2008, meeting, John Brown, of the Kansas City Veterans Center, spoke on programs available for veterans. There are 234 Vet Centers ran by the VA. Johnnie Herndon became the Commander at the July 25, 2008, meeting. Johnnie Herndon worked full-time and also was active in fraternal organizations. He accepted additional responsibilities as Commander of Post 264. At the August 22, 2008, meeting, Chris McGlothlin spoke about his Boys State participation that summer. The Post donated $25.00 to Marceline SADD for the 2009, after-prom school party. [February 2009] Joseph Schumacher was awarded a 60-year membership certificate and Elmer Swenson was awarded a 50-year membership certificate. [Feb 2009] A new furnace/air conditioner was purchased from Goddards Heating Cooling and Appliance for the Legion Hall. [March 2009] The Post donated $50.00 to the Kinderland pre-school program. [March 2009] A picture and article on Dana DeWeese, "Bag Piping in Missouri?" was in the March 2009, issue of the Missouri Legionnaire. Dana has played at veteran ceremonies in Marceline and is a son of member Joyce "Doc" DeWeese. A Legion and VFW color guard was at the National Day of Prayer, on May 7th, 2009, 7:00 p.m., at the Bethany Baptist Church. Post No. 264 had a breakfast fund-raiser on Memorial Day, at the Legion Hall. [May 2009] American Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Post No. 1471 were recertified by the National Guard on June 23, 2009, for the Missouri Military Funeral Honors Program. Darrell Messersmith became Commander of the Post, July 2009. At the July 24, 2009, meeting, Chris Palmerin talked about the Civilian Air Patrol at Brookfield. Members are age 12 to 90. The group is seeking members and cadets. Cadets who join the Air Force receive certain privileges. The Brookfield unit is connected to Whiteman Air Force Base. The Air Patrol is involved in many activities from planes to rockets. Commander Darrell Messersmith looked into starting a Sons of the American Legion unit. State-wide town hall meetings and listening posts were held. [September 2009] Regional Bank had a bake sale and use the funds to help purchase Sedgwicks for veterans that have problems walking. [October 2009] Pioneer Nursing Home honored veterans on November 10th, at 3:00 p.m. Legion members attended. February 13, 2010, Green Hills Post 57, Bucklin, sponsored an American Legion Institute course. Members from Post 264 attended. May 6, 2010, the Community held a National Day of Prayer ceremony at the Methodist Church at 7:00 p.m., with an American Legion/VFW color guard. A breakfast fund-raiser was held by the Post on Memorial Day, 2010. Ceremonies in the Park were held after the breakfast. Johnnie Herndon became the Commander at the July 23, 2010, meeting. Lynn Dorrell was elected Department Commander at the State Convention, 2010. At the Veterans Day ceremony, at Marceline, Missouri, Department Commander Lynn Dorrell was the main speaker. On November 13, 2010, the National Commander Jimmie Foster stopped at King-Stephenson Memorial Post No. 264 for lunch and speeches, on his tour of Missouri. The lunch was prepared by Monnig Catering of Marceline. Commander Johnnie D. Herndon presided at the meeting. Liz Cupp, Marceline City Manager, gave a presentation. Inez Johnson, Disney Museum, spoke on Marceline and Walt Disney. National Commander Jimmie Foster, from Alaska, talked on his specialty, the Four Pillars of the American Legion. There were guests from the State of Missouri, American Legion, including State Commander Lynn Dorrell, and from the Districts, including Second District Commander Ralph Thomas. A number of members from Green Hills Post No. 57 were present and members from other Posts. American Legion Post No. 264 had a meeting at the Legion Hall on January 28, 2011. Special guest was Tom Shively, 8th District State Representative. Invited were members of Greeen Hills Post No. 57, Bucklin, its Auxiliary, and the Post's Sons of the American Legion. Around 57 people were present. Commander Johnnie Herndon opened the session. Mitch Wrenn gave a speech. Guest speaker Tom Shively discussed issues he was involved with at the Missouri House of Representatives. Mitch Wrenn presented State Representative Tom Shively with a plaque for his contribution to the Marceline Community. Howard Minich spoke on veteran benefits. Chaplain Joyce DeWeese gave the closing prayer. The meeting ended. Mitch Wrenn recommended that to encourage new members to join the Post, that we pay their dues for the first year. Motion was made and passed. [February 2011] At the March 25, 2011, meeting, Larry Carmer, Cemetery Director, Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, MO, gave a Powerpoint presentation on the Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery. The Post donated $25.00 to the Marceline SADD Chapter. [April 2011] &nbap;The Post had a fund-raiser breakfast for Memorial Day. Funds were to help pay for the Boys State fees for 2011. A joint American Legion/VFW ceremony was held in Ripley Park after the breakfast. [May 30, 2011] Mitch Wrenn was sworn in at the June 24, 2011, meeting. As the last two commanders,Commander Wrenn planned changes. He wanted to restart the American Legion Auxiliary for the Post and to start a Sons of the American Legion Unit. He would recruit younger members. He asked Area post commanders for advice. Lance Corporal Chas Gamblin was escorted from the K.C. Airport to Marceline, Main Street USA. Over 100 vehicles were involved, including the Legion Riders. [July 2, 2011] Jim Arnold, whose son was a Marine, agreed to set-up a website for the Post and serve as its webmaster. He asked for help with information and pictures. Commander Leighton Reid [year 2011] of Post 57, Bucklin, tried to have a picnic for the National Guard members of Macon and Chillicothe, to be held at Bucklin, the summer of 2012. The Marceline Post agreed to help, but there was a lack of participation and it was cancelled. Mitch Wrenn recommended that we purchase branch of service flags - Army, Navy, Marine Corp, and Air Force, for our Honor Guard for veteran services and an order was sent. Commander Wrenn asked that we try to find a cannon for Ripley Park. Marceline had a Civil War cannon and cannon balls in the past, but these were melted down for scrape. Dana DeWeese, son of member Doc DeWeese, is to go to Washington D.C. for a 9/11 Ceremony, to play the bagpipes. Color guards for Toonfest, Homecoming Parade, and football games are ahead, fall 2011. Commander Mitch Wrenn spoke on his plans to start a Legion Auxiliary and a Sons of the American Legion Squadron. It takes 25 members to start a S.A.L. unit and dues are $5.00 a year. John Leopold, WWII veteran, said, in 1932, he was a member of the Marceline Sons of the American Legion. Roy Palmer sent cartoons to display at the Post meeting, September 23, 2011. Regional Missouri Bank will have a fund-raiser breakfast on November the 4th [2011], at the VFW Hall, to raise money to buy Segways for veterans. A ceremony was held on Veterans Day 2011, at 11:00 a.m. John Krumpelman was Master of Ceremonies. Past American Legion Department Commander Lynn Dorrell spoke. The Marceline High School band played. At noon, soup and chili were served by the Legion and VFW. At the January 27, 2012, meeting, guests Joe Sturguess and Darrell Messersmith discussed their project to bring a B-47 Strata Jet for permanent display at the North Central Missouri Regional Airport. The project did not work out due to the high costs involved. Denzil Heaney, Administrator of the General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site and Jim Tollerton, Vice-President of the Pershing Park Memorial Association spoke at the February 24, 2012, meeting about a possible Pershing Museum at Laclede. Seek estimates for remodeling the kitchen area of the Post. At the February 2012, meeting, a motion was made and passed to change our meeting night from the fourth friday of each month to the first monday of each month. This is to encourage more members to attend meetings. Hank King, contractor, was approved to remodel the kitchen. Joe Fotenos said additional problems were found. A joint American Legion/VFW color guard attended a ceremony for the National Day of Prayer at New Hope Baptist Church, May 3rd, 2012. Memorial Day 2012: Wayne Heins has made replacement crosses for veteran graves at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Mitch Wrenn and Richard Warner will paint the crosses. Plan to put out gravemarker flags, May 19th, for Memorial Day. Commander Wrenn received approval by the Park Board to put a 105 mm artillery piece in Ripley Park, instead of a cannon. City Council approved, later. Commander Wrenn requested that Attorney Scot Othic update the deed to our Post from the original Veterans Memorial Association to the King-Stephenson Memorial Post No. 264, Marceline. Derick Moudy, Legion member, was a member of a five-man Missouri National Guard team that placed first in the heavy division of the Bataan Memorial Death March, 25 March, 2012, at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. This was a 26.2 mile event. Commander Wrenn recommended that we seek bids on our building insurance [June 4, 2012] Election 2012: Marceline is now split between Districts 6th and 7th. At the August 2012, Legion meeting, Diana Scott, candidate for the 6th District spoke and sought our vote. Harry Wyse, candidate for the 7th District gave his presentation. Contractor Hank King finished the remodeling of the kitchen, which included correcting structural damage to the building. Color guards are needed at football games, Toonfest, and the Homecoming parade for Fall 2012. A water problem created a need for new gutters and down sprouts for the Post building. The Post received a letter that the 100th year anniversary of the American Legion is coming up in 2020. Post No. 264 was originally chartered in 1920 and reorganized in 1985. Veterans Day, November 12, 2012. The Post is to dedicate 18 more names to the Veterans Memorial in the Park. Commander Mitch Wrenn will be the Master of Ceremonies. Speakers will be Tom Shively, State Representative, and Arthur L. Wilson, State American Legion Commander. Charles Krumpelman and Richard Warner will read the names to be added. Missouri Regional Bank will have a Segs4Vets fundraiser at Mr. Goodcents, wednesday, November 14, 2012, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. At the October meeting, Commander Wrenn asked if the Post could get a new Post flag with the name King-Stephenson Post No. 264 on the flag. At the December 3, 2012, meeting members agreed to purchase the flag. At the March 4, 2013, meeting, Austin Moudy spoke about his experiences last summer at Boys State. May 1, 2013, the American Legion and VFW provided a color guard at the Church of God Seventh Day for the National Day of Prayer Ceremony. Police Officer Bob Donelson spoke on the DARE Program. There is to be a DARESTOCK 2013 Program at Marceline on May the 18th. There will be all- day events, including a battle of the bands. A flag ceremony will be held at 3:00 pm and needs a color guard. He asked for our participation in the Program. [May 6, 2013, meeting] Gravemarker flags will be set-out on veteran graves at Mt Olivet on May 11, 2013. The ceremony for Memorial Day 2013, was rained out. Derick Moudy stated that a golf tournament will be at the Marceline golf course, hosted by the Missouri National Guard on July 27th and July 28th. 60 teams are expected. [2013 Mitch Wrenn brought a petition to the August meeting for Marceline citizens, to build a water park, that could be used twelve months of the year. Our present swimming pool needs to be replaced. [August 5, 2013] Ray Dennis has received his 60-year American Legion membership certificate. Color guards are needed for football games, Toonfest and the Homecoming parade for Fall 2013. On September 14, 2013, the Post participated in the Redneck games at the former Marceline airport. The Post had two 50-50 raffles to raise money for Boys State. Mitch Wrenn and Jim Lisac sold tickets for the first drawing. Mitch Wrenn and Richard Warner sold tickets for the second game. The Schwans truck sold ice cream and donated money from sales to the Legion for Boys State. On September 20, 2013, there was a joint American Legion, VFW, White Table Ceremony on POW-MIA Day, at Ripley Park. Minister Doug Kraus of the Methodist Church gave the prayers. Students from McCartan School attended. A Segs4Vets Breakfast Fund-raiser at the VFW Hall, was held November 8, 2013, to raise funds for buying Segways for disabled veterans. The event was sponsored by the Marceline Missouri Regional Bank. Veterans Day, November 11, 2013, at 11:00 am, a ceremony was held in Ripley Park by the American Legion and the VFW. John Krumpelman was Master of Ceremonies and Todd Fields was the Chaplain. The Marceline Band played. Dana DeWeese played the bagpipes. Donna Bell and Jim Arnold played taps. A chili and soup meal was held at the Legion Building after the ceremony, food provided by the Legion and the VFW. Kenneth Stark was a guest at the March 3, 2014, Legion meeting. He was raising funds to start an American Legion baseball team for our Area. Costs are expected to be around $5,000 to $6,000 a year. Scot Othic said there is a lot of support in Marceline for baseball. At a later meeting, the Post donated $100 to the team. The Brookfield Post donated $500, the Bucklin Post $100, Linneus Post $100 and the Sumner Post $100. Gravemarker flags are to be placed at Mt. Olivet on May 3, 2014. Memorial Day: a ceremony was held May 26, 2014, at Ripley Park. Charles Krumpelman was the Master of Ceremonies. Pastor Brian Baker of the Marceline First Baptist Church gave the main speech. There was a joint Legion, VFW color Guard. Johnnie D. Herndon of Marceline Post No. 264, was elected Vice-Commander of the Second District of the American Legion, at the District meeting held May 31, 2014, Trenton, Missouri, for a two-year term. Jack Griffin was elected Commander. American Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Post No. 1471, provided a joint color guard for the dedication of the new Family Health Center at Marceline, on September 12, 2014. At a special meeting at the Legion Hall on October 5, 2014, Commander Mitch Wrenn recommended based on lack of participation of members of the Post, a need for a major building renovation, and the running-out of operating funds in a few years, that the Post end operations and merge members into the Bucklin Post No. 57. Members agreed that the situation was dire, but voted to continue the Post. A few days later, Commander Wrenn resigned as Commander and transferred to Post 57, Bucklin, a highly active Post. Interim Commander Johnnie Herndon presided at a November 3, 2014, meeting of the Post. Glenn Lindbloom was elected the new Commander for 2014-2015. On Veterans Day, November 11, 2014, American Legion Post No. 264 and VFW Post No. 1471 held a ceremony, starting at 11:00 am. Charles Krumpelman was the Master of Ceremonies. VFW Commander John Krumpelman gave the Veterans Day speech. Posting of Colors: members of the color guard were Legion Commander Glenn Lindbloom, Bill O'Dell, Michael Haley, and Wayne Heins. The Marceline band played. Donna Bell played taps. There was a White Table Ceremony. Harrietta Meyer, Marceline resident and a member of Post No. 57 American Legion Auxiliary, raised funds for Wreaths Across America for the Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery. A driver was provided for her by Post 264 for her fund-raising. At the Wreaths Across America Ceremony on December 13, 2014, at Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery, Harrietta Meyer laid the wreath for the Navy in honor of her departed husband Walter Meyer, and Second District American Legion Vice-commander Johnnie Herndon laid the wreath for the Air Force. Seven wreaths were laid. |
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