Legion Post 136 installs new officers

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The American Legion Post #136 Ladies Auxiliaries officers inclue President Linda Lewis, 1st Vice Lee Congdon, 2nd Vice Sherry Krchmar, Secretary Guylyn DeMeyer, Treasurer Phyllis Blanton, Chaplain Bev Young, Historian Lucy Avery, Sgt-At-Arms Adrienne Bartell, Assisstant Sgt-At-Arms, Sherry Grant and Members at Large Faye Bether, Claudine Alvarez and Connie Cavanaugh. PHOTO PROVIDED

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The Officers of American Legion Post 136 include Commander Frank Taughner, 1st Vice Ann Crawford, 2nd Vice Jo Rataj, 3rd Vice Mark Bethel, Chaplain Al Orange, Adjutat Barry August, Sgt-At-Arms Peter Trazzera, Judge Advocate Tom Ruscik, Service Officer Dick Thomas, board members Mark Bethel, Bob Hoernel and Joe Vallee, Past Commander Barry August and executive members Tom Ruscik and Mark Bethel. PHOTO PROVIDED

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Officers for the Sons of the Legion Squadron 136 include Commander Joe Dunkersloot, 1st Vice Ernie Proude, 2nd Vice Rick Alvarez, Adjudant Roger Beathard, Historian Rick Alvarez, Sgt-At-Arms Wayne DeMeyer and Finance Tom Ruscik. Not pictured Chaplain Robbie Orange. PHOTO PROVIDED

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Meet the new bosses, the same as the old bosses.

That was fine with the members of American Legion Post 136, who on Wednesday installed the officers for the Legion, the auxiliary, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders in a dinner and ceremony.

The officers are:

* Commander Frank Taugner

* First vice-commander Ann Crawford

* Second vice-commander Joe Rataj

* Third vice-commander Mark Bethel

* Adjutant Barry August

* Finance Jerry Congdon

* Chaplain Al Orange

* Judge Advocate Tom Ruscik

* Sergeant at arms Pete Trezzera

* Service officer Dick Thomas

Taugner, who was named interim commander in January after being first vice commander, was sworn in as permanent commander at the installation.

Nearly all the officers retained their posts, Taugner said.

Crawford had been on the executive committee before moving up to first commander.

Taugner said the installation traditionally happens in July after the state and national conventions, where the dates are set. The district commander then sets the date locally and swears them all in.

“We asked the new district commander if he could do it in June, which was our next scheduled meeting night,” Taugner said.

The American Legion sets its installations in the summer, since most of the country is experiencing good weather at that point.

“Every part of the country isn’t like us. About 80 percent of the country is experiencing good weather now, at least they hope to be without tornadoes,” Taugner said.

Taugner said the fact most of the officers have retained their positions is proof the Legion in St. James City is running well.

“I’ve worked with them and you can see how the club works,” Taugner said. “We don’t have any antis. You would think after a while someone would complain but you don’t have that here. We’re a well-oiled group.”

For additional information on the American Legion, call the lodge at 283-4434 or visit www.post136fl.org.