A near capacity crowd attended the Jan. 2 membership meeting of American Legion Post 94. Post Cmdr. Jack Coyle presented certificates to several members for their various volunteer services last year. He also presented the 2023 Post 94 to the 24 co-legionnaires of the year awards to Doug Miller for his numerous contributions to the post and community. This included Millers tour as first vice commander. Charlie Fridinger received an award for his leadership on the Accessibility Ramp Project and continual involvement in other Legion functions. The post achieved over 100% of its membership goal last year under Miller’s guidance.

Past Post Cmdr. Larry Leighton awarded the Ruptured Duck award and lapel pin to Richard Ruthenbeck, a World War II Navy veteran. The Honorable Service Lapel Button, colloquially called the “Ruptured Duck” by the members of the military, was a lapel button awarded for honorable military service between 1925 and 1946. The award was issued to wear on the left lapel of civilian clothing upon discharge. Coyle also presented Ruthenbeck with a patriotic themed, handmade quite from the Crown of Life Lutheran Church.

Leighton also addressed the upcoming Four Chaplains Ceremony, 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Sun City West Foundation building, 14465 W. R.H. Johnson Blvd., in remembrance of the Feb. 3, 1943 sinking of the U.S. troop ship Dorchester by a German submarine torpedo. The Four Chaplains Ceremony is a multi-faith memorial service that honors the actions of the four chaplains who sacrificed their lives to save others during World War II. They gave their own life jackets to others, and survivors saw them praying together arm-in-arm on the deck as the ship sank.

The next Post 94 meeting is 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Sun City West Foundation building. All veterans are invited to attend and can become members.

Visit https://www.azlegion94.org/