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New Officers

Above American Legion Post #13 officers for 2016-2017. Left to right: Donald Steinbrick, Charlie Leach, Roger Franklin, Alan Joslin, Ron Coderre, Eric Quinn, Barney Seney, Victor Kratz, Sean Hendricks. Right: Ronald P. Coderre, center, commander of American Legion Post #13 is flanked by Sean Connolly, left, Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and Louis Robinson,. American Legion Department of Connecticut Commander. Photos by Cosmo Guercia.

 

 

 

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

PUTNAM — The Mayotte Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam conducted its annual installation of officers for the upcoming 2016-2017 year July 17.  The ceremony, attended by more than 50 legionnaires, family, friends and dignitaries, was held at the Putnam Lodge of Elks.

U.S. Air Force veteran Ronald P. Coderre was sworn in as commander by the District #4 installation team of Arthur MacLean of Thompson and John Hurchala and Perry Caldwell of Stafford Springs.  This is Coderre’s second year as commander of Post #13.

“In accepting this position for another year I’m honored by the trust the membership has placed in me.  Together we enjoyed a successful year last year and we’re looking forward to continuing our growth and progress this year,” said Coderre.

Last year Post #13 increased its membership by 27 percent, the third highest membership growth in Connecticut.  The membership was involved in numerous projects and ceremonies in the community, including the dedication of the Veterans Memorial Bridge and placement of flags on the refurbished bridge.  In addition to a scholarship that they award annually to a graduating high school senior, the Post instituted a scholarship to a veteran attending Quinebaug Valley Community College.

The members also conducted a five-week Americanism program for 5th graders at Putnam Middle School and participated in the Veterans Stand Down at QVCC.  Its Color Guard participated in more than 20 local parades, dedications and ceremonies of national and state significance.

Joining Coderre on the leadership team are Alan Joslin Sr. Vice Commander; Al Cormier, Jr. Vice Commander; Roger Franklin, Adjutant; Eric Quinn, Finance Officer; Donald Steinbrick, Chaplain; Charlie Leach, Historian; Sean Hendricks, Judge Advocate; Norman “Barney” Seney, Service Officer; and Victor Kratz, Sergeant-at-Arms.

Connecticut Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Sean Connolly was the featured speaker.  He was joined at the head table by Sen. Mae Flexer of the 29th Senatorial District and Louis Robinson,  commander of the Department of Connecticut American Legion.

“I commend the members of the Post for the positive impact they’ve made on the community.  Their work is a demonstration of the impact veterans can have on an area when they work together,” said Connolly.

Sen. Flexer thanked the Post for including her on their activities throughout the year and expressed her continued support for veterans on a legislative and personal level.

“Post #13 is one of the American Legion posts that we recognize on the State level as carrying out the mission of our organization.  They are involved in every area of programming that we encourage our members to participate in,” said State Commander Robinson.

The evening included awarding a scholarship to Woodstock Academy graduate and Putnam resident Cahan Quinn.  He will attend the cadet program at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., where he plans to pursue a program that will lead to commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant.  Barney Seney was recognized for 50 years of continuous membership in American Legion.