The Superior Express -

Nelson American Legion Post 187 member Vince Walton was presented with the District 10 Citizenship Award during the Nebraska Department meeting held June 23 to 25 at the Younes Center in Kearney. The award is presented to an individual who has shown outstanding service to country, community, and fellow veterans and active service members.

Vince and wife, Teresa, attended Saturday sessions of the Legion and Auxiliary. Chuck and DeAnna Tuttle attended joint and individual sessions throughout the duration of the convention.

Several national and state dignitaries addressed the group at the joint session held on Friday, including a previously unannounced visit from Gov. Jim Pillen. Gov. Pillen outlined his priorities and especially stressed trade agreements and recognition and care of Viet Nam veterans.

Marlene Boyer, auxiliary NW division vice president from North Dakota, was a crowd favorite with her jokes using an Oompah Norwegian accent, while pointing out the need for support for veterans. Dropping the accent, she was vehement in stressing methods to preserve our American heritage.

Christopher Carleton, National Sons of the America Legion officer, brought tears to some eyes as he spoke of the brave veterans in his family and stories passed on to him by his wife, a veterans administration nurse. The “Be The One” program was urged both by Christopher and by Jim Treola, a national officer.

Lisa Moore, district 10 auxiliary member, was elected as Department of Nebraska president and was installed during the final Sunday session.

While grey was the prominent hair color of the auxiliary attendees, it was heartening to see blondes, brunettes, redheads and even blue and purple hair colors at the gathering. It signifies the importance of veterans and active service members in the lives of all ages and the need to incorporate young blood to keep the organization strong. The honorary junior president explained her project of providing mini-farm projects for residents of veteran’s homes and the group generously supplied funds to aid in her project. Girls State and Junior Law Cadet participants told about their experiences.

Vicki Ozenbaugh, outgoing president, inserted some light-hearted moments on the agenda, including a fashion show with models wearing the fashion of the year they became members. Several models were pregnant at the time they joined and seeing white haired women with fake “babies in the oven” brought many giggles.

The SALS came through with a fun-filled Saturday night that included an opportunity to push a pie in the face of the department commander, auxiliary president and SALS detachment commander. Money from this event was donated to the Family and Youth Foundation.

Further information and pictures will be posted on the Nelson American Legion Facebook page.