Ceremonial Archives

 
The Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame Awards Banquet
 
Pictured below are Post members and guests at the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame awards at the Troy Marriott on Nov 9. This is the 3rd year in a row the veteran’s color guard from the post has presented the colors for this event.

 
Veterans Day Procession and Ceremony
 
Area Veterans participated in a procession that started at the Post and continued down Main Street to the Veterans Memorial at Central Park. Pictured below are Col. John Nelson (retired) addressing area residents that gathered for the ceremony. In the background is Nortie Caswell holding the American flag while in the foreground, on the right, are Dolores Salvia and AMVETS member Ron Punches looking on.

Shown below is former Petty Officer 2nd Class Dana Bessen holding the US Navy colors. With Dana, is Brandon the son of Dave Fredericksen who was recently deployed on active duty with the US Navy. Lisa Fredericksen and Brandon marched with the procession to show support for Dave and all of the military personnel that are currently serving our country.

The pictures below are shown with the permission of the Milford Times and their photographers. The Color Guard marching down Main St., Brandon Fredericksen participating in the Pledge of Allegiance, and our Legion Rifle Team.

 
Veterans Procession and Ceremony
 
The Honor of Your Presence is Requested
for our
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremonies
(The last Monday of May at 11:00 a.m.)
 
 

 
 
 
POST 216 - Standing Tall for Memorial Day
 
Viewed above is our Post artillery piece which was repaired and painted by the team of Ron Nevorski, Greg Stevens, Rich Chowaniec, and Angelo Pellegata.

 
1461st Maintenance Company (MANG)
 
Shown above is Stu Resco, and members of the 1461 Maintenance Company from the Jackson/Wyoming area. Stu is a member of American Legion Post 216 in Milford; he is also a member of the American Legion Legion Riders. This picture was taken during a break in training. Our thanks go out to all Michigan Army National Guard Units who continue to serve our state and country.

Shown on the upper left is what we call Diane's domain. Diane is known to beat Ron to the Post in the mornings to prepare and maintain this flower bed. Nice work Diane!

The upper right picture shows a portion of the new landscaping, flowers, and shrubs that our Ladies Auxiliary and landscapers have been busy working on.

Shown above are our flower beds that the Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council Heritage Elementary worked on. Wonderful job girls, they look great!!. Thanks to all of you.

Brownie Troup #386 (1st & 2nd Grade); Brooke, Zoe, Emiily, Olivia, and Troop Leader Chris.
Daisy's Troop #253 (Kindergarten); Ava, Alexandra, Abigail ,Meghan, Makayla, Kloey, and Troop Leaders Teresa and Sande.

 
Former POW Remembrance Day - M/Sgt Nelson Taber
 
On Monday April 9 2007, members of Post 216's Honor Guard paid tribute to Former M/Sgt. Nelson Taber. This tribute and flag raising ceremony was part of Former POW Remembrance Day observed on April 9th by presidential order.

Pvt. Taber enlisted in the Army in 1940. He was a member of Headquarters Detachment, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Division, the "Big Red One". PFC Taber was captured in North Africa in 1942. After release he was discharged in 1945. He re-enlisted in 1947 and retired as an M/Sgt in June 1973.

John Robinson talked Mr Taber and his family and after reviewing his scrapbook, not only was he a POW, but he received two bronze stars and a silver star, along with several purple hearts, He fought in WW II, Korea and Vietnam, receiving a bronze star in WW II, Silver in Korea, another bronze in Vietnam.

Mr. Taber now resides in Milford, at the Milford Park Place retirement home. Ms Shelly Petoskey, the activities director for Park Place contacted the Post regarding conducting a tribute and flag raising ceremony for Mr. Taber. The Milford Times provided media coverage.

Sgt Taber’s family, friends and other Park Place veterans socialized together after the ceremony with coffee, donuts and assorted treats provided by the Milford Park Place staff.

John Moore
 
Memorial Day 2006
 
 
Captain Justin Peterson
 
USMC Captain Justin Peterson was killed in Iraq during a training mission. His Commanding Officer was Major Wade Foster from Milford. Through his family (King and Terry Foster) he asked that there be a good turnout at the funeral service by local area residents and veterans groups. He and members of his command could not attend the funeral because of on-going commitments in Iraq.

Post members attending the funeral service in Pontiac were Commander Salvia, John Moore, and Lance Oberg. Amvet member Jerry Mantela also attended with us.

Former Marine Corps Veterans Rich Chowaniec and Ron Nevorski attended the interment service at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. The Marine Corps Honor Guard requested that Rich and Ron help their team by providing security and control for the hundreds of people gathered.
 
Hurry up and Wait
 
It was an extremely hot day as the Honor Guard waited for burial ceremonies to begin at Milford Memorial Cemetery. On the left Don and Ron sit and ponder why the coordinator (Yours truly) got them there two hours early. On the right, members of the Legion and Navy teams chat under one of the few shade trees. Words and phrases such as "mutiny" and "relieved of command" were heard amongst the assembled troops.

JW Moore

 
Bronze Star Medal Ceremony
 
On Monday August 21st, there will be a Bronze Star medal presentation for U.S. Army, and WWII Veteran, Sebastian (Ben) Morfino.

U.S. Congressman Thaddeus McCotter will award the Bronze Star in ceremonies starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Legion Hall. Other dignataries will be present along with about 50 family members and friends of Mr. Morfino. Cake and coffee will be served.

Mr. Morfino is also eligible for a second Purple Heart which may also be presented if the paperwork can be finalized in time.

Please take the opportunity to meet and congratulate Ben on the evening of August 21, 2006.

With the permission of the Milford Times, the following article is attached which outlines Ben's story in regards to his Bronze Star Medal.



Click here to read the Milford Times story on Mr. Morfino
 
Grace Memorial Appreciation Service
 
On Sunday May 7th, members of the Post Color Guard were invited to participate in a Memorial Appreciation Service at Grace Apostolic Church of Clawson Michigan. The service was dedicated to all veterans in the area as well as honoring the veterans who were members of the church. Our Color Guard incorporated many of these church members into the ceremony.

Ten flags, 5 on either side of the altar, made an impressive display for the service. At the conclusion of the service, all military veterans of the church were honored with veteran medals.

The congregation then went outside where the color guard explained and demonstrated the final honors given to a veteran by a conducting a rifle salute and the playing of taps.

 
Boy Scout Request (Flag Retirement Ceremony)
 
Mr. Moore,

My name is Michael Strauss, and I m a boy scout with Troop 172 of Milford. I am doing an Eagle Project in conjunction with Post 216 and Mr. Salvia told me to inform you about its nature, and ultimately see if you could assist. I am collecting and retiring unserviceable American Flags which will be retired at a culminating ceremony at Central Park, at 10:00am on Sept. 2nd, and would appreciate any publicity you could afford me on the website, as well as any help you could offer in planning the actual ceremony.

If you have any questions or comments feel free to contact me. Thank you for your time and GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.!

Respectfully,
Mike Strauss

Mike can be reached at:

Email: straussm@huronvalley.k12.mi.us
Phone: 248 685 3845




 
U.S. Marine Cpl. Mark D. Kidd of Milford
 
KIDD, CORPORAL MARK D.; age 26; of Milford; died January 25, 2007; in the Anbar province in Iraq while serving his country as a Marine. He was born April 14, 1980, in Dearborn the son of Frank and Janet Kidd. Mark graduated from Wixom Christian School in 1998 and attended Eastern Michigan University with plans on practicing International Law for the US State Dept. He attended Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Brighton was a strong Christian man and a true patriot.

Please click on the link below to see the Detroit News Photo Gallery which honors Cpl. Kidd with excellent words and photos.


 
Detroit News Photo Gallery
 
 
Kurtz Kids Care
 
THE INVITATION

Shown below is a letter from Mrs. Lisuzzo, a 1st grade teacher at Kurtz Elementary School in Milford. The letter explains their invitation. We hope many of our Legion members and area Veterans can support the Kurtz kids on May 26th. Color Guard members will prepare a short flag raising ceremony for this event.


THE CEREMONY

Commander Salvia leads the Color Guard consisting Post members carrying the American, POW/MIA, State, Legion, and each of the military branch flags. Former U.S. Navy veterans Skip Davison and Don Stevenson, along with the two Kurtz flag raisers hoist the donated flag from HM3 Lisuzzo's unit.

THE THANK YOU

Principal Phillips, and all of teachers and their classrooms parade by to offer thier thanks to the Color Guard.

 
Honor Guard Certification
 
Pictured above are members of the Post Honor Guard and the Military Funeral Honors Team that provided the certification training for us. There will be a second certification class for those who were unable to attend this session. Certification included learning the correct procedures for 2, 4, and 6 member flag folding and presentation. Procedures when required to be pall bearers. General information regarding the Funeral Honors Program were covered. The rifle volley and TAPS procedures were lightly covered as the trainers were familiar with our team's procedures at the Great Lakes National Cemetery.

Pictured left to right (standing) are Chuck Bowman, John Moore, Rich Chowaniec, Percy Duncan, Skip Davison, Bob Godwin, John Robinson, Don Stevenson, Dennis Finkbeiner, Todd Herron, John Nelson, and Ray Clinard.

Pictured left to right (kneeling) are the members of the Military Funeral Honors Team consisting of Sgt. Bruhms, Specialist Vickery, S/Sgt Belcher, and 1st Sgt. Trejo. Team Leader, M/Sgt Jeffery Rector took the picture.

Pins were presented to all of our team members, with a formal recognition ceremony to follow in a few weeks.

 
Summaries of 2007 Honor Guard Ceremonies
 
 
4th of July Parade
 
The photo above is courtesy of the Milford Times. The pictures below are the courtesy of Historian Todd Herron.

 
Flag Retirement Ceremony
 
The early morning crew is shown on the left. Commander Salvia and Eagle Scouts Jeff Gepper and Mike Strass inspect flags for serviceability in the center picture. Commander Salvia and Sr. Vice Commander John Nelson prepare the first flag for retirement on the right.

 
Relay for Life Color Guard
 
Members of the Post Color Guard opened the ceremonies for Milford/Highland's Relay for Life Event at Milford High School. Pictured above are Legion and Jr. Auxiliary members, Todd Herron, Rich Chowaniec, Don Stevenson, Skip Davison, Ray Clinard, Halee Herron, Ray Chaplin, Joe Salvia and John Robinson.


Shown below on the left is Scoutmaster Rick Squires of Troup 326 with Jeff and Mike from Troup 172. On the right is Commander Salvia with Cub Scout David.

 
Army Salute
 
Established in 2005, Freedom Team Salutes recognizes Army vets and current service members, including those in the Reserve and National Guard. Anyone can nominate a veteran.

They also provide a way for active-duty soldiers to acknowledge the people that have supported them, including spouses, parents, employers, etc. The recipient receives the following:

• An official U.S. Army Lapel Pin
• A U.S. Army Decal
• A Certificate of Appreciation signed by both the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff
• A letter of thanks signed by both the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff

Teri Chaplin brought this Army program to my attention. I will move this information from the front page to our Veterans links in a couple of weeks.

John Moore

 
Click here to go to the Freedom Team Salute website
 
 
Milford Memories Military Salute
 
Sunday during the Milford Memories Festival, the annual salute to all veterans was staged by the Civil War re-enactors group. This group participates every year at the festival which includes an encampment, patriotic music, and a salute to all veterans with a musket volley and taps. Joe Salvia has been asked each year to speak on behalf of veterans. This year he was honored to have U.S. Reserve Major Steve Ressler speak with him during the ceremony. The Max Davies Singers performed patriotic music which featured our own Commander John Nelson as one of the soloists.
 
Milford Memories Military Salute Photo Album
 
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Post 216 Honor Guard Photo Album
 
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Milford Youth Baseball and Softball Association Ceremony
 
Post 216 members present the Colors for the opening ceremony of Milford's Youth Baseball and Softball Association's opening day at Hubble Park

 
Honor Guard 2006
 
Pictured above are members of the Post Honor Guard at the burial service of U.S. Army Cpl. Alex Kolasa, held in Wixom on June 26.

During the 1st half of calendar year 2006, the Post Honor Guard has participated in 41 burial services for area Veterans. These burials were held at various local area cemeteries and at the Great Lakes National cemetery in Holly.

John Moore

Pictured above are the Legion Color Guard members that participated in this event. Nortie Caswell, Skip Davison, Todd Herron, John Moore, Don Stevenson, Lance Oberg, Chuck Hoobler, and Rich Chowaniec. Halee Herron carried the Jr. Auxiliary Colors.

Thank you notes.

Joe,

Thanks again for the American Legions participation in our 1st annual opening day ceremony. Having the honor guard for our Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem will be a special memory for our kids and it is a tradition I would hope we could continue for years to come. Please thank all the gentlemen who participated for me on behalf of the MYBSA for taking the time to help make it a special day for our kids.
Ken Bartoluzzi
MYBSA

Joe, I wanted to second Ken's thanks to your guys, they were all really great. I apologize we got our event started a few minutes late, but you guys know how it goes the first time you try to do something new.

Again thank you all very much, we hope it is the first of many times our two organizations get to work with one and other.

John Hawes

Pictured on the left is Commander Salvia presenting Nathan with the American Legion Achievement certificate from National Commander Thomas Bock.

Pictured on the right is Commander Salvia, Nathan, and Legion members John Moore and Percy Duncan.

 
A Day at the Great Lakes National Cemetery
 
Great Lakes National Cemetery Committal Shelter #1.

The Post 216 Honor Guard waits for the arrival of the 6th and final interment service of the day.

 
Milford High School Homecoming Parade
 
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Recognition Dinner and Awards Ceremony
 
On Saturday April 8th the Post hosted a recognition dinner and ceremony that recognized our Post members, business's, and community volunteers who provided invaluable support in the renovation of our building. The social hour began at 6 p.m. and great buffet dinner followed at 7 p.m. After dinner Sr. Vice Commander John Nelson kicked off the recognition and awards ceremonies.

Commander Joe Salvia individually thanked and presented certificates of appreciation to each the recipients who were present, and acknowledged those who were not in attendance. Joe also included comments on the types building improvement and renovation support each of the individuals and businesses had provided. The certificates were part of an American Legion presentation folder which included a color insert that showed three views of the new Post exterior.

Dolores Salvia and Marilyn Moore pinned on Distinguished Service Award medals to all of the civilian recipients. Plaques will be given to the major contributors at a later date.

John Moore

 
Louis Gombasy
 
At Tuesday's membership meeting one of our new members (Jack Weber) asked for support for a WWII veteran living in Novi. The veteran, Louis Gombasy is a Pearl Harbor survivor and has a fascinating WWII military history. Mr. Gombasy was interviwed by Novi High School students, which is explained below. The following information was taken from the Novi High School web page which is dedicated to WWII veterans.

"The World War Two Project has been a rewarding effort for the students of Novi High School. They have gained insight into oral history techniques as they became local historians. This was possible by way of the student interviews with the Novi Veterans who Tom Brokaw from NBC News, called the "Greatest Generation". The stories they listened to and recorded for posterity has changed them in many respects."

Click on the URL below to read his story.

John Moore
Post 216 Historian

 
WWII Veteran Louis Gombasy
 
 
Richard C. Guertin
 
On December 28th, funeral services were held at the Great Lakes National Cemetery for Former Marine PFC Richard C. Guertin. Mr. Guertin was a Korean War Veteran serving from 1952 through 1954. He received the United Nations Service medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Korean Service medal with 3 stars. Mr. Guertin was a member of our post, and good friend of Ron Nevorski.

 
Guertin Honor Guard
 
Members of Post 216 provided an Honor Guard with rifle salute at the burial service of former Marine Corps PFC Richard C. Guertin. Post 216 was the first American Legion Post to provide an Honor Guard for the Great Lakes National Cemetery. Chaplain Archie Noon conducted the service and Rich Chowaniec commanded the Honor Guard, which included 7 riflemen and 2 flag bearers. Legion participants included; Archie Noon; Ray Clinard; Joe Salvia; Ron Nevorski; John Robinson; John Moore; Lance Oberg; Skip Davison; Don Stevenson; and Eric Baker. The Marine Corps provided a Commander, a flag folding detail, and a Bugler. (See pictures below)

John Moore
Post 216, Historian


 
Veterans Day Ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery
 
The Firing Team from E.F. Oldenburg Post 216. From left to right: Don Redderman, Post 216 colors: Jerry Mantela, AMVETS Post 2006 colors: Rich Chowaniec, Rifle Team Commander: Rifle Team, Ray Clinard, Bob Godwin, Joe Bishop, Todd Herron, Lance Oberg, Ron Nevorski: Stephen Striggow, Bugler from the Holly VFW Post.

Pictured above are many of our Legion members who were honored for their contributions.

Ernerst F. Oldenburg Post 216 Color Guard. Left to right Joe Salvia, Color Guard Commander: John Moore, John Robinson, Dennis Powers, Don Stevenson, and Larry Shaver.

Women's Auxiliary members, Dolores Salvia and Marilyn Moore take a break during the medal pinning ceremony

On the left, Joe recognizes Legion members who helped on the upkeep of the grounds, and on the right, presents certificates to two more of the business leaders.

Shown above is Mr. Fergus Costello, one of the Distinguished Service Award medal recipients

John Moore passes certificates to Joe Salvia who makes the presentation to four more of our business contributors. Milford Township Supervisor Don Green and our website host, Paul Braun are among those pictured. On the right, John Nelson, Marilyn Moore, and Dolores Salvia look on.

 
Paralyzed Veterans of America Salute to Veterans & Fundraiser
 
The Paralyzed Veterans of America Fundraiser was held November 10th at the Greenfield Village Conference Center. This is the 3rd year a Veterans Color Guard was formed by Post members to present the opening ceremony. Left to right (back row) are Ray Chaplin, Dennis Powers, Erick Baker, Doug Waite, Skip Davison, John Moore, and Don Stevenson. Left to right (front row) are John Robinson, Dana Bessen, Lance Oberg, Bonnie Welbaum, and Joe Salvia.

 
9/11 Memorial Service
 
There will be a 9/11-Memorial Service at the Highland Memorial Park next to the Highland Fire Station at 9:00 a.m. on Monday Sept 11. The American Legion Post 216 Color Guard should meet at the Post between 8:15 and 8:30 to secure the colors for this event.
 
Veterans Medals Presented at Milford HS Class Reunion
 
On Saturday June 24 the Milford American Legion presented Veterans medals to 20 recipients at the Milford High School class reunion held at the Milford United Methodist Church. Commander Joe Salvia along with Legion and UMC member John Moore presented the medals in honor of those veterans who faithfully served our country during WWII, Korea and other conflicts. Several American Legion members were part of this reunion and recognition.

On behalf of Commander Salvia and myself we wish to thank reunion organizer Thelma Armstrong for inviting us to this honored event, and to the UMW members who prepared their usual outstanding dinner for the attendees.

John Moore


 
Relay for Life
 
The Post 216 Color Guard leads the opening ceremony at the Milford's "Relay for Life” breast cancer survivor event held on May 5, 2007. The above photo was provided through courtesy of Christopher Wall and the Milford Times
 
Milford Youth Baseball Opening Ceremony
 
A combined Color Guard from American Legion Post 216 and Huron Valley AMVETS Post 2006, presents the colors during the opening ceremony of Milford's Youth Baseball season.

Post member Nortie Caswell, who founded the league 50 years ago threw out the first pitch.

 
2007 Memorial Day Parade Photo Show
 
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Milford Youth Baseball Color Guard, April 28
 
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Veterans Day Visit to Hickory Haven Nursing Home
 
Members of the Post visited 5 veterans living at the Hickory Haven Nursing home in Milford. The members shown below are Joe Salvia, John Moore, Bonnie Welbaum, and new Legion member Chuck Bowman.

 
Honoring our Independence Village (White Lake) Veterans
 
Pictured above is 98 year old Eva Cole who is reading a poem she composed for Memorial Day. She wrote the poem in just one afternoon and was invited to share it with us and the Village residents. She was escorted to the podium by Commander Nelson and Post 216 member Ike Eickholdt.

Pictured above are three of the many pictures taken that day of the Village resident's who received the Post's Veterans Medal.

Eva's Memorial Day poem
 
Veterans Day Visit to Milford Park Place
 
Pictured below on the left is Chuck Bowman chatting with Army veteran and retired GM Proving Ground employee, Earl Grimshaw. On the right Lance Oberg has coffee with several of widows of military veterans.


 
Memorial Day 2008 in Pictures
 
Pictured below is Rich Chowaniec standing by his restored USMC Jeep in preparation for the parade. This picture was taken by Gil Raff who took more than 100 pictures at the parade. To see these pictures in a slideshow, please click on the link below. When the page is displayed, click on the slideshow icon on the upper right hand side of the page.

 
Click here for more Gil Raff Photos and Slideshow
 
 
Independence Village Veterans Honored
 
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2007 Memorial Day Parade
 
Photograph courtesy of the Milford Times, Milford Michigan - May 31,2007
Staff Writer, Allison Bergsieker
Pictured below are Joe, John, Lance, Bonnie, and Chuck meeting with several of the military veterans and military widows.


 
Ben Morfino's Medal Presentation Ceremony
 
On August 21, 2006 American Legion Post 216 hosted a medal presentation ceremony for WWII US Army Veteran Bem Morfino. Shown below on the left is Ben in Europe, and on the right is Ben at the ceremony (The before and after pictures).
Below, on the left is Ben with Leon Frenier, who was wounded with him in the same foxhole on the Siegfried Line in Germany. Leon and his wife traveled from Eastern PA to share the celebration with the Morfino family.

In the middle picture, Col. John Nelson (Ret) pins on the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

On the left are Leon Frenier, US Congressman Thaddeus McCotter, and Mrs Morfino. Congressman McCotter was instrumental in obtaining all of the medals that Ben was authorized.

 
WWI Plaque Re-dedication Ceremony
 
The Post was asked to provide ceremonial honors re-dedicating a WWI veteran’s plaque that had been lost for many years. This plaque was first displayed at the Central Methodist Episcopal church in Pontiac, but had been lost during the transition to the new Central United Methodist Church in Waterford.

Eight years ago the bronze plaque bearing seventy-eight names of WWI Veterans was found in a second hand store near Kingston Michigan. Through the research efforts of Don Lotter of AMVETS Post 1072 in Kingston the plaque has made it's way back to its rightful home.

On May 25, 2007 Post 216 members provide a firing team for this ceremony. Commander John Nelson spoke on behalf of all veterans, Veterans Day, and our Post's namesake, WWI veteran Ernest F. Oldenburg who was killed in action in France in 1918.

Pictured above is the Honors team who participated in this event.
 
Kurtz Kids Thank The Legion
 
The Post received 40 thank you letters written to us by the 1st , 4th and 5th grade classes at Kurtz Elementary School. These letters were in regards to our Flag Raising Ceremony held at Kurtz in May. The Post carried the Pow/Mia, Michigan, Legion, the 5 branch flags and the Merchant Marine Colors. A short statement was conveyed to the Kids about the meaning of each flag.

Skip Davison, Don Stevenson, and the 2 Kurtz students responsible for the flag raising that day did the honors. The American Flag that was raised had flown over a unit in Iraq. A Navy sailor, and son of Kurtz 1st grade teacher Mrs. Lisuzzo had sent it to Kurtz Elementary.

The first two letters below are from 4th or 5th Graders, and the third is from a 1st Grader.

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