American Legion Post 109 Welcomed National Commander Dan K. Wiley
- This Is Rutherford
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Jennifer Ersalesi
Hosting the National Commander of the American Legion on Saturday, May 9th was a great honor for Rutherford's American Legion Post 109. The American Legion welcomed National Commander Dan K. Wiley at their location during a special program. The food was provided by Ferazzoli's Italian Kitchen and sponsored by the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce and Dan Meredith Allstate Agency.
National Commander Dan K. Wiley was accompanied by National Executive Committeeman Eugene O'Grady, Alternate National Executive Committeeman Michael Wilson, Department of the NJ Adjutant John Baker, Department of NJ Commander Dan Channel, and the Bergen County Department Executive Committeewoman Sophia Dmoch.
As National Commander Wiley spoke to those in attendance, he explained how the American Legion has existed for 107 years. It plays an important role in providing much needed support to veterans across the United States. Over 29.5 billion dollars have been provided to veterans who were injured while serving in the military through the disability benefits program across the United States. With over 12,000 American Legion posts throughout the country and 1.5 million members, including male and female descendants and spouses, American Legion posts and members are playing an active and vital role in supporting veterans in every state.
Wiley also spoke about Be The One, an American Legion initiative to prevent veteran suicide and how he supports that program as he travels throughout the United States.
Wiley thanked American Legion Post 109 for hosting him. He recognized Scout Troop 166 Honor Guard and the Eagle Scouts that were at the event and spoke about how much he appreciates the volunteer work they do for the American Legion.
The Commander of American Legion Post 109, Keith Whiteside, also thanked Rutherford Council President, Stephanie McGowan, and Rutherford Councilman, Dennis Mazone, for attending the event and supporting the Legion. Council President, Stephanie McGowan, read a Proclamation from Mayor Frank Nunziato and the Borough about National Commander Dan K. Wiley.
As a special surprise, Commander Whiteside, honored William Lillis, Korean War veteran, as the Post 109 Legionnaire of the Year for his support of the Scouts and for serving as the American Legion Post 109 Boys State Coordinator for many years. William Lillis' family was there with him while he received this special honor.
Troop 166 Scout Calder Allshouse was also recognized for his Eagle Scout project; building a pathway and seating area on the American Legion lawn. To fundraise he is offering the opportunity to have a personal message engraved onto a paver in the walkway for $100. If you would like to sponsor a brick, or volunteer, please fill out this FORM.
Rutherford Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Jennifer Ersalesi and Rutherford Chamber of Commerce Director Maria Schlemm were also in attendance as Ambassadors for the Rutherford Chamber of Commerce.
Nutley High School Senior, Haley Papeo, was thanked for the Music Heals Benefit concert that she organized this past fall. She told This is Rutherford that the idea for the concert came to her while her high school color guard was preparing their program which focused on female veterans. She was also inspired by Army veteran Lucy Del Gaudio, who is a part of Operation Sisterhood, which focuses on supporting the needs of women veterans. Papeo said she had never truly considered the trauma that many female veterans experience until she began learning more about their unique experiences. She combined her love of music with her love and concern for veterans and created the Music Heals Benefit concert. She presented National Commander Wiley with a check from the money raised at the concert to support Be The One. The concert will take place again this fall.
This was a special opportunity to thank the National Commander Wiley for working tirelessly on behalf of veterans. As explained In the program, "His efforts are supported by our local posts which maintain the mission through Four Pillars: Veteran Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Youth & Children."