American Legion Post 49, Warsaw, celebrated the organization's 88th birthday Saturday with a carry-in buffet and awards presentation.
Commander Bob Morrison said birthdays are an important part of any organization.
"Ask any Marine," he said. "He or she might forget their spouse's birthday or even their own, as the years progress, but they can tell you the birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.It shows pride in a fighting force that, man for man, has always left the enemy either dead, wounded or in awe of their fighting spirit."
Morrison said the Legion demonstrates this same fighting spirit.
"About two years ago, because of the state government's attitude toward consenting adults in the use of gambling machines in private clubs, we lost a good income that went back to the community. That same money now goes to the gambling boats in Michigan City."
Because of that loss of income, the commander said, more people are volunteering when and where they didn't before, and younger members are getting involved.
Morrison said he couldn't have gone to college or purchased a house without assistance from the GI Bill, and his military pension is a great supplement to his retirement benefits from the Fort Wayne Police Department.
About 30 people stood when Morrison recognized veterans who received an education, a home loan or medical assistance from the GI Bill or the Veterans Administration. The Legion authored the GI Bill.
Post 49 members recognized the Warsaw Municipal Airport, which received the Airport of the Year Award in 2006 from the Aviation Association of Indiana
Legion member Mike Davis and Warsaw Mayor Ernie Wiggins made the presentation to airport manager David Beall; Paul Grossnickle, who serves on the airport board of directors; and airport consulting engineer Mark Shillington, of Wolpert Engineering.
Roy Bradbury, representing the Legion's District 2, presented awards to Rob Barker of the Warsaw Fire Department. Barker has been with the WFD five years and is chief of training.
Bradbury also gave Brian Hupp the Police Officer of the Year Award. Hupp has been with the Warsaw Police Department 15-1/2 years and was an Army Reserve military policeman.
Maj. Raymond Pfahl Jr. was named Military Person of the Year. Because he is serving in Iraq, his wife and children, Donita, Russell and Randall, accepted the award on his behalf.
Raymond, who retired from the U.S. Army in 2002 after serving 23 years, re-enlisted a couple of years ago. Donita is a former Army Captain. Their son, Raymond III, is on active duty with the Army in Afghanistan.
World War II veteran Bob Gast made the award presentation to the Pfahls.
The Firefighter, Police Officer and Military Person of the Year awards are part of a Legion competition. Information about each recipient will be judged at the regional, then the state level.
