Post 209 celebrates the holidays with annual gathering at West End Pizza and awards ceremony

The Laforge family--Doug, middle, Stephanie, second from left, and Haley, second from right, receiving community service award and appreciation award from Post 209 Commander Brian Avery, while Post 209 member Jimmie Smith looks on. | Post 209

Posted By: Staff December 23, 2023

The American Legion Post 209 gathered at West End Pizza for their annual Christmas party and to recognize members for their contributions throughout the year earlier in the month.

Members received community service and appreciation awards among others.

Among those recognized were the family members of Post 209 Commander Brian Avery, who said, “I cannot accomplish the things that I do for the community and the post without the help of my wife and my son Logan we are truly a Legion family and together we can do anything.”

The Doug, Stephanie and Haley LaForge family received a community service award and an appreciation award for all their work supporting Post 209, especially their contribution to the restoration of Quinlan Memorial Park in Forestville Center.

Clockwise from left, Margaret Franek and her daughter, Paisley Fox, Bruce Barton and the Avery family, including Commander Brian Avery, Tracey Avery and their son Logan. | Post 209 photos

Others receiving awards include the followoing:

  • Bruce Barton, community service and appreciation award
  • Tracy Avery, charter member of the auxiliary unit 209, and son Logan, a Sons of the American Legion Squadron 209 member, community service and certificate of apprecation.
  • Ron and Claire Gagnon, member of {Post 209 and the auxiliary, respectively, community service for awards for outstanding service to the post and community.
  • Art Paul, Post 209 member, community service award
  • Jimmie Smith, Post 209 member, community service award and certificate of appreciation

Clockwise from upper left, Jane Wright with Commander Brian Avery, Art Paul, Rich Kilby and Jimmie Smith. | Post 209 photos

  • Jane Wright, Auxiliary Member of the Year
  • Rich Kilby, Sons of the Year Award
  • Russ Furler, certificate of appreciation for activities on behalf of Post 209 and the revival of Quinlan Park
  • Commander Brian Avery, Legionnaire of the Year award.
  • Victor Hageman, Post 209, community service award.

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