LIVERMORE FALLS – George Bunten Post 10, American Legion, held an honors banquet on Feb. 2 to honors members of the post for their service to the post and community.

Presentation of colors and invocation were given by Pauline Duguay, Unit 10 auxiliary chaplain, followed with a dinner served to 63 members and guests.

Donald Simoneau, finance officer for the post and Department of Maine Americanism Officer, was master of ceremonies.

Attending were Maine Rep. Rodney Jennings, representing District 93, Canton, Leeds, Livermore, Livermore Falls; Palmer Hebert, Post 10 commander; Roberta Simoneau, Unit 10 president; Eliane Rogers, 2nd District president; Charles Berube, Grande Du Maine Chef de Gare of the 40/8; William Bickford, Department 1st vice commander of the American Legion Department of Maine; Diane Martell, department president of the American Legion Department of Maine; Richard Therrien, commander of AmVets Post 33 from Jay; and Neri Simoneau, commander of VFW Post 3335 of Jay; and the auxiliary president of Unit 3335, VFW Auxiliary, Lynn Dunton.

Also introduced was Robert Rich from Post 158 in Lisbon, who was a past department commander of the American Legion and also a Past Grande Du Maine Chef de Gare; and Donald Castonguay, assistant fire chief from the Livermore Fire Department; and Capt. Jim Shink from the Jay Fire Department. Both fire departments were given a framed picture from the flag raising by New York City firemen on Sept 11, 2001, after the attack on the World Trade Center.

Livermore Falls Fire Department Chief Kenneth Jones and Fayette Fire Department Fire Chief Ronald McLallen were unable to attend the ceremony and will be presented the framed pictures at a later time.

The post honored Laura Alvino, Paul Begin and Robie Wagner for their commitment to the community and to the post. Each was also acknowledged by the state legislature.

Alvino was honored for her 59 years with the American Legion auxiliary and for her community service. Alvino, is a life member and has been president of the unit off and on for 15 years, with the first being in 1961 and the last year being 1994. She has worked at the legion hall on every function since she joined in 1945. She has also been a second district president and member of the Androscoggin County Executive Board of the American Legion auxiliary for many years. She and her late husband, Herbert, raised two daughters.

Alvino is also a life member of the Kings Daughters, which locally distributes wheelchair and hospital beds to those who need them within the community. She is a member of St. Rose of Lime Church.

Begin was honored for his community service and his 37 years as a member of George Bunten Post 10. He is a life member and has belonged to Post 10 for more than 37 years. He is a veteran of World War II, having served in the army. He is a life member of VFW Post 3335 in Jay. He is also a member of Council 320, Knights of Columbus, in Jay and attends St Rose of Lima Church. He is a retired self-employed carpenter. Begin is also the chairman of the board of Otis Federal Credit Union in Jay.

Wagner was also recognized for his community service and his 59 years as a member of George Bunten Post 10.

Wagner is a life member, has been post commander and 2nd District commander for the American Legion. He joined Post 10 in 1945 after his time serving in the Navy during World War II and was the post finance officer for almost 30 years. He has worked at bingo games, benefit suppers and chicken barbecues. He has worked military funeral details for more than 50 years. He worked his way up in the 40/8, which is an honor group of the American Legion, to become the state commander. He has been placing flags on veterans’ graves from Jay to Leeds every year since 1945. He is a retired postmaster of the Livermore Falls Post Office.

Wagner is also a life member of VFW Post 3335.