JAY- Four local members were honored at a recent Past Commanders/Past Presidents Dinner at the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post 3335.

VFW Post 3335 has had 52 commanders, 19 surviving. The Auxiliary has had 25 presidents, 19 surviving. Four were honored at the dinner.

More than 27 hats representing the offices held by the two past state commanders were on display as were seven historian books belonging to the two past state presidents.

Norman Girardin, past state commander, held more than 13 offices, including All-State Post Commander, National Council of Administration, vice chairman of National Americanism and others. Bryan Hennessy, past commander, read letters sent to Girardin from former Presidents George Bush and Gerald Ford, thanking him for his contributions.

Erlon Rose, past state commander, held more than 10 offices, including national aide-de-camp, national assistant inspector general, state surgeon and department judge advocate. He chaired many other committees and spent many hours as a volunteer for community service and youth activities.

Betty Houle, past state president, was a charter member of the Jay Post 3335 Auxiliary under which they now operate. She served as local president five times and has held every office except treasurer. Her many offices include Eastern States Conference president, National District 1 councilwoman and she has served 10 years as department hospital chairwoman. She was recently recognized for 26 years and 4,734 volunteer hours at Togus VA Hospital.

Diane Getz, past state president, served as chaplain, and junior and senior vice, before serving as local president. She worked her way up the chairs in the department after serving one term as District 9 president. She continues to chair several committees such as community service and membership and is department hospital chairwoman. For many years she has volunteered her time as treasurer for the local auxiliary.

Neree Simoneau, commander, and Lynn Dunton, Auxiliary president, read the names of the departed past commanders/past presidents.

All of the past commanders/past presidents present were recognized and thanked for all they have done and continue to do for the Veterans of Foreign Wars and its Auxiliary.

The dinner was prepared by the Auxiliary and served by the Livermore Falls Girl Scout Cadette Troop 212.