AUGUSTA – W. Gene Bickford of Norway was elected and installed state commander of the American Legion Department of Maine at its 86th convention held in Augusta, June 18 to 20.

Bickford is a member of the Stone-Smart Post 82 in Norway where he has held several offices in recent years. He has been a member of the American Legion for 46 years. Gene first joined the Mundt-Allen Post in Bethel while he was serving there as a member of the Maine State Police. After returning to his home town of Norway he transferred his membership to the local legion post. Bickford is the first member of the Stone-Smart Post to be elected department commander. He will serve in that capacity for the period of one year.

Other officers elected are 1st Vice Commander, Lloyd Woods of Stockholm, 2nd Vice Commander, Donald Simoneau of Fayette, Adjutant, Ronald Sailor of Waterville, Finance Officer, John Hargreaves of Farmingdale, Americanism Officer, Paul L’Heureux of Auburn, Historian, John Doyle of Bath, Sgt-At-Arms, Daniel Ayotte of Augusta, National Executive Committeeman, Robert Owens of Topsham, National Executive Committeeman, Robert Owens of Topsham, National Executive Committeeman Alternate, Herman Wright of Wiscasset.

Commander Bickford appointed Guard Enman of Lewiston as Judge Advocate, Lester Prue of Peru as Chaplain and Robert Owens as Service Officer.