Turner Sons of the American Legion Squadron 111 has installed officers. In front, from left are Commander Michael J. Chavez, First Vice Commander Dennis S. Richardson, Finance Officer Mark F. Duguay and Adjutant Nathan J. McNear; back, Historian Aaron S. Richardson, Sergeant-at-Arms Tyler A. Richardson and Chaplain Ryan S. Richardson; not pictured, Second Vice Commander Christopher Hathaway.

Turner Sons of Legion conduct meeting

TURNER – The Sons of the American Legion Squadron 111 held its first meeting on March 7 at the Leavitt Institute Building and installed officers.

Sons of the Legion First Vice Commander Bruce Pierce, Department of Maine, officiated, and District 3 Sergeant-at-Arms Warren K. Clark served as Sergeant-at-Arms and District 3 Officer and Post 111 Chaplain Paul R. Bernard served as chaplain.

Sworn in were Commander Michael J. Chavez, First Vice Commander Dennis S. Richardson, Second Vice Commander Christopher J. Hathaway, Adjutant Nathan J. McNear, Finance Officer Mark F. Duguay, Chaplain Ryan S. Richardson, Historian Aaron S. Richardson and Sergeant-at-Arms Tyler A. Richardson.

Pierce addressed members on the history of the organization and its importance to the American Legion, as well as its support of programs such as the Special Olympics.

Bernard spoke on the history of Turner veterans and told of Major Arch D. Leavitt, 16th Maine Regiment, who died at Douglas Hospital in Washington, D.C., from a wound received at the Battle of the Wilderness during the Civil War. He is buried at Howe’s Corner Cemetery. Bernard also mentioned Orville Young, a Civil War veteran who died in Libby Prison.

Bernard said the Turner Memorial Post 111, AL, Web site has received nearly 500,000 hits in the first year with visitors from 28 countries.

Newly installed Commander Chavez said, “I have joined the SAL in memory of my grandfather, a World War II veteran who didn’t consider himself a hero. But in my eyes, he is my hero.” Chavez also spoke of his plans to develop the Turner Squadron 111.

For more information, log on to www.maineamericanlegion.com. Those interested in joining the Turner Sons of the American Legion should call Membership Chairman Dennis Richardson at 225-2683.