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The American Legion District #4 re-elected Ronald P. Coderre of the Mayotte-Viens Post #13 of Putnam to another term as District commander to June 30, 2021.
Last year under Coderre’s leadership, District #4 was the only District in Connecticut to achieve 100 percent of its membership goal of 2,005 members, registering 2,015 members. The district also increased its scholarship to a graduating high school senior from $500 to two $1000 scholarships and supported the runner-up in the Department Oratorical Contest. The District also reached out to more than 60 families of deceased or ill veterans through its care for veterans committee and its chaplaincy program.
Coderre said In addition to being a 100 percent membership district again this year, the organization’s goal in 2020-2021 is to reach more actively into the local schools with Americanism and Youth programs, teaching our young people values that will lead toward the development of the leaders of the future. If the state and country can get beyond the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, District #4 members are aiming to increase involvement in Boys State, American Legion Baseball, the local Oratorical contests and its Americanism programs in the schools. The District is also planning to maintain contact with its veterans in need of support and remain alert to national security issues as they affect the state and local areas.
“The District officers and members are looking forward to another active and involved year. We urge veterans to strongly consider joining the American Legion and become part of an exciting and vibrant organization. Contact your local Posts for information or contact me at 860-942-7243. We’re looking forward to making every veteran a member of the American Legion,” said Coderre.
The officers of District #4 working with Commander Coderre are Sr. Vice Commander Antonio Rendon, Post #91 – Moosup; Jr. Vice Commander John Barry, Post #26 - Stafford Springs; Adjutant John C. Lafontaine, Post #67 – North Grosvenordale; Finance Officer Manny Rodrigues, Post #52 – Coventry; Chaplain Perry Caldwell, Post #26 – Stafford Springs; Historian John Hurchala, Post #26 – Stafford Springs; Judge Advocate Everett G. Shepard III, Post #111 – Woodstock; Sergeant-at-Arms Victor Kratz, Post #13 – Putnam; and Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms Scott Clifford, Post #91- Moosup. Perry Caldwell will serve as an Executive Committeeman for one year and Archie LaPierre, Post #91 - Moosup will hold the position for two years.
District #4, one of seven districts in the Department of Connecticut, is composed of more than 2,000 veterans, who have served since December 7, 1941 to the present day. The American Legion is the largest veteran’s organization in the world with approximately two million members. The 13 Posts in District #4 are: Post #13 – Putnam; Post #14 – Rockville; Post #19 – Willimantic; Post #21 – Danielson; Post #26 – Stafford Springs; Post #52 – Coventry; Post #62 – Ellington; Post #67 – North Grosvenordale; Post #91 – Moosup; Post #95 – Hebron; Post #101 – Somers; Post #111 – Woodstock; and Post #203 – Eastford.
“The District enjoyed a very active and successful year despite the limitations imposed by the novel COVID-19 coronavirus. Our monthly meetings were well attended and active and the Posts in the District were working cooperatively to bring the message of services of The American Legion to their respective communities and areas,” said Coderre.
The theme of District #4 for the Legion year 2020-2021 is “Be the Example – Be the Leader.” It’s an effort by Legionnaires to demonstrate to veterans and their families as well as to the general community that the American Legion is an active organization that is available and ready to assist those in need. It’s also an organization that is a vital part of the community, not only on veteran and patriotic occasions but as an integral and participative organization in community affairs.
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