Active in Guttenberg: American Legion and Auxiliary
Front from left are Legion members Cheryl Urbalejo, Charlene Andregg, Barb Arthur; back row, Dennis Hanna, Jerry Peck, Rory Kempf, Frank Davis, Loris Kickbush, Joe Moser and Pete Davis. (Press photo by Molly Moser)
By Molly Moser
Editor’s note: This story is one in an ongoing series to highlight local groups and organizations that welcome members of the community and enhance our city’s culture. If you would like your group to be featured, please contact The Guttenberg Press.
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On the first Tuesday of the month, veterans of World Wars, wars in Korea, Vietnam, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf and the War on Terror are invited to gather in Guttenberg’s Municipal Building for a meeting of the American Legion Prairie LaPorte Post 373.
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic organization of veterans devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest and oldest wartime vet service organization, with a mission of commitment to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to service members and veterans. The Legion welcomes all vets who served during wartime.
The local chapter currently consists of just over 90 members, all within a 30-mile radius of Guttenberg. Rory Kempf, finance officer, estimates the average age of members to be 67-68. Roughly a dozen members are female, but many family members of vets opt to join the American Legion Auxiliary.
The mission of the American Legion Auxiliary is to support The American Legion and to honor the sacrifice of those who serve by enhancing the lives of veterans, military, and their families, both at home and abroad. The Auxiliary advocates for veterans, educates citizens, mentors youth, and promotes patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security.
The local Legion and Auxiliary distribute poppies twice a year and any donations are used only for vet’s benefits. They sponsor Boys and Girls State and provide activities for hospitalized veterans in military hospitals – or in the Guttenberg Care Center. The Legion provides a scholarship program for children of veterans who are pursuing higher learning.
While the Auxiliary handles memorial services, the Legion members preside as Color Guard at funerals and marches in local parades. “We sponsor two kids from Clayton Ridge to go to a basketball camp and tournament in Des Moines,” said Kempf.
Legion commander is Frank Davis. Vice commanders are Joe Moser and Delos Weseman; adjudant is Cheryl Urbalejo; sargent at arms is Carson Palmer; Barb Arthur is chaplain and Loris Kickbush is service officer.
The American Legion in Guttenberg has lost six members to death in the past 18 months. “What’s happening lately in this community and all over the state is that many of the members have been members for 60, 70, 80 years, and they can’t get out to meetings anymore. The next generation down are working, busy all day long, and have children to take care of,” said Fran Leeman, vice president and treasurer of the Legion Auxiliary in Guttenberg. “This unit hardly meets at all anymore. We do all our communication and decisions through the telephone. Our members here are all still very active; all you have to do is call and ask them.
“At one time when I was younger, we had up to 80 members. Many have passed away because of their age, and now we have approximately 50 active, dues-paying members,” Leeman said, noting several members who have moved away but have chosen to remain part of the Guttenberg unit rather than transfer to a new one. Members range in age from 35-80. “We have some members now in the care center who were signed up before they left the hospital when they were born,” she said.
To determine eligibility for Legion Auxiliary, a woman must have a Legion member in her family. Contact Leeman or auxiliary chaplain Rosalie Kickbush to join or ask questions.
To join the Legion, contact Rory Kempf at 563-252-1656 or 563-880-5867, or simply attend a meeting.
“I am proud to be a part of military funerals and helping the young and the community develop a sense of patriotism,” said Kempf of his Legion membership. “To serve is my nature after serving 27 years.”
