Squad’s bus funds needs boost

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WILMINGTON — After Congress chartered the American Legion in March 1919, some of Wilmington’s World War I veterans formed Wilmington Veterans Post 49 later that year.

They also formed a small group of volunteers to represent all veterans at all the community’s patriotic programs, events and parades, and they were dedicated to supporting veterans’ families, especially the families of deceased veterans — they became the Post 49 Memorial Squad.

After these 98 years of service to veterans’ families and civic organizations, they are asking the community for some assistance in purchasing a new bus to transport the squad to various locations, and residents and businesses have stepped up.

Organizations like the two chapters of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority have not only raised money for the bus campaign, but they have also issued a challenge to all sororities, fraternities, fraternal organizations and other groups in the area to match their donations.

The Beta Master and Preceptor Psi chapters recently presented checks in the amount of $300 each to Memorial Squad Commander Mike Sutton at the squad’s regular meeting.

The campaign fund has now grown to $32,000, just over 50 percent of the needed $60,000.

“We are extremely appreciative of all the support the community has shown and we are confident the support will continue until we reach our ultimate goal.,” said Sutton. “We just hope we are able to purchase the bus and have it ready to present to the community in the Memorial Day Parade.”

To answer the Beta Sigma Phi challenge, make checks payable to the “Bus Campaign” and drop off or mail to: Wilmington Veterans Post 49, 140 E. Locust St., Attn: Mike Sutton, Wilmington, OH 45177, or stop by any local office of Peoples Bank and deposit directly into the Post 49 Bus Campaign account.

Pictured are Jesica Siders, Pam Gibson, Beta Master President Carole Nichols, Squad Commander Mike Sutton, Preceptor Psi Vice President Leslie Rose and Charlotte Fahrer. Present but not pictured are squad members Nick Babb, Bob Baker, Dave Bowman, Cindy Butler, Hal Crites, Wayne Davidson, Richard James, Charles Lakatos, Jerry LeForge, Bob Maher, Linda Moore and Charlie Shoemaker.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/03/web1_0228171835_Burst06.jpgPictured are Jesica Siders, Pam Gibson, Beta Master President Carole Nichols, Squad Commander Mike Sutton, Preceptor Psi Vice President Leslie Rose and Charlotte Fahrer. Present but not pictured are squad members Nick Babb, Bob Baker, Dave Bowman, Cindy Butler, Hal Crites, Wayne Davidson, Richard James, Charles Lakatos, Jerry LeForge, Bob Maher, Linda Moore and Charlie Shoemaker. Courtesy photo

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