AMVETS Post 71 and Auxiliary honored at convention

[JUNE 28, 2006]  Arnold and Ruth Haak, delegates from Lincoln AMVETS Post 71 and AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary to Post 71, have just returned from the AMVETS Department of Illinois convention with six trophies and three certificates from the honors and awards program.

The first-place trophies are:

• Americanism Award, sponsored by Robert and Debra Dant

• Eddie Joe Sperry Memorial Community Service Award, sponsored by Willeane Schave

• Peter J. McKiernan Memorial Hospital Award

Jointly, the local post and auxiliary received a first-place award from John and Susan Sisler, sponsors of the Child Welfare Award.

Nancy Haak received the Post AMVET of the Year Award.

Arnold Haak received the Optimist Award.

The auxiliary received two certificates:

• Past Department President Lois McCann's Memorial Hospital Certificate
• Past Department President Norma Studebaker's Child Welfare Certificate

Casey Haak, a youth volunteer, received a certificate and pin engraved "Veterans -- The Heart of America" for his volunteering in Americanism.

The AMVETS awards were presented at the Saturday night "Commander's Banquet."

The auxiliary awards were presented at an honors and awards ceremony, the "Sandless Beach Party."

Arnold Haak has been the AMVETS Department of Illinois World War II veteran chairman since June 1995. He resigned his office at this convention, but the resignation was rejected, so he will continue in this position.

Memorial services were conducted for deceased members. Harold Kuhlman and James Sloan were remembered.

Each year at the convention, the auxiliary recognizes two past department presidents for their service from the date of their election to the office of department president. This year Shirley Lebro of Moro was recognized for two years, and Janean Raker of Marquette Heights was recognized for 20 years.

Both the AMVETS and auxiliary conducted business, reporting the past year's achievements and matters for the next year. New officers and chairmen were elected and appointed for the upcoming year.

[News release provided by Arnold and Ruth Haak]