BRISTOL – Forestville American Legion Post 209 has presented Bruce Barton with its inaugural Legionnaire of the Year award and Robert Getz with its Community Activity Award.
“On behalf of the American Legion Post 209 I am proud to present these awards to two outstanding legionnaires,” said post Commander Brian Avery. “They donate their time and energy to their community and offer their support to the Legion in making Bristol and our state a better place to live. They represent what the Legion stands for: patriotism, God and country, and they work very hard in supporting these values.”
Avery said that both Barton and Getz’ wives also volunteer with the Legion auxiliary and that Getz’s grandchildren are members of the Sons of the American Legion.
“They get the whole family involved,” said Avery. “If I could clone them and get 100 of them then our post would be doing amazing things.”
Barton, who is the post’s historian, has received the post’s first Legionnaire of the Year award for “outstanding service to the American Legion and to the community and country,” said Avery.
“I didn’t think I was doing anything spectacular, so I was a bit astounded to receive this award,” said Barton. “I did my duties as a historian – keeping a log book and taking pictures and volunteering at events. Being retired I suppose I have more time available than the average fellow. It’s an honor to receive the post’s first Legionnaire of the Year award, though we are still a young post.”
As for his service to the country, Barton said he served in the Navy from 1968 to 1972 and that he is a Vietnam veteran. He left the service with the rank of Aviation Ordinance Second Class.
“I served in three combat cruises to Vietnam with my squadron,” said Barton. “In layman’s terms, my duties were loading bombs onto airplanes before they took off from the flight deck.”
Getz, who is the treasurer of Post 209, was also given the “Community Activity Award” for “outstanding and devoted service to the American Legion.
Post 209 was founded by Chuck Woodin and had its first official meeting on Dec. 15, 2014.
The post originally met at Asbury United Methodist Church but moved to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church at 255 Camp Street in September of this year.
For more information about American Legion Post 209, visit facebook.com/ALpost209 or call 860-384-5626.
Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.
22 veterans commits suicide a day. Think about that . Do you want more proof these boots display the names of veterans that have committed suicide that live here in Connecticut. Talk to anybody you know that’s a veteran ask them how they’re doing. Do they show signs have they become depressed not active in activities that they used to once loved. Giving their property away. Saying things like it doesn’t matter anymore. Soon it will be over. Get involved get informed. Suicide affects the entire family and support system so here are some numbers that could help. 211 EMPS crisis intervention services youth under 18. The next one is DMHAS Connecticut Military Support Program +1-866-251-2913 the next one is Veterans Crisis Line +1-800-273-8255 press 1 for veterans and of course if need to 911. Let’s break the cycle let’s get involved ask the questions are you okay are you thinking about suicide. Tough question to ask but it may save someone’s life. Thank you Commander Brian Avery American Legion Post 209 Forestville Connecticut
My name is Brian Avery I am the Commander of the American Legion Post 209 in Forestville Connecticut. I’m so proud to be a part of this great organization and to reach out to the local community here in Bristol Connecticut and throughout the state of Connecticut and to support veterans throughout the United States. This is another example of how we work together to support our communities throughout the state of Connecticut. On behalf of the American Legion Post 209 , I give a sincere thank you to all the volunteers support us and to all Post family members especially Bruce Barton who goes above and beyond for the Post every single day. From the bottom of my heart I wanted to say thank you. Let’s continue to do great things for the Community the State and the Country. Thank you and God bless.. Commander Brian Avery
My name is Brian Avery I am the Commander of the American Legion Post 209 in Forestville Connecticut. I’m so proud to be a part of this great organization and to reach out to the local community here in Bristol Connecticut and throughout the state of Connecticut and to support veterans throughout the United States. This is another example of how we work together to support our communities throughout the state of Connecticut. On behalf of the American Legion Post 209 , I give a sincere thank you to all the volunteers support us and to all Post family members. Let’s continue to do great things for the Community the State and the Country. Thank you and God bless.. Commander Brian Avery
Sent: Mon, Oct 15, 2018 at 2:02 PM
Subject: [American Legion Post 209] Contact Us
Name: shawna Audibert
Comment: Good Afternoon,
I would like to personally thank Commander Brian Avery of the American Legion Post 209 family for giving my son a bike through the new program he is doing providing kids with bikes that don’t have them. My son needed a bigger bike and Brian was gracious to provide him with one a few months ago. I’m happy to say my son rides it daily and enjoys having this to get around now.
Thank you to all involved in this wonderful program and thank you to Brian for his wonderful gift for my son.
Sincerely,
Shawna Audibert
The American Legion Post 209. The McCabe Waters Little League President Jeff Roberts had their 5″ by 8′ American flag stolen from McCabe Waters Little League field. Mike Halpin who is a member of American Legion Post 209 and a coach for McCabe Waters Little League reached out to us to help replace the it. The American Legion Post 209 donated a brand new 5′ by 8′ American flag and a solar light for the flag so that they can have it for the start of the fall league that starts September 8th. It is with pride that we at the American Legion Post 209 were able to help out. Thank you Brian Avery, Commander American Legion Post 209 Forestville Connecticut
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- “There was a great deal of work put into this project and it came out excellent. We never want to forget tradition,” said Barton.
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- “This is something that Village Green has been asking for, for many years,” said Avery. “We wanted to keep true to our word, and it is with great pride and pleasure to present the Wall of Honor. We respect, honor and love our veterans.”
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- “The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner. The tablecloth is white for the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they have shed in sacrifice. The red ribbon on the vase represents an unyielding determination for a proper accounting. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt that sprinkles reminds us of the countless tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us at this time. The chair is empty; they are not here. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home. The United States flag reminds us that they may never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom,”
BRISTOL – “We call your attention to this small table, which occupies a place of dignity and honor. It is set for one,” said Chuck Woodin, founder of American Legion Post 209 in Forestville.
On Thursday afternoon at the Village Green of Bristol, veterans and staff attended a flag ceremony presented by Post 209. The lobby of the Village Green now features a Wall of Honor to commemorate veterans. It includes the emblems of each branch of the military, the U.S. flag, the Connecticut state flag and the POW/MIA flag. The flags were donated by Post 209 and the emblems were ordered by Helene Wade, director of recreation at Village Green.
During the ceremony, Woodin explained the symbolism of each item set at the table for the comrades who are missing from the ranks and are referred to as Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.
“The table is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner. The tablecloth is white for the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms. The single rose in the vase signifies the blood they have shed in sacrifice. The red ribbon on the vase represents an unyielding determination for a proper accounting. A slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The salt that sprinkles reminds us of the countless tears of families as they wait. The glass is inverted; they cannot toast with us at this time. The chair is empty; they are not here. The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope, which lives in our hearts to illuminate their way home. The United States flag reminds us that they may never return and have paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom,” said Woodin.
Attending the ceremony were veteran residents at Village Green; James Norfleet, U.S. Army; Fern Champagne, Army National Guard; Mark Levine, U.S. Army; Allain Nadeau, U.S. Navy; and Leo Livigne, U.S. Army.
Livigne, who served from 1947 to 1949, thought the ceremony was very nice.
“It’s important to see veterans and know that people are concerned for them and that they’re still remembered,” Livigne said.
Levine, who served as an Army surgical nurse in 1969, said the ceremony was excellent.
“The wall honors all the branches. It unites us and puts us all together,” Levine said.
Young Crandall, the executive director at Village Green, was honored to present this token to their residential veterans.
“We wanted to make this lobby a welcoming atmosphere, especially for our veterans. Now our residents and other guests can take a moment and appreciate all the sacrifices and services our veterans have done for this country,” said Crandall.
Along with Woodin, other Post 209 members who came to the ceremony were Bruce Barton, post historian, and Brian Avery, post commander.
“This is something that Village Green has been asking for, for many years,” said Avery. “We wanted to keep true to our word, and it is with great pride and pleasure to present the Wall of Honor. We respect, honor and love our veterans.”
“There was a great deal of work put into this project and it came out excellent. We never want to forget tradition,” said Barton.
Commander Brian Avery American Legion Post 209 Forestville Connecticut
Past Commander Roland Lamothe, Auxillary president Jane Wright ,Squadron commander John Wright, American Legion Post 209 founder Chuck Woodin, 1st District Commander and Past Commander Raymond Labossiere
Squadron Commander John Wright, Auxiliary President Jane Wright , Commander Brian Avery
American Legion Post 209 in Forestville Connecticut is proud to be a partner with Saint Matthew School in Bristol Connecticut together we can do amazing things.I’m so proud of my men and women from the American Legion Post 209. everyone and God bless America. Yours truly, Commander Brian Avery.
I’m so proud of my men and women from the American Legion Post 209. The Bristol Boy Scouts, Bristol Girl Scouts. Courtney Johnpiere from Terryville High School for volunteering your time to play Taps for the special event. The bagpiper who also did an amazing job tonight.Thank you too Miss Forestville ,Miss Bristol ,Miss Hartford County and Miss chrysanthemum for being a part of the four chaplains Mrs. Smith for volunteering to take these wonderful pictures thank you for taking time away from your husband and helping us out with the Girl Scouts and the photos. It’s an honor to have you as a Post 209 member. If I forgot anybody I apologize. Looking forward to next year’s 4 chaplain ceremony being bigger and better. Thank you to those from all over the State of Connecticut that attended tonight and all the positive feedback that was given. God bless everyone and God bless America. Yours truly, Commander Brian Avery
Congratulations to David R Swarts and his family. David is a Navy veteran and has five brothers that also served in the military, his daughter is an 18-year veteran who is currently stationed in Norfolk Virginia with the Navy. On behalf of the American Legion Post 209 in Forestville Connecticut it was a honor to present you with this kids kayak and two fishing poles. We would be honored to have your family come up for the fishing derby in May. On behalf of a Grateful Nation we say thank you to your family for their past and future service. God bless. Commander Brian Avery American Legion Post 209 in Forestville Connecticut.
Santa Mcleod strikes again. American Legion post 209 Forestville adopted a family with 6 kids. Tonight Santa and his helper took a compete dinner from Boston market and all the gifts.
The American Legion Post 209 and Secret Santa struck again helping families out in the Bristol area congratulations to Sherry Robinson and family ,Courtney Roberts and family ,Jes Mia and family and Sue Roesch and family and it continued with the 27th Annual Children’s Holiday Parade returned to Bristol on Dec 3rd. We at the American Legion Post 209 were so happy to be a part of this great event. Thank you to everyone that helped out today. We are looking forward to making it bigger and better next year.
It is a great pleasure that I am the Commander of the American Legion Post 209 of Forestville Connecticut and to have such great men making this a superior organization. It’s with pride that I was able give Bruce Barton, Ron Gagnon and Tim McLeod an American Legion award for recognition for outstanding and devoted service to the American Legion Post 209 and the community.
Ron Gagnon Bruce Barton Tim McLeod
The Excellence in Service Award was presented to The American Legion Post 209 by Nancy Biggar of Friends of the Fisher House CT in recognition of outstanding service and dedication to CT veterans and military families. Accepting the award on behalf of the Post was Brian Avery, Post Commander.
American Legion Post 209 at the 2017 Veterans Day Ceremony at Thomas W Quinlan Park in Forestville CT
Forestville Post 209 of The American Legion hosting Bingo at the Rocky Hill Veterans Hospital. A very rewarding donation of time to our brothers and sisters here in Rocky Hill, CT. Jane E Wright Santa Mcleod Bruce Barton Jennifer Mcleod John M. Wright Brian Avery and Chuck Woodin
