Our Post Color Guard

Photos and Story by

First Vice Commander Christopher Hanson, Post Information Officer

 

            Regardless of rain or snow, wind or sunshine, one team of men is always willing to carry out their mission, their duty.  They form together on short notice to ensure that their comrades receive what they were promised for their dedication to a grateful nation.  These members band together and pick up where they left off when they left the service years ago – to work together as a team for a common goal.  And it is clear that they have never lost their urge to complete any mission at hand.

 

            The members of the Color Guard of Gilbert C. Grafton Post 2 of Fargo, North Dakota are those men.  Comprised of over twenty total Legionnaires, the team has come together countless times for nearly six decades providing final military rites for men and women who have served our country.  Their job is to provide a rifle team of seven to fire rifle volleys, perform Taps, and present the flag to the next of kin.  They do it with time and time again with bittersweet pride.

 

            While no one knows certain exactly when an organized and dedicated Color Guard or Honor Guard was established at Post 2, 60-year American Legion member Vern Useldinger can recall honors being a part of Color Guard activities and funerals as far back as 1948.  But Useldinger is quite certain that these activities have been going on since the post was chartered nearly one hundred years ago.  He believes that the group was called a “Ceremonial Committee” which was also associated with Post drill teams, bugles corps, and rifle teams.

            Today’s Color Guard is a well-oiled machine that is organized and maintained by long-time team members and Legionnaires Will Hebert and Orlyn Stensgard.  Hebert serves as the lead organizer for the group while Stensgard serves as the leader of the colors with the responsibility of presenting the flag to the next-of-kin.  In addition to these two leaders, Sylvan Melroe serves as the Firing Team Leader charged with the job of leading the firing squad.

 

            Stensgard is currently one of the longest serving members on the Color Guard.  He estimates that he has served for over 50 years.  A retired Army officer who served with the North Dakota Army National Guard’s famed 164th Infantry Regiment, says that he began participating in color guards while he was in the National Guard and that commitment continued with the American Legion even after he left the service.

 

            The Color Guard now functions on a standard process when it comes to military funerals.  Generally, the funeral home contacts the American Legion to be a part of a funeral if the family requests military rites.  Over the past five years, in addition to the Color Guard being involved, the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team has also gotten involved by providing flag folders for these ceremonies.  The relationship has grown into a mutual respect for each other’s organizations with the united goal of providing proper honors for veterans and their families.

 

            The members of the group have varied stories regarding what motivated them to join the Color Guard.  Several members wanted to continue giving the American Legion upon their retirement from their full-time jobs.  Some enjoyed the friendships they had made through the organization.  Everyone has their reasons.

            Larry Lein, a 20-year member of the Color Guard and a 40-year member of the American Legion said, “The reason I joined the Color Guard was because back in the day, this was just something that you did.  You wanted to give to the organization and this was one of the greatest ways of doing that.”

 

            Sylvan Melroe agreed adding, “I wanted to be involved with this storied group.  And in addition to that, I always liked the pomp and circumstance of military ceremonies and this gave me a chance to be a part of that.”

 

            After visiting with several members, there is one thing these men have in common.  When asked if any particular ceremony stood out amongst all of the funerals that they had done military rites at, they universally responded that the idea of military rites and funeral honors was that they should all be done the same.  They should all be performed with the same amount of dignity and respect from mission to mission.  And these team members take pride in their ability to do this.

 

            “Every funeral is different,” said Bob Lechner, another longtime member of both the Color Guard and the Legion.  “But nothing stands out because our job is to provide these rites in the same way for each and every veteran we serve.”

 

            Dave Rice agreed with everyone as far as no one funeral standing out verses another, but did point out, “No one forgets those funerals where it’s 30 below outside in the winter!”  Others certainly agreed with that- the elements make some funerals difficult, but nonetheless, the mission must go on with no regard to weather.

 

            No honor guard would be complete without a bugler, of course.  The color guard has several bugle and trumpet players who participate in funerals.  Konrad Olson, a ten-year member of the team, serves as the primary trumpet player for the group performing Taps at funerals.  Olson, along with fellow trumpet players Perry Kleven and Jeff DeVillers who provide this musical skill to the team, says that the performance of Taps, “provides a sense of closure to the ceremony” and “adds so much to the already solemn and dignified ceremony.”  Indeed, the playing of Taps does provide the beautiful final touches to this special event, a final and fitting tribute to our veterans.    

 

            In addition to doing funerals and ceremonies, the Color Guard also presents colors at various community events to include sports events and community ceremonies.  It is not uncommon to see the Color Guard present when military units arrive home at local airports.  And they are often present at local parades, although the growing age of the members sometimes prevents them from marching too long of parades.  Nonetheless, the members of the Color Guard want to keep doing as much as they physically can.

 

            The Color Guard at Post 2 has served as one of the most busy and visible organizations within the American Legion.  Their hard work and efforts sometimes seem unnoticed, but these are men that should be credited with the accolades that they deserve.  They served our nation in the military many years ago and years later, continue to serve through a veteran service organization.  Hopefully their example will be a motivator for young veterans and American Legion members and they will follow in their footsteps.  There isn’t a better group of men out there to be exemplified.

News

From the National Commander

 

CLICK HERE to read the latest communication from our National Commander, Vincent J. “Jim” Troiola.

Post Meetings

 

All Post Meetings taking place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the basement meeting room of the VFW (202 Broadway North) in downtown Fargo.
 
We hope to see you there!

Quilt of Valor

 

Congratulations to Post 2 member Dennis Schwind as he received a quilt from the Quilts of Valor Foundation.  The quilt was presented to him on Monday, August 15th at the West Fargo VFW.
 
Dennis was honored for his service in the Army which took him to Ft. Lewis, WA, Ft. Bragg, NC, and Vietnam.
 
Also in attendance was his son, Eddie Schwind, daughter-in-law, Jennifer Schwind, and friend, Christopher Hanson, all longtime Post 2 members.
 
Congratulations to Dennis!

Report: GI Bill Pilot Program Protects Against Risky Schools

 

A six-state pilot program to evaluate risk among schools that accept GI Bill education beneficiaries has “demonstrated that the bipartisan action taken to protect students and taxpayers can and does work,” according to a new report from EducationCounsel, LLC, the National Association of State Approving Agencies and The American Legion.

 

CLICK HERE to read more.

Thank You!

 

Thanks to Chris Deery of the Cass County Veterans Services Office for stopping in at our February Post Meeting to bring us up to date on the latest and greatest in veterans benefits!

Thanks!

 

Thanks to District 1 Commander Dennis Kubischta for visiting with us at our December Post Meeting on December 7th!

Guest Speakers and Special Guests at the November Post Meeting

 

Thanks to Department Commander Steve Anderson for taking time out of his busy schedule to visit us at our November Post Meeting!

 

Thanks also to our guest speakers who shared their time with us at our November Post Meeting!  Diana Hall (above), the Homeless Program Manager for the VA's Community Resource and Referral Center and Jennifer Lieder (below), the Cemetery Manager for the Fargo National Cemetery shared a lot of great information with us tonight!

 

A Salute to Our Afghanistan Veterans
 
CLICK HERE to read a special salute to our Afghanistan veterans by National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford.
Memorial Service at Lindenwood Park
 
During Navy Week, which took place July 19-25, the Commanding Officer of the USS North Dakota, Cmdr. Robert Edmonson III, along with his wife, Melissa, and the Chief and two enlisted Sailors from the submarine crew participated in a memorial service at Lindenwood Park in Fargo. The Post 2 Color Guard also participated as they conducted honors along with taps.
 
The Chaplain from Navy Operational Support Center Fargo provided the prayer.
It was an honor for the Navy & Post 2 to provide these honors.
Memorial Service at Fargo National Cemetery
 
It was an honor to have Cmdr. Robert Edmonson III, Commander of the USS North Dakota, along with Navy personnel from the USS North Dakota and Navy Operational Support Center Fargo as a part of a Memorial Service at the Fargo National Cemetery last month.
 
Military Honors were conducted by the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard on a beautiful summer day.
Several members from Post 2 are also members of the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard.

How to Help Afghan Allies

 

The American Legion is in search of veterans looking to help resettled Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas (SIV) and refugees.  Many of these Afghans assisted American forces in Afghanistan as interpreters during the Global War on Terrorism.

 

For more information, please CLICK HERE.

100 Miles for Hope

 

CLICK HERE to read a message from National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford regarding the 100 Miles for Hope.

More Ways to Help Disabled Veterans, Families in Need

 

The American Legion has expanded the ways in which participants in the second annual 100 Miles for Hope can support disabled veterans and military families in need.  CLICK HERE to learn more!

American Legion Posts 'Saving Lives' Through Vaccine Efforts

 

American Legion Herman Kent Post 777 in Jamestown, NY already had a strong relationship with the VA Western New York Healthcare System (VAWNYHS) prior to the coronavirus pandemic.  But both entities recently expanded that relationship in an effort to get as many COVID-19 vaccines out to area veterans.

 

CLICK HERE to read more!

Thank You!

 

Thank you to District 1 Commander Ben Bush of Harwood for stopping by our Post Meeting in March!  We appreciate your time and are glad to have you as our leader of our area district!

100 Miles for Hope

 

Be a part of the 2021 100 Miles for Hope to raise funds and awareness for the American Legion Veterans & Children Foundation (V&CF).  CLICK HERE to learn more about how you can participate!

What to know about the virtual Washington Conference

 

This year’s American Legion Washington Conference will be virtual, due to safety concerns regarding the ongoing pandemic.  However, the conference, which is from March 1 to 4, has a packed agenda and technology allows Legionnaires to participate from wherever they may be.

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the conference.

From the National Commander

 

CLICK HERE to read the latest from our National Commander James W. "Bill" Oxford.

What Veterans Need to Know About Getting the Vaccine from the VA

 

As an influx of veterans are seeking the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, many want clarity on when and where they will be able to get their vaccines.  CLICK HERE to read more.

‘We Must End This Uncivil War,’ President Biden Says

 

Just before noon on January 20th, Joe Biden took the oath of office of as the 46th President and Commander-in-Chief of the United States.  CLICK HERE to read more.

American Legion Condemns Violence in U.S. Capitol

 

American Legion National Commander James W. “Bill” Oxford unequivocally condemned the attacks on the U.S. Capitol.  CLICK HERE to read more.

COVID-19 Vaccines

 

The VA is working hard to get COVID-19 vaccines to Veterans as quickly and safely as possible.  CLICK HERE to sign up and help them understand your interest in getting a vaccine when one is available to you.  They’ll send you updates on how they’re providing vaccines across the country - and when you can get your vaccine if you want one.

Suicide Prevention for Veterans and Military Service Members Information

 

Suicide is a very serious subject with our veterans and our currently serving service members. Please take some time to learn how to recognize when veterans are in distress and how to react and help if they are in trouble.
 
Here are some helpful web links to help you learn more:
 
 
 
The Veterans Crisis Hotline is available 24 hours a day to those who are in need of help. Dial 800-273-8255, then select 1.
 
For more information, please contact Fargo VA Suicide Prevention Education and Outreach Specialist Nicole Veselka, BSN, RN at (701) 239-3700, ext. 3370.

HeartSprings Community Healing Center

 

Thank you to Jan Nelson for stopping in at our Post Meeting to talk about the programs and classes offered at HeartSprings Community Healing Center!  CLICK HERE to learn more about them and the services that they offer.

Veteran e-Notifications!

 

Want to be notified of the latest veterans news and events in Cass County?  Then sign up for eNotifications!  CLICK HERE and enter your contact information to receive these handy notifications!

Thank You to Our Color Guard

 

Thank you to our outstanding Post 2 Color Guard for all that they do in and around the Fargo-Moorhead area. From posting colors are local patriotic and sports events to providing military rites and final honors at funerals, this group of dedicated individuals perform their duties diligently regardless of the day or weather conditions.

VALOR at NDSU

 

VALOR (Veteran Alliance Organization) was created to improve the campus climate for military and veteran students at North Dakota State University.  The concept is to create a network of ADVOCATES made up of staff, faculty, and administrators at NDSU who are identified to our veteran students as people that they can go to for guidance and direction.

 

VALOR materials and training opportunities provide:

  • An understanding of military culture.
  • An understanding of potential issues student veterans face.
  • An awareness of the resources available to student veterans on and off our campus.

 

VALOR is sponsored by American Legion Post 400 and an Advisory Board that provides guidance and oversight.

 

Questions on the program can be directed to Adjutant Christopher Hanson or Past Commander Brad Aune, both who are Advisory Board members of VALOR.

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NDSU VALOR PROGRAM!

Why Join the Legion?

 

Looking for good reasons to join or convince someone to join the American Legion?  Wondering if it would be worth it to start up again after letting your membership lapse?  CLICK HERE to read more about why you should join us in our mission and cause!



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