Joining a select group of American Legion Post 111 members, Commander Ron Marshall was surprised with three major awards this year.
During Saturday’s birthday dinner, Marshall was presented awards for Legionnaire of the Year, commander emeritus and honorary life member of the post.
It’s estimated that 4,800 veterans have been on the membership rolls of Post 111 since 1919, and now 10 have earned the distinction of honorary life member.
Post 111 Adjutant Bob Buehl said over the past few years, Marshall has guided Post 111 through the pandemic, various maintenance issues and other concerns. As needed, he’s also served as bartender and cook.
“He’s done it all,” Buehl said. “And he’s put a lot of pressure on himself when he probably shouldn’t have because he’s not real good at delegating.”
Buehl said the recognition was a bit delayed as Marshall could have earned the highly anticipated legionnaire award for the past five years.
“This guy is the real reason that you’re here tonight and this post is still open,” Buehl said. “We’ve gone through some very difficult times and his leadership’s made the difference. He’s one hell of a commander.”
Marshall was born in New Jersey and joined the Army in 1969, serving in Vietnam for almost a year. He’s a Bronze Star recipient.
He’s been married to his wife Kathy for 43 years. On Tuesday trivia nights, Adjutant Emeritus Tom Pett said Marshall manages the facility and pitches in however he can.
“He can flip hamburgers quicker than about anybody you know,” Pett said.
But what sticks out to Pett is how Marshall steered the post through the nine-month pandemic closure, making it a safe place to come back to when it was able to be reopened again. Countless projects were undertaken to sanitize and clean the facility.
Marshall noted he was speechless and in disbelief but thankful for the recognition.
— Jessica Bricker
