Post 111 held their annual founding celebration and awarded Legionnaire and Law Officer of the Year 

By DAVE SCHULTZ

The Grover Sheets Post 111 of the American Legion in Bluffton held its annual celebration of the Legion’s founding Saturday night, handing out some awards and hearing from the current, and the man who is expected to be the Legion’s next Indiana state commander.

Rick Smith, center, was named the Legionnaire of the Year Saturday night. He is shown with Post 111 Commander Ron Marshall at left and current Indiana Department Commander James Daube of Walkerton.

The Legion’s annual Law Officer of the Year was presented to Sgt. Josh Smith of the Bluffton Police Department, and Rick Smith was named the Legionnaire of the Year.

Bluffton Mayor John Whicker, right, expresses his thanks on behalf of the city after Post 111 Commander Ron Marshall presented him with a check to support the city’s flag display again this year. (Photo by Dave Schultz)

Robert A. Oeth of Elberfeld, considered the leading candidate for Indiana Department commander for 2023-24, was the featured speaker for the event, addressing the organization’s history and its work on behalf of its members. 

Oeth also spoke of his own background and how he has been assisted by his 52-year membership in the Legion.

Keynote speaker Robert A. Oeth looks down at his notes during his remarks Saturday night. (Photos by Dave Schultz)

As he wound down his remarks, he touched on the need for the Legion to add membership, particular from younger veterans. “If we don’t stop losing our members, there’s not going to be anyone to represent our veterans in Washington, D.C., or at the Statehouse,” he said.

That was a theme that Ronald Marshall, commander of Post 111, echoed as the dinner concluded Saturday night. He encouraged the members to ask their sons and daughters, relatives, and even their “next door neighbors” who have served to join the Legion. He noted that more than $80,000 was spent on maintenance on the post home at 111 W. Washington St., something that is a problem with a dwindling membership base.

Sgt. Josh Smith of the Bluffton Police Department, left, receives his Law Officer of the Year Award from Post 111 Commander Ron Marshall, center, during Saturday night’s 104th American Legion Birthday Dinner and Celebration. At right is Bluffton Police Chief Kyle Randall, who introduced Smith.

Smith was introduced by Bluffton Police Chief Kyle Randall, who spoke of his willingness to work with a local treatment facility, and with children who are otherwise left unsupervised at city parks during the summer. “Josh’s interaction with them is a reminder to all that our bad should have no ego, but it does come with a heart,” Randall said.

Smith is a Norwell High School graduate who has 15 years of experience with the BPD. He is the department’s field training officer, which Randall said was “no small feat.”

Smith, his wife, Holly, and their three children reside in Bluffton.

Smith was named the post’s Legionnaire of the Year, receiving the award from Marshall and the Indiana Department’s current commander, James Daube of Walkerton.

daves@news-banner.com

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