Legion sons seek charter
KAITY HOLTMAN/DAILY FORUM
Male descendants of The American Legion Post 464 members are working to charter a local chapter of Sons of The American Legion in Conception Junction. Pictured left to right are members of the new organization. First row: Ron Wiederholt, Matt Holtman, Steve Holtman, Chuck Redden, Lynn Rickabaugh, John Redden. Second row: Colby Wiederholt, Fred Holtman, Rick Redden, Dennis Wiederholt, Charlie Mattson, Ted Holtman. Third Row: Ed Wiederholt, Steve Bliley, Rick Holtman, Larry Holtman, Jeff Redden, Todd Rickabaugh, Jim Bliley.
As the American Legion Post 464 in Conception Junction nears its 70-year anniversary, members’ sons and grandsons seek to charter “Sons of The American Legion.”
Sons of The American Legion is an organization specifically for males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership.
The organization held its first meeting in December to elect officers, and discuss necessary steps to apply for a charter and build up the organization.
Chuck Redden has served as adjutant of Post 464 for 23 years, and has now joined the next generation as a dual member to offer guidance as the organization gets on its feet.
“It will be great to get these guys started,” Redden said. “They can carry on what we do and what the Legion stands for.”
Steve Holtman was elected to the commander position. Fifteen fellow members started the organization out of respect, he said.
“Our veterans that served in Korea, Vietnam and other wars are aging,” Holtman said. “They respected the traditions of those before them, and we want to carry on that tradition and respect. There aren’t many of us in the military anymore, but we can respect their service in this way.”
Redden said a couple of the founding members have been involved in the Sons of The American Legion chapter in Savannah, which inspired the Conception Junction chapter.
“This is meant for young people with military backgrounds,” Redden said. “They grew up with fathers and grandfathers in the Legion and it means something to them.”
Members of the new organization will help the Post 464 with military funerals and fundraising events.
“We can also help them with community service, scholarships and anything else they need us for,” Holtman said. “So much of what they do goes unnoticed, and we want to help them however we can.”
Officers elected in December include Steve Holtman as commander, Lynn Rickabaugh as vice commander, Ron Wiederholt as adjutant, Matt Holtman as finance officer and Todd Rickabaugh as sergeant of arms. The organization will elect three new officer positions at its January meeting.
All male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of The American Legion are eligible to be members.
Also eligible are male decedents of veterans who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama and the Persian Gulf War, during the delimiting periods set forth in article IV, section 1 of the National Constitution of The American Legion, or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the Sons of The American Legion.
The Sons of The American Legion chapter will meet the second Monday of every month, and then members will join The American Legion chapter meetings immediately following.
Anyone interested in joining can contact an officer. Annual dues are $20.
KAITY HOLTMAN/DAILY FORUM
Male descendants of The American Legion Post 464 members are working to charter a local chapter of Sons of The American Legion in Conception Junction. Pictured left to right are the chapter officers, first row: Ron Wiederholt, adjutant; Steve Holtman, commander; Matt Holtman, finance officer; Lynn Rickabaugh, vice commander and chaplain. Second row: Larry Holtman, historian; Dennis Wiederholt, second vice commander; Todd Rickabaugh, sergeant of arms.
