THE SNIPER Newsletter

AMERICAN LEGION T.H.B. POST 187

ELMHURST, IL 

​www.americanlegionthb187.org

Second Division, District 11

Chartered September 26, 1919 - Our 106th year.  

May 2026

THE SNIPER

Section 1 

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POST ORGANIZATION INFORMATION

Bob Blewett, Dan Bruno, John Scudder, Rex Irby,

Gladys Novotny, Toby Scudder, Al Bertolani, Eric Pulia

Website Editor: Mark Snider 

   2025 - 2026 T.H.B. POST 187 OFFICERS

COMMANDER - Eric A. Pulia

SR. VICE-COMMANDER - Tom Augustyn

JR. VICE-COMMANDER - Matt Aldinger 

ADJUTANT- Mike M. Kerley

FINANCE OFFICER - Albert M. Bertolani

CHAPLAIN/SERVICE OFFICER - Robert Gonzales 

RECORDER - Mark J. Snider 

HISTORIAN - John A. Scudder 

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS - Zachary DeRose

T.H.B. AUXILIARY UNIT 187 OFFICERS

PRESIDENT - Leslie Uher

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT - Rene' Trajkovich

2ND VICE-PRESIDENT - Barb Slagle 

TREASURER - Cher Smith-Conrad 

SECRETARY - Terry Boys 

HISTORIAN - Sherry Josephus

CHAPLAIN - Rene' Trajkovich 

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS - Terry Boys

SONS OF THE AMERICAN LEGION OFFICERS (T.H.B. SQUADRON 187)

COMMANDER - David J. Novotny 

SR. VICE-COMMANDER - Mark J. Snider

 JR. VICE-COMMANDER - open 

ADJUTANT - open

CHAPLAIN - Robert Gonzales

SERGEANT-AT-ARMS - James Errera

POST, S.A.L., AND AUXILIARY MEETINGS: 

Post and Sons of Legion Meetings are held together at 6:00 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month,

January through November. There is not a meeting in December. 

In March, April, May, and June, the Post and S.A.L. may hold meetings to be determined on the second Tuesday of those 

months at 6:00 pm. 

​Post Corporation meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. 

​​

Auxiliary Unit Meetings are held at 1:00 pm on the second Monday of February, March, May, June,

September, October, and December.  

The regular Auxiliary Board meetings are held the second Monday of March and October at 6:00 pm,

and the last Monday of August at 6:00 pm. 

In the event of illness or death, please contact the Post Home at (630) 833-7800, and ask for one of the available officers listed below. Commander: Eric Pulia; Chaplain/Service Officer: Robert Gonzales; Auxiliary President: Leslie Uher; S.A.L. Commander: David Novotny; Post Adjutant: Mike Kerley.

THE SNIPER

Section 2 

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PARTICIPATION

10 GOOD REASONS YOU SHOULD JOIN THE LEGION:

1. Your membership card is a passport to friendship and hospitality.

2. Rehabilitation of the Veteran and his family is always our prime concern.

3. The American Legion Legislative Program is your link to your senators and congressmen.

4. The American Legion Baseball Program is second to none. 

5. Premier Boys State is a week to shape a lifetime.

6. Special Olympics is a person to person program.

7. Oratorical is the youth of the day speaking out on the Constitution.

8. Like sports? The American Legion has it.

9. Gifts to hospitalized war Veterans.

10. The tenth and final reason for belonging to the Illinois Department of the American Legion is spelled out in three

little letters...Y-O-U!

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY DATES:

As of July 30, 2019, the American Legion’s eligibility criteria immediately changes from seven war eras to two: April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government. No other restrictions to American Legion membership are changed.

To Elmhurst and surrounding town residents: If you are a Veteran in your 20's, 30's, or 40's (or any other age), are a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter of a Veteran, living or deceased, who served during the above dates, we welcome you to stop by the Post.

We are looking for new members to join the Post, the Women's Auxiliary, and the Sons of the Legion to take us through the 2020's and beyond. Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans are especially welcome. Members who choose to volunteer can oversee programs, coordinate events, and move into chairperson, leadership, and officer positions that are available for dedicated citizens who want to make a difference in our towns. Or, if you'd rather take time out to relax, attend our events, and meet other members, you are welcome to stop by or call 630-833-7800.   

106 YEARS OF SERVICE

T.H.B. Post 187 honored significant 100th year anniversary dates in 2018 and 2019. The first three Elmhurst World War I residents, Ernest Timrott, killed in action June 3, 1918, Marines; Richard Hintz, killed in action July 19, 1918, Army; and Kinsley Buck, killed in action June 19, 1918, Marines; had 100 year anniversaries in 2018.

In September 2019, the 100th anniversary birthday of the Post occurred. T.H.B. Post 187 was named after the above three men, and the Elmhurst Legion was chartered on September 26, 1919.

See a history of the T.H.B. Post 187 at our Post History tab, and Post History- Its People tab, on this web site.

POST VOLUNTEERS

As always, we are looking for volunteers for any upcoming anniversaries, holidays, and events. If you are an Afghanistan or Iraq Veteran, Legion Member, or family member of a past Auxiliary President or Post Commander, we would especially appreciate your contributions. We ask Corporation members, past officers, and the public to provide assistance as well. Stop by the Post or call us at 630-833-7800.  

-- Ed.

WE NEED UPDATES, ARTICLES, AND CURRENT INFORMATION! 

All Sniper contributors who wrote articles previously, and any new contributors, are asked to submit articles now.

Without your help, the Sniper topics will not change. You may drop them off at the Post in Cafe 187, or email

us at webeditor@americanlegionthb187.org, or mail it to the Post via US Mail. Please put a contact number or

email address in your email for confirmation. Spam will be deleted.  Thank you. 

THE SNIPER

Section​ 3 

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CURRENT AND UPCOMING EVENTS

POST T.H.B. 187 OFFICER ELECTION RESULTS, APRIL 28, 2026

April 29, 2026

The following officers were elected by membership for the 2026-27 year begining on September 1, 2026.

Commander: Tom Augustyn

Senior Vice Commander: Eric Pulia

Junior Vice Commander: Don Page

Finance Officer: Bob Blewett

Thank you to all who ran for office and congratulations to those elected.   

-- Ed.

ELMHURST VETERAN BILL SHANKLIN NAMED MEMORIAL DAY PARADE'S GRAND MARSHAL

April 17, 2026, from the Elmhurst Patch

 David Giuliani,Patch Staff

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst has named William R. "Bill" Shanklin as the grand marshal for the city's 108th Memorial Day Parade on May 25. The resident has held leadership roles in Elmhurst for years.

He is a longtime resident and Army Special Forces veteran. Shanklin's military service spans the Cold War and Vietnam War era, according to the city's announcement. The city said he was unanimously selected by the Memorial Day Parade Committee in recognition of both his military service and his long commitment to honoring veterans in Elmhurst.

Beyond his time in the Army, Shanklin has remained active in Elmhurst for decades. The city said he has held leadership roles with the Elmhurst Economic Development Commission, the Veterans Memorial Commission and American Legion Post 187. When Shanklin was 75, he took part in the 75th anniversary of D-Day, completing a commemorative parachute jump into Normandy, the city said.

Elmhurst Veteran Named Memorial Day Parade's Grand Marshal | Elmhurst, IL Patch

THE SNIPER

Section 4 

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ADJUTANT REPORT AND POST BUSINESS  

August 13, 2025

Donations of Christmas decor. We have realized that we have minimal decorations for the outside of our Post.  If anyone has any artificial trees, wreaths, or lights in good shape that they are able to donate, please call Mike Kerley and arrange to drop them off at the Post. Thanks for your help.  

Dues Notice Alert!!  The dues notices are sent out by the by the State. Sometimes the notices cross in the mail. Feel free to contact me if you believe there is an error so we can fix the issues.

We are in need of new members! Our membership is declining due to the passing of our comrades, retirees moving away, and others not renewing their memberships. Members are men and women who share not only a common past but also help our Veterans get and keep the benefits they need and deserve. Do you have any relatives, friends or neighbors who might be eligible to join the American Legion?  Ask them to join or transfer to our Post.  We will welcome them! Regular dues price is $50.00 per year. 

Volunteers are needed. As you know our post needs volunteers to make activities more successful so if you have one day or evening a month to spare, we could use your help at Fish Fry, Wednesday Night Bingo or any of the various parties we have, or on various projects around the Post Home.  Please give me a call, or stop by the Post during Fish Fry or attend any of our meetings and talk with us.

Post and Sons of Legion Meetings are held together at 6:00 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month: January, February, July, August, September, October, and November. There is not a meeting in December. In March, April, May, and June, Post and S.A.L. meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. Check the calendar on the website tab, "Events Calendar", for meeting dates.  If you are present, you could find yourself leaving a bit richer from our “Split the Pot” door prize or the Membership Attendance Drawing (worth $200) if your number is picked. S.A.L. members are most welcome to attend all Post Meetings.

​Post Corporation meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. 

IMPORTANT !!  Please send in your DD-214s if they are not already on file with us.  We need them in case your family cannot find your original.  It will be needed to ensure you receive every benefit to which you are entitled when you pass away.  This has become a problem when members transfer in.  If you need to order a copy, you can go online to http://vetrecs.archives.gov or call the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis at 1-877-827-9026.

Honor Flight Chicago … Is taking applications for those Veterans from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I do have the applications for those who are interested.  Honor Flight also will take applications for Volunteers. This is a FREE trip for those veterans. There is a cost for the Volunteers.

-- Mike Kerley, Post Adjutant  

WEBSITE ADVERTISING DONATIONS

January 1, 2026

To the wonderful patriotic citizens and businesses of the Elmhurst area community, join our Elmhurst American Legion Post as an Advertiser, Individual Booster, or Sponsor. 100% of the monies raised are given back to the community. This website is a non-profit volunteer publication of T.H.B. Post 187 for the benefit of Veterans and Members to read about programs and events occurring at the Post. Help us to continue sponsoring Scholarships for our children; give aid and assistance to our local needy Veterans and their families. Help us to continue to support financially worthy community programs and projects. 

If you are a local citizen, business entity, or organization, and would like to advertise on our website, please contact the Post at 630-833-7800. We will have someone get back to you. We will work with you on donation rates, publication terms, and on what category you'd like to appear in (see below), the size of copy (partial page shared with others, or full page self standing), and whether it is in color or black and white. We can also include links to your own website. Per the Legion website administrator, Legionsites.com, the copy should be in a jpeg format for the best appearance on the site. 

We hope you also may consider being a sponsor or individual booster of the Post. See tab "Advertising, Supporters" for our three categories of recognition: Advertisers, Boosters, and Sponsors. 

Thank you in advance for your interest and support of T.H.B. Post 187! 

-- Ed.       

THE SNIPER

Section​ 5 

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ENROLLMENT/ HOW TO JOIN PROCESS: 

​We invite you to become a Legion Member 

To Elmhurst and surrounding town residents: If you are a Veteran in your 20's, 30's, or 40's (or any other age), are a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter of a Veteran, living or deceased, who served during the dates of April 6, 1917, to Nov. 11, 1918, and Dec. 7, 1941 to a time later determined by the federal government, we welcome you to stop by the Post.

We are looking for new members to join the Post, the Women's Auxiliary, and the Sons of the Legion to take us through the 2020's and beyond. Members who choose to volunteer can oversee programs, coordinate events, and move into chairperson, leadership, and officer positions that are available for dedicated citizens who want to make a difference in our towns. Or, if you'd rather take time out to relax, attend our events, and meet other members, you are welcome to stop by or call 630-833-7800.   

Please click below for a membership application, fill it out, and bring it and your dues to the Post.  

48MEM0716-Legion-Family-Applications.pdf (illegion.org)

MEMBER DUES PAYMENTS: 

We have received many questions regarding dues payments. We do not send out notices; they are mailed from the Department of Illinois and may cross in the mail with your payment. If paying online, we do not receive those dues until they are processed by Springfield, so please bear with us. 

It has come to our attention that some members have problems paying their dues because of circumstances beyond their control. It could be a matter of purchasing food, heat, the corona virus, or medicine costs. Some of these individuals are long-time members. If you would like to help them out, add a donation to your dues payment or make an outright donation to other member's dues. If you know someone in need, or if you wish to pay someone's dues, please notify Mike Kerley at adjutant@americanlegionthb187.org .   

--Mike Kerley, Post Adjutant 

SONS OF LEGION MEMBERSHIP RATES 

August 16, 2025

Greetings Fellow Sons,

NEW LEGION ENROLLEES:  April 2026

New Post and Auxiliary members:  None reported.

New S.A.L. Members: None reported

Transferred in: None Reported.

THE SNIPER

Section 6 

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HEALTH, MEDICAL, AND MEMORIALS

HEALTH AND VIRUS UPDATES VIA cdc.gov

December 6, 2025

The Center for Disease Control (the CDC) provides health and virus updates from many sources which give you good information and are timely. Please click this link for updated information Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov) 

Our goal is to give our Legion membership reference information for Covid-19, norovirus, avian flu, whooping cough, hepatitis, and any other updates. As always, if you exhibit symptoms, please contact your physician.

On February 28, 2022, all Elmhurst American Legion programs returned to normal operations. The federal COVID-19 PHE (Public Health Emergency) declaration ended on May 11, 2023. You may continue to wear a mask indoors at the Legion Post if you so desire. We will monitor state and national developments on any recent changes regarding health issues and notify our members of same.

VETERANS HEALTH AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

February 6, 2026

Our post is offering various sections within our website where you can get the following information. We hope it is a start for you to find what you need. Please click on the topics below that will give you additional initial information. 

VETERANS AFFAIRS, PACT ACT, HOME CARE ASSISTANCE, RESOURCES

VETERANS CAREGIVING, LOANS, BENEFITS, DUPAGE VA INFO

HINES HOSPITAL DIRECTORY, DUPAGE HEALTH COALITION COST ASSISTANCE

CAFE LIBERTY, CULINARY TRAINING PROGRAM

ALLEN FORCE, HEALTHY MINDS HEALTHY BODIES

MESOTHELIOMA CENTER, ASBESTOS ASSISTANCE

MEDICAL ALERT DEVICES, SIGNS OF A STROKE

EDWARDS ELMHURST ENDEAVOR HOSPITAL - VETERANS RECOGNITION PROGRAM, UPDATE

June 10, 2025

Paul V. Tilton from our Post is a volunteer at Elmhurst (Endeavor) Hospital and has provided the following information: The mission of the Veterans Recognition Program (VRP) is to recognize those veterans in the hospital for their sacrifice and commitment to this country. The veterans are visited in their hospital rooms and are presented with a card from the CEO of the hospital, thanking them for their service. In addition, a placard is placed on the door handle, identifying the veteran as one of our nation’s heroes. Some of the veterans like to share their military experience and some are more reserved, but all of them are truly appreciative for being visited and recognized. During the visit, I emphasize that I represent T.H.B. Post 187.

Many thanks to the women of Elmhurst T.H.B. Post 187 Auxiliary, who recently made and contributed over two dozen blankets to the Veterans Recognition Program at Endeavor (Elmhurst) Hospital. All of the blankets have been passed out to the vets in their hospital rooms. I only wish I could describe the pride these veterans feel when they are recognized for their sacrifice and commitment to this country. They really appreciate the love and care the Auxiliary members put into making each blanket.  

Anyone from the Post, including Auxiliary or Sons, who would like to volunteer at Endeavor (Elmhurst) Hospital please contact: 

Volunteer Supervisor - Judy Jameson  Phone: (331) 221-3282    Email:  judy.jameson@eehealth.org

URL to apply online:  https://www.eehealth.org/ways-to-give/volunteer

Meeting these veterans and listening to their military experiences is very rewarding and they are always appreciative of being recognized for their service.

--Paul V. Tilton, Past Junior Vice Commander and Past Recorder 

GET WELL SOON - May 2026

To our members who have been out ill, in the hospital, or recuperating from injury/surgery:

None currently reported.

IN MEMORIAM - March/April 2026

Edward “Ed” DePasque, age 95, passed away peacefully at his home on March 27, 2026. Ed was born in Chicago, IL in 1930 to the late John and Victoria DePasque. Beloved husband of the late Dolores (nee Krause) for 35 years; loving father of Valerie Novak and Debbie DePasque; cherished grandfather “Papa” of Maddie, Max and Emma; dearest brother of Vicki, the late Jimmy, the late Lucy, the late Maggie; and fond uncle to many nieces and nephews. Ed was raised in Chicago by his parents, John and Victoria, who immigrated from Italy when they were very young. He was the second youngest of nine children. He met his future bride, Dolores (Krause), when they were both part of the wedding party for mutual friends. They married on March 17, 1955. Ed and Dolores moved to Elmhurst and bought their first house in 1955, where they welcomed two daughters, Valerie in 1957, and Deborah in 1960. 

An industrious young man, he helped support the family by establishing and working in a variety of small businesses while attending and graduating from Kelly High School. He attended trade school and became a sheet metal worker in 1951 and was a member of Local Union #73 for over 70 years. Ed was drafted into the U.S. Army and became a Corporal in the Korean War. He first learned about artillery and became a fire direction specialist. Once in Korea, a mess sergeant who needed a cook learned Ed was from a large Italian family and recruited him as a cook, where he served meals to 130-150 soldiers daily. After his discharge in 1953, Ed returned home to Chicago. Ed was always known as a fun & friendly neighbor, and was loved by all who knew him. A very disciplined Catholic, Ed never missed Sunday mass. Ed was always working… gardening, building, helping others, cooking, and working on projects at the American Legion Post 187. He was Commander of the Legion Post in 1976. He worked tirelessly on many projects at home, on side jobs, and at his job at Scarlett Glow Engineering.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 3 – 8 p.m. at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 S. Spring Road, Elmhurst, Illinois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Visitation Catholic Church, 779 S. York Street, Elmhurst, Illinois. Interment will follow at Randhill Park Cemetery in Arlington Heights, IL. For information, (630) 834-3515 or www.ahlgrim.com.

ELMHURST VETERANS MEMORIAL:

The City of Elmhurst has a Veteran's Memorial Commission that oversees the Veterans Memorial in Wilder Park. The former honoring of a Veteran program has been discontinued. However, if there is someone you would like to honor during a planned ceremony, please contact the Veterans Memorial Commission at the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 North York Street, (630) 530-3000. The Veteran you wish to honor does NOT need to be a member of the American Legion. The only requirement is that he or she be honorably discharged, and you have a copy of the Veteran’s DD-214 (or Enlisted Record & Report of Separation).

If you would like to participate in Veterans programs that the city offers, or would like more information or have questions, please go to their website:  www.elmhurst.org/government/boards___commissions/veterans_commission/index.php

THE SNIPER

Section 7 

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CORPORATION AND POST NEWS

RECYCLING BIN AVAILABLE AT THE POST

October 2, 2025

Do you have any metals, or aluminum cans at home that need recycling? Aurora's S&S Metal Recyclers II has a collection bin at the Legion for aluminum cans and other metals. It will hold about $200 of cans and metal that the Post will donate towards Boys and Girls State. The bin is in the parking lot at the southwest corner of our building next to the storage shed. You may drop off any quantity of cans and metals during Post business hours, Monday through Saturday. Thanks for your support.

Click on this link for more information:  https://patch.com/illinois/elmhurst/elmhurst-vets-group-collects-ton-scrap-metal

-- Eric Pulia, Post Commander

VIDEO GAMING MACHINES ARE AT THE POST

August 29, 2025 

The Elmhurst American Legion is pleased to announce that video gaming machines are at the Post! Operating hours are currently 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday. Holiday hours may vary. The Post is available for rental on Sunday. Six machines are located in Cafe 187. An ATM machine is available to get cash from your bank account to use on the gaming machines. A card will be loaded with your winnings to cash out on the ATM. The machines were installed by the State of Illinois and are operated and managed via the State's gaming agent, Accel Entertainment, (AE Player®), at www.aeplayer.com . Stop on by and check out the machines. You must be 21 years of age or older to play the video gaming machines.

All gaming participants are invited to join the AE® Player Rewards® customer loyalty program at the kiosk located near the video machines. Click on the link below for information. 

AE Player Rewards - About Page

-- Ed., plus AE® Player Rewards® information 

SATURDAY AFTERNOON LUNCHES 

May 3, 2026

Saturday Afternoon Lunches have been reduced to once a month from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm as we do not have a cook. Volunteer cooks are wanted. Carry out is available. Check our "Lunch Menu" tab or "Events Calendar" tab for upcoming lunches when announced.​​​​ There will be a lunch on May 9 from 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm. Baked ham, scalloped potatoes, and green beans will be served for $8.00.   

We are trying to have lunches on a monthly basis if possible. Because of this, future Saturday lunches will be posted on the bulletin board near the restrooms in the Cafe 187 lounge and on our exterior readerboard sign. If you wish to volunteer to cook on any Saturday, please contact me (Bob Daniels) at 630-833-7800, or sign up on the aforementioned board. Plan to cook for about 25-30 people. Anything you wish to cook is fine. You will be reimbursed for expenses.

Since September, 2015, the Saturday Afternoon Lunches have generated enough funds to purchase equipment for the Legion amounting to a value of over $12,000. Besides the purchases in past reports, in 2025 we purchased a new freezer for our pre-made frozen pizzas. We have bought approximately 30 items prior to these that I won't list for lack of space here. The list is available on request. 

These items were able to be purchased because of the people who have come in for a good lunch on Saturday (currently $8.00), and also attended prior lunches. We hope to continue the lunches, but without a cook this is not going to happen. 

Thanks to all the people who come regularly for our lunches! 

-- Bob Daniels, Past Commander 

​NORMANDY BANQUET ROOM AND CAFE 187 RENTAL INFORMATION                             

If you are planning an event such as a birthday, wedding or anniversary party, please consider renting one of the rooms at your Post Home. The Normandy Banquet Room is ideal for large gatherings, it can accommodate 220 people. Cafe 187 can accommodate 75 people. Packages are available for buffet or family-style dinners, or dinners "by the plate".

If you are a Legion member, you will receive a discount off the cost of the regular room rental. For details and menu items, click our website tab "Banquet Rentals, Normandy Room." Or, call the Post at (630) 833-7800. You also may email webeditor@americanlegionthb187.org for information, and someone will get back to you for date availablities and rates for your event.

-- Al Bertolani, Finance Officer

Corporation Board Members 2025-26 

November 26, 2025  

The Corporation Board of the Legion held 2025-26 membership elections and ratification on September 9, 2025. The Board and Committee elected officers and expiration dates for elected postions are listed below. As of November 25, 2025, Tom Zickus has resigned and Robert Fonzino was nominated and approved by the Board for Tom's positions.

Corporation Board 2025-26

President                 Rus Strahan                                  1 year, 9-26

Vice President         John Scudder                                1 year, 9-26

Secretary                 Barb Liebe                                    2 years, 9-27

Secretary                 Don Page                                      1 year, 9-26  

Treasurer                 Robert Blewett                             3 years, 9-28 

Board Member        Al Bertolani                                  3 years, 9-28

Board Member        Robert Fonzino                            2 years, 9-27

Board Member        Robert Daniels                             2 years, 9-27

Board Member        Tom Augustyn                              3 years, 9-28

ad hoc Board Member    Eric Pulia                              Post Commander

2025-26 Committee members (3 each) were appointed for this year. 

Indoor                              Outdoor                           Bar

Al Bertolani                     Robert Fonzino               Rus Strahan

John Scudder                  Barb Liebe                       Bob Blewett

Don Page                        Tom Augustyn                 Bob Daniels 

Thank you to the members of the Corporation Board and Committees for your participation.

THE SNIPER

Section 8 

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RECENT LEGION EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

ELMHURST YOUTH BASEBALL 2026

March 8, 2026

Elmhurst Youth Baseball > Home

Elmhurst Legion T.H.B. 187 Post is proud to inform you that Elmhurst has the Elmhurst Youth Baseball program available for children and youths. EYB offers a variety of baseball programs for kids from ages 5-12, and older students from ages 13-21 in several baseball and softball leagues. Please click on the link above for details on the organization and how to join and register. 2026 registration is now open until April 11, 2026. For questions, please email info@eybaseball.org.  

-- Ed.

2025 RECRUITS THANKSGIVING DINNER

November 27, 2025

The Elmhurst American Legion was honored to have the Glenview Naval Station Recruits attend our annual Thanksgiving dinner for recruits at the post. The recruits arrived to a welcoming ceremony with bagpipe players, and were treated to breakfast and dinner. They had use of computers donated by the Elmhurst Public Library, watched the football games, and played the juke box. They called their families and significant others to wish them Happy Thanksgiving. Below is a picture of the recruits with the Legion volunteer staff and a thank you card presented by several of the recruits. We look forward to having next year's recruits return to the Post.

--Ed.

BASEBALL - MUDDOGS BASEBALL 2025 FALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 

October 25, 2025

The Muddogs are the 2025 Fall League Champions!

#3 DUPAGE MUDDOGS. 3

#1 NORTHWEST ROCKETS. 2

HITTING HIGHLIGHTS:

Marty Anfinson 3-3, 1RS, 2B, SB

Gibson Sotir 1-3, 1RBI

PITCHING HIGHLIGHTS:

Noah Edison (S) W, 7IP, 5H, 2R, 2ER, 12K, 4BB

PLAYER OF THE GAME: JAKE BORHO, for stealing home to put the Muddogs ahead at 3-1 and

be the game deciding leading run to win it.

CONGRATULATIONS MUDDOGS!!!

For more information on the team, go to the Muddogs Facebook page below.  

www.facebook.com/MuddogsLegionBaseball

-- Information provided by program director Mike Biondo. 

FIVE STAR AWARD PRESENTATION, SONS OF AMERICAN LEGION

July 26, 2025

James Errera, T.H.B. Post 187 Sons of American Legion Member and Sons Sergeant-at-Arms, was presented the Five Star Award Certificate of Achievement on July 22, 2025. The award is available to SAL members who complete the program. A star was presented for each part of the program earned in the following areas: Patriotism, Citizenship, Discipline, Leadership, and Legionism. James successfully passed the exam in each area of knowledge after beginning the program in 2024. Congratulations to James on completing the Five Star Award program! 

Pictured above is SAL Sergeant-at-Arms James Errera (left), and SAL Commander David Novotny. 

--Ed., photo by Auxiliary Past First V.P. Gladys Novotny.  

VETERAN RECOGNITION OF POST MEMBER

July 18, 2025 

Past Commander Dan Bruno was approached this week by an anonymous student at a local Downers Grove store. The student gave Dan this letter below and thanked him for his service and left the store. A very nice gesture by someone we'll never know. 

LOCAL BUSINESS CELEBRATES MEMORIAL DAY

May 23, 2025

A local Elmhurst business was seen celebrating Memorial Day recently. Thank you to Head Designer Salon for honoring our Vets! 

FRIDAY NIGHT BANDS / LIVE MUSIC / 50-50 RAFFLE 

May 9, 2026 

   The jackpot raffle ticket donation fishbowl  

Join us each Friday for our Friday Night Fish Fry followed by our weekly band, and participate in our voluntary 50/50 Raffle. Your donation is important to our bands and the Post. The donated money and tips raised from these raffles pays for the bands who appear here each week, and gives attendees a chance at the jackpot. Raffle tickets are $1.00 each, or $5.00 for 6 tickets. The total jackpot is split 50-50 between the winner and the band. If you put your name and phone number on the back of your tickets, you need not be present to win. Winning numbers are drawn between 9:00 and 9:30 pm., usually at the band's last break. 

Weekly bands perform on Friday nights in Cafe 187, and occassionally the Normandy Room. Sometimes a $10.00 donation for admission is requested to pay for Normandy Room bands. See the "Live Music Fridays, Featured Bands" tab for details and scheduling of upcoming performers.

New bands have been added on Thursdays! Check our events calendar as new bands will occassionally play Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:00 pm.

Recent raffle winners: 

Friday, May 8: Winner- Patti W., $77.00. Ticket #0919894. Jackpot was $155.00, generated by Lisa Marie & David G. 

Friday, May 1: Winner- Dale B., $98.00. Ticket #0919562. Jackpot was $196.00, generated by the Fabulous Fab Tones. 

Thank you to all donors/participants who played the 50-50 raffle or donated tips to help pay our bands. Please note that winnings can be given as donations to honor birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, donating to the Post, to our band that night, or any other special event that you wish to remember. 

As the late Johnny Gray, a longtime performer at the Post would say, "Come visit the American Legion in beautiful south Elmhurst, the vacation capital of the Midwest, and enjoy a delicious Fish Fry dinner and great entertainment!" Also, purchase a few raffle tickets, or enter the Queen of Hearts Fundraiser drawing (see "Queen of Hearts Fundraiser" tab on our website). Perhaps YOU will be our next lucky winner! Many thanks to the people who turn out, and to all donors for your support of the 50/50 raffle and admission fundraisers that pay for our bands.

Below are some of the bands who regulary perform at the Legion. Remember to tell all of your friends about our bands, and to come back to the Post soon. We do appreciate your support of these bands and upcoming new bands via our 50/50 raffle contest and admission donations.  

Flash Baxter 

Bruce Gibson Quartet

Fran Marie

The Fabulous Fabtones

Solid - Aire Band 

The Rockin' Eldorados

Lisa Marie Quartet

River Sunstone

Trilogee 

Steve Petro 

Looney Train Band

QUEEN OF HEARTS FUNDRAISER GAME:

October 5, 2025

The Queen of Hearts game is available to play at the Post. 

Stop by at the Elmhurst American Legion and play our Queen of Hearts game at the Post. You might just win some $$$$ and help the Legion too!  Tickets can be purchased at the bar in Cafe 187. The drawing is weekly on Wednesdays and is generally between 8:00- 8:30 during Bingo. The current weeks' jackpot is on our pylon sign readerboard as you drive by the Post. 

QUEEN OF HEARTS GAME RULES

The game consists of a standard deck of cards with 2 (two) jokers for a total of 54 cards. Cards are shuffled, numbered 1 through 54, and placed face down in the locked cabinet. Tickets are sold for $1.00 (one dollar) each. Print name and phone number on each ticket, then place in the large drum. If the person does not plan on attending the drawing, he or she must write a number of one of the remaining cards on the front of the ticket. If that ticket is drawn, someone from the Post will pull the corresponding numbered ticket from the board.

On drawing day, a random person will pull one ticket from the drum. If present, the person who has the winning ticket will pull a number from 1 to 54. The corresponding numbered card on the board will be pulled. If that number is the Queen of Hearts, then that person wins. If not, the game continues until the Queen of Hearts is pulled. But, if both Jokers are pulled before the Queen is found, the rest of the cards will be removed and a new deck of cards will be put in its place and the game continues. All other tickets in the drum will be discarded. Drawings will be held on Wednesdays, generally between 8:00 and 8:30 pm. 

Payouts are 60% of the money to the winner, 20% back to start the next game, 20% to the Post for improvements to the Post or towards benefits the Post gives out. Payout is in the form of a check from the Legion. Tax requirements are the responsibility of the winner.

GOOD LUCK!  Questions? Call the Post at 630-833-7800.  

-- Ed. 

THE SNIPER

Section 9 

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YEAR ROUND LEGION MEETINGS, ONGOING EVENTS/SERVICES

MEETING DATES- 11TH DISTRICT and SECOND DIVISION

January 1, 2026

NEW MEETING DATES FOR THIS YEAR:

Please see this link for current calendar: 

Division/District Meeting Dates – American Legion Department of Illinois (illegion.org)

Please see this link for district and division map:

District/Division Map – American Legion Department of Illinois (illegion.org)

--Ed.

HONOR FLIGHT CHICAGO

May 1, 2026

Honor Flight Chicago brings WW II, Korean, and Vietnam vets out to Washington D.C., at no charge to them, to visit the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Memorials. It is a great organization doing a great job honoring our troops from the above three wars. Please click below to find out more about their organization and how you can be put on the list for a visit.

www.honorflightchicago.org

To view past and recent Honor Flights go to: News – Honor Flight Chicago 

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