COMMANDER'S MESSAGE 2024 - 2025
I am proud of our post for our accomplishments this past year, and you should be as well! We surpassed our goals in several areas, and we were leaders in Washington State awards and recognized at our July Department Convention in Kennewick. Highlights include:
- Membership goals: American Legion Post 172 membership is at 121% of our goal, Sons of the American Legion at 102%, and American Legion Auxiliary at 80%
- Our Post 172 Washington State American Legion Award recipients include:
- Firefighter of the Year: Battalion Chief (BN) Josh Foley of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department (BIFD) for expert decision making and leadership as on-scene incident commander for the response following the grounding of the ferry M/V Walla Walla.
- Law Enforcement Officer of the Year: Officer Brenton Miller of the Bainbridge Island Police Department (BIPD), showed bravery and calmness during a dangerous crisis response.
- Paramedic/EMT of the Year: Lieutenant/Paramedic (LT/PM) Carol Mezen of the BIFD is the epitome of leadership and service.
- Eagle Scout of the Year award to Bodie Strom of Bainbridge Island, who’s exemplary scouting and community service history made him worthy of this designation.
- We awarded two $1,000 scholarships for deserving students at Bainbridge High School.
- Our poppy drive fundraiser earned over $6,000 to support veterans throughout our communities.
- We sponsored 4 excellent BHS students to attend the Boys and Girls State programs.
- We sponsored 2 Scout Troops and are proud of their accomplishments listed later.
- We participated in the Grand Old 4th of July festivities.
We have also hosted several veterans’ recognition and patriotism events, including a Veterans Day recognition focused on our Korean War veterans, a Vietnam Veterans Commemoration on March 23, our annual Memorial Day observance, and a U.S. flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day.
It’s been a very busy year, and I thank all of you who participated, who attended our meetings and events, who contributed, and who supported OUR POST — especially the scouts, our first responders, and our City Council!
Gary Sakuma, Commander