OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES
2024/2025 Post 80 OfficersCommander - Howard Parker
Senior Vice Commander - Ed Ludwig Junior Vice Commander - Jason Wales Adjutant - Bruce Peiffer Finance Officer - Rick McLaren Sergeant-At-Arms - Bill Dawson Chaplain - Bob Hahn Historian -Dave Wisbrock Judge-Advocate - Todd Hanson |
2024/2025 Post 80 Board of DirectorsCommander - Howard Parker
Senior Vice Commander - Ed Ludwig Junior Vice Commander - Jason Wales Adjutant - Bruce Peiffer Finance Officer - Rick McLaren Sergeant-At-Arms - Bill Dawson Chaplain - Bob Hahn Historian - Nicole Dedick Judge Advocate - Todd Hanson Service Officer - Rich Jones Junior Past Commander - Rich Jones Board of Director (2 years) - John Pavich Board of Director (2 years) - John Cruz Board of Director (1 year) - Dan Konczak Board of Director (1 year) - Frank Mangone Board of Director (3 years) - Sergio Delgado Board of Director (3 years) - Dick Rooney |
|
2019 Past Commanders and Miss Poppy 2019
Standing (l-r): Todd Hanson (2013-2014), Dick Rooney (2005-2006), Jack Border (2000-2001),Dave Wisbrock (1988-1990). Seated (i-r): Emery Wolff (1995), Rosa Super-Rooney (Miss Poppy 2019), Larry Bryant (1997-1998), Ed Ludwig (2016-2017). Not Shown: Leonard Voss (1966), Herb Morrison (1975), Dick Bernardini (1994) Joe Pappalardo (2004),Rich Mueller (2007-2008), Woody Kawaters (2009-2010), Rich Greenwald (2011-2012), John Cruz (2015). |
Committees
,,The following list consists of appointed members to Post 80 Committees. If you are interested in being a member of any of them please contact our Commander.
Americanism
Helping our community and the youth of our community, including baseball, sports and scouts.
Members: Todd Hanson (Scouts - Venture, Boy & Cub), Todd Hanson (Baseball), Robert McGuffin (Oratorical & Boys State), Vacant (Police Academy)
Boy & Cub Scouts
Charter Organization Representative: Todd Hanson
Constitution & By-Laws
Chairman: Todd Hanson
Member:
Education & Scholarship
Member: Dick Rooney
Finance
Chairman: Rick McLaren
Members: Bob Hahn, Ed Ludwig, Dick Rooney, Bruce Peiffer,, Todd Hanson
Gift for Yanks
Chairman: Rich Jones
Member: L. Delin
House & Grounds
Responsible for keeping Post property in good condition and overseeing the operation of the Bar and rentals.
Chairperson: Ed Ludwig
Members: John Pavich,, Dan Konczak, Carmen Gnolfo, Rick McLaren, John Cruz, Dick Rooney.
Membership
Chairman: Ed Ludwig
Members: Bruce Peiffer, Bill Dawson, Bill Cozzi, Bob Hahn.
Nominating
Members: Dick Rooney, John Pavich, Ed Ludwig
Programs & Entertainment
In charge of Bingo, Pull Tabs and other money endeavors of our Post.
Chairman: Bob Hahn
Members: Vacant
Social Chairman: Vacant
Public Relations
Responsible for editing our newsletter and for news items and pictures in local papers.
Chairman:
Members:
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Chairman: Rich Jones
Members:
The Membership, Finance, Service and Entertainment Committees are assigned according to our by-laws to the Sr. Vice Commander, the Finance Officer, the Service Officer and the Jr. Vice Commander respectively.
By Right of Office the Commander sits on all Post Committees.
If you are interested in being part of any of the above committees, please contact our Commander, Rich Jones at 630/370-2434 or email.
Americanism
Helping our community and the youth of our community, including baseball, sports and scouts.
Members: Todd Hanson (Scouts - Venture, Boy & Cub), Todd Hanson (Baseball), Robert McGuffin (Oratorical & Boys State), Vacant (Police Academy)
Boy & Cub Scouts
Charter Organization Representative: Todd Hanson
Constitution & By-Laws
Chairman: Todd Hanson
Member:
Education & Scholarship
Member: Dick Rooney
Finance
Chairman: Rick McLaren
Members: Bob Hahn, Ed Ludwig, Dick Rooney, Bruce Peiffer,, Todd Hanson
Gift for Yanks
Chairman: Rich Jones
Member: L. Delin
House & Grounds
Responsible for keeping Post property in good condition and overseeing the operation of the Bar and rentals.
Chairperson: Ed Ludwig
Members: John Pavich,, Dan Konczak, Carmen Gnolfo, Rick McLaren, John Cruz, Dick Rooney.
Membership
Chairman: Ed Ludwig
Members: Bruce Peiffer, Bill Dawson, Bill Cozzi, Bob Hahn.
Nominating
Members: Dick Rooney, John Pavich, Ed Ludwig
Programs & Entertainment
In charge of Bingo, Pull Tabs and other money endeavors of our Post.
Chairman: Bob Hahn
Members: Vacant
Social Chairman: Vacant
Public Relations
Responsible for editing our newsletter and for news items and pictures in local papers.
Chairman:
Members:
Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation
Chairman: Rich Jones
Members:
The Membership, Finance, Service and Entertainment Committees are assigned according to our by-laws to the Sr. Vice Commander, the Finance Officer, the Service Officer and the Jr. Vice Commander respectively.
By Right of Office the Commander sits on all Post Committees.
If you are interested in being part of any of the above committees, please contact our Commander, Rich Jones at 630/370-2434 or email.
Our Legacy, History, and Facilities
Our Legacy
Alexander Bradley Burns, for whom this post and unit are named, was born in Downers Grove, the youngest of J.M. and Mary Burns. He had just graduated from Downers Grove High School when the war broke out and was one of the first to enlist. He joined Battery C of the First Illinois Field Artillery, later the 149th F.A., known as “Reilly’s Bucks”, after Henry J. Reilly, Colonel and later Brigadier General. This unit was part of the famous “Rainbow” division, which was composed of National Guard units from all parts of the United States.
After four or five months of training at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, the unit sailed for France, where it was engaged in some of the largest battles of the War on the Western Front.
“Alec”, as he was called by all of his friends, was wounded on March 10, 1918 near Fremenic, in the Tuneville sector, while repairing wire which ran from the advance position to the battery to direct fire. He died two days later and was buried in a small French cemetery there. He was later buried in one of the large U.S. cemeteries in France. He had volunteered for the work when extra heavy enemy shelling had caused several breaks. It was while he was in an exposed position that a shrapnel shell exploded directly over him, wounding him in 23 places. The French government conferred the Croix de Guerre on him posthumously. He was the first of “our boys” from Downers Grove to make the supreme sacrifice.
After four or five months of training at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, the unit sailed for France, where it was engaged in some of the largest battles of the War on the Western Front.
“Alec”, as he was called by all of his friends, was wounded on March 10, 1918 near Fremenic, in the Tuneville sector, while repairing wire which ran from the advance position to the battery to direct fire. He died two days later and was buried in a small French cemetery there. He was later buried in one of the large U.S. cemeteries in France. He had volunteered for the work when extra heavy enemy shelling had caused several breaks. It was while he was in an exposed position that a shrapnel shell exploded directly over him, wounding him in 23 places. The French government conferred the Croix de Guerre on him posthumously. He was the first of “our boys” from Downers Grove to make the supreme sacrifice.
Our History
In 1919, a group of WWI veterans got together and organized the first Downers Grove Legion Post and named it in honor of Alexander Bradley Burns. On July 7, 1919 they met in the Masonic rooms at the GAR hall, adopted the Alexander Bradley Burns Post name and made the application on July 21, 1919.
By 1922, the membership had waned and in 1923 only two meetings were held. In 1924 Commander Henry Swift was elected and acted to reinvigorate the membership. At this time there was no celebration of the Fourth of July by the town or any organization. Post 80 began the celebration that remains one of the village’s most important annual dates. Eventually a carnival was added, which helped build the coffers of the Post. Up until the village took charge of the fireworks, Post 80 provided this entertainment by itself, holding the display near its present home.
From 1931 to 1933, the depression years, the activity at the Post fell off dramatically and the service officer seemed to be working constantly helping members…sometimes just for relief. Commander J. Richard Hawkins got things moving and appointed Charles Dyer to head up a youth week committee. Out of this grew an annual celebration, a soap box derby and the election of a permanent Junior Legion Unit. This unit was responsible for many activities such as a Drum and Bugle Corps and many athletic teams and events.
In 1936 the Post chartered its first Boy Scout Troop, Troop 80. This fine organization of young people is still very active and has produced numerous Eagle Scouts. The scouts contribute to maintaining our Post grounds. Visit their website at www.bsatroop80.com to view their many activities.
In 1940 the Post moved into its own building at 1035 Burlington Ave. and in 1945 purchased approximately forty five acres on Ogden Ave. in the vicinity of Saratoga Ave. The Post deeded five acres to the Board of Education in 1957 with the provision that the land could only be used for an athletic field, or similar use. This area is now the ball field north of the Post. At about that time the area of Saratoga Ave. from Odgen Ave. to 41st Street was dedicated to the village for public use (it should be noted that the Post retained ownership of Saratoga Ave. from 41st Street to the north end of the Post’s property).
Much of the originally purchased land was gradually sold off, with some going to the village for Doerhoefer Park. The Post retained approximately ten acres, to include Memorial Park located to the south of the existing building. Memorial Park includes the Obelisk, originally installed in May, 1976, which faces our front door. The Obelisk contains numerous members and friends names engraved on its sides. Recently, Post 80 acquired, refurbished and dedicated two howitzers adjacent to the Obelisk.
Memorial Park contains many trees that have been purchased and dedicated through the donation of members and families. These trees are designated with bronze markers facing the Obelisk that denote the name of the person being remembered, the war in which they were active and the species of tree.
Post 80 has had members representing all the wars and branches since the organization of the American Legion in 1919. All of the veterans who are members of the Legion have been honorably discharged from their respective services and their war achievements are well documented in history.
By 1922, the membership had waned and in 1923 only two meetings were held. In 1924 Commander Henry Swift was elected and acted to reinvigorate the membership. At this time there was no celebration of the Fourth of July by the town or any organization. Post 80 began the celebration that remains one of the village’s most important annual dates. Eventually a carnival was added, which helped build the coffers of the Post. Up until the village took charge of the fireworks, Post 80 provided this entertainment by itself, holding the display near its present home.
From 1931 to 1933, the depression years, the activity at the Post fell off dramatically and the service officer seemed to be working constantly helping members…sometimes just for relief. Commander J. Richard Hawkins got things moving and appointed Charles Dyer to head up a youth week committee. Out of this grew an annual celebration, a soap box derby and the election of a permanent Junior Legion Unit. This unit was responsible for many activities such as a Drum and Bugle Corps and many athletic teams and events.
In 1936 the Post chartered its first Boy Scout Troop, Troop 80. This fine organization of young people is still very active and has produced numerous Eagle Scouts. The scouts contribute to maintaining our Post grounds. Visit their website at www.bsatroop80.com to view their many activities.
In 1940 the Post moved into its own building at 1035 Burlington Ave. and in 1945 purchased approximately forty five acres on Ogden Ave. in the vicinity of Saratoga Ave. The Post deeded five acres to the Board of Education in 1957 with the provision that the land could only be used for an athletic field, or similar use. This area is now the ball field north of the Post. At about that time the area of Saratoga Ave. from Odgen Ave. to 41st Street was dedicated to the village for public use (it should be noted that the Post retained ownership of Saratoga Ave. from 41st Street to the north end of the Post’s property).
Much of the originally purchased land was gradually sold off, with some going to the village for Doerhoefer Park. The Post retained approximately ten acres, to include Memorial Park located to the south of the existing building. Memorial Park includes the Obelisk, originally installed in May, 1976, which faces our front door. The Obelisk contains numerous members and friends names engraved on its sides. Recently, Post 80 acquired, refurbished and dedicated two howitzers adjacent to the Obelisk.
Memorial Park contains many trees that have been purchased and dedicated through the donation of members and families. These trees are designated with bronze markers facing the Obelisk that denote the name of the person being remembered, the war in which they were active and the species of tree.
Post 80 has had members representing all the wars and branches since the organization of the American Legion in 1919. All of the veterans who are members of the Legion have been honorably discharged from their respective services and their war achievements are well documented in history.
Our Facilities
Since the initial meetings held in the Masonic rooms at GAR hall, Post 80 met in many facilities taking us from downtown Downers Grove to 4000 Saratoga Ave. over the years.
The membership outgrew the Masonic rooms and moved to the Dicke building club rooms, where social gatherings for the young men in town were held. However, the membership waned by 1922 and the Post returned to the Masonic rooms.
In 1936 the Post moved to the Avery Cooney Building on Grove Street and stayed there for three years before moving to the third floor of the Heart building for six months. In 1940 the Post moved into its own building at 1035 Burlington Ave.
In October of 1960 the Post began construction of its present building, which was dedicated on September 23, 1961. It should be noted that the Auxiliary had a large part in helping with the original funding.
An addition was made in 1998 to accommodate the DuPageCounty Traffic Court’s use of the facilities during weekdays. While the addition included offices for the court, it also provided the Post with a combination Library/Meeting room. This increased the size of our facilities from 8100 square feet to over 10,000 square feet.
Our main hall is 45’ X 90’ and divides by a motorized wall into 2 - 45’ X 45’ halls. In addition to our complete kitchen we have a 20’ X 45’ lounge with a bar. The remaining original facilities consist of offices, storage rooms and a cloak room.
The vast majority of original information above was written, compiled and provided by Bill Westrup, “Red” Harkness, Herb Morrison, Pete Tepler and Dick Bernardini.
The membership outgrew the Masonic rooms and moved to the Dicke building club rooms, where social gatherings for the young men in town were held. However, the membership waned by 1922 and the Post returned to the Masonic rooms.
In 1936 the Post moved to the Avery Cooney Building on Grove Street and stayed there for three years before moving to the third floor of the Heart building for six months. In 1940 the Post moved into its own building at 1035 Burlington Ave.
In October of 1960 the Post began construction of its present building, which was dedicated on September 23, 1961. It should be noted that the Auxiliary had a large part in helping with the original funding.
An addition was made in 1998 to accommodate the DuPageCounty Traffic Court’s use of the facilities during weekdays. While the addition included offices for the court, it also provided the Post with a combination Library/Meeting room. This increased the size of our facilities from 8100 square feet to over 10,000 square feet.
Our main hall is 45’ X 90’ and divides by a motorized wall into 2 - 45’ X 45’ halls. In addition to our complete kitchen we have a 20’ X 45’ lounge with a bar. The remaining original facilities consist of offices, storage rooms and a cloak room.
The vast majority of original information above was written, compiled and provided by Bill Westrup, “Red” Harkness, Herb Morrison, Pete Tepler and Dick Bernardini.