VIENNA — At the Vienna American Legion and Legion Auxiliary meetings last Tuesday night, two men were recognized as 50-year members of the American Legion Post 12.
Ronnie Thompson and …
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VIENNA — At the Vienna American Legion and Legion Auxiliary meetings last Tuesday night, two men were recognized as 50-year members of the American Legion Post 12.
Ronnie Thompson and Ronald Rowden had framed certificates with their names, which were signed by the national commander, the national Adjutant, and the Post 12 Commander Denise Wilkinson.
Rowden was not present at the meeting. Thompson, 75, was present along with his wife of 54 years (May 3), Donna (Hollis) Thompson, their children Keith Thompson and Cindy Wansing, and granddaughters Megan and Brooke Thompson. There were other relatives and friends present as well.
Donna brought a homemade pizza and a beautiful cake to commemorate the event was baked by Sharon Miller.
The certificates recognized 50 years of continuous membership in the American Legion. It stated: “Issued in grateful appreciation for faithful and dedicated allegiance to the ideals of the American Legion. Be it known that Ronnie E. Thompson a longtime and dedicated member of the American Legion Post 12, Department of Missouri has been certified to have been a member in good standing continuously for 50 years. And be it further known that such record of consistent loyalty to The American Legion meets the honor of being cited as an outstanding contributor to the programs of The American Legion. In witness thereof, this testimonial of personal gratitude is given under the hand of the National Commander, and duly attested by the National Adjutant, this 15th day of March 2021.”
Rowden’s certificate said the same.
At the ceremony last week, Post 12 Commander Denise Wilkinson congratulated Thompson. She said he’s one of the people who have “kept this going” as they approach veterans and their families about becoming part of the American Legion. Wilkinson said it is important that family members are present that evening because, “With any military service, we can’t serve our country without the support of our families.”
Thompson is a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from August 1968 to August 1970. He left his young bride at home when he went to the war in southeast Asia. He retired from the National Guard in 2003.