The Clear Lake American Legion Post 354 was named Sixth District Post of the Year at their annual convention June 6 in Brainerd. 

 

Clear Lake won over 71 other posts in the district.

 

“Not bad for a charter that was being considered to be eliminated less than two years ago,” said Charter Member Bud Stimmler.

 

The Clear Lake post received the award on the basis of several criteria including the increase of memberships, being more visible in the community, donations,

volunteerism and other contributions to their community.

 

Stimmler said the Clear Lake post heard from other American Legion leadership who said they noticed a big change in the post, especially their attitudes.

 

Bruce Wipper is the Clear Lake Legion Commander and after the post nearly expired in 2013, new officers were elected and 12 new members have since signed on with the post. Post 354 also launched a Sons of the American Legion charter and even the women’s auxiliary has picked up four-to-five new members in the last two years.

 

“We’ve also had four-to-five very successful food fundraisers lately,” said Stimmler, “and all the proceeds were donated to veterans in the community.

 

Stimmler also wanted to thank the volunteers who helped and the patrons who visited the Legion’s smoked chicken food booth at the Freedom Days event this past weekend.

 

The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security and continued devotion to fellow service

members and veterans.