Written by Bill Millar | 03 March 2010

The Dept. of Maine, 8th District (Bath Post 21, Harpswell Post 171, Topsham Post 202) held its first meeting in Harpswell, Monday, Feb. 15 at the Merriconeag Grange.

Following the District meeting, Dept. of Maine Cdr. Andy Olson presented Post 171 two awards from AL National Cdr. Clarence E. Hill: the first to Cdr. Bill O'Connell for the Post meeting its goal of 131 members by 1/14/10, and the second a Certificate of Meritorious Service for achieving an all-time high membership by 12/31/09. Cdr. Olson also presented an 8th District award for Post 171's 100% membership achievement.

Stacey Pendexter USN (Ret) was recognized as our 133rd 2010 member. She earned the Post its National Award for all-time highest membership.

During Post 171's regular meeting, Cdr. O'Connell and 1st Vice Cdr. and Membership Chairman Bob Webber presented a Certificate of Honor to the Post's most recent WWII member, Andy DeBiasio USA for earning his place in "The Greatest Generation."

Steven K. Hurd, Chief, Voluntary Services at Togus VA Medical Center sent letters of Appreciation for the Post's 12/18/09 donation of a Gateway computer for residents of Patriot Place and Veterans Village, and for $600 placed in Recreation's Bingo/Coupon Book Fund. He also thanked Past Cdr. Roger Dumont, who chaired the Post/Unit 171 committee in charge of buying and wrapping gifts for 60 patients.

The Post will next meet March 15 at 7 PM at the Grange in Harpswell, 529 Harpswell Neck Road (Rt. 123). For more information, contact Bob Webber ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 725-7976) or Dan Boland ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 833-5583)