Honoring Military Members, Veterans: American Legion Post 65 Auxiliary hosts dinner to honor 91st Military Police Battalion at Ft. Drum

by Rachel Hunter

The Auxiliary to James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 hosted a pasta dinner on Saturday, January 27 at the American Legion home, E. Main St., Gouverneur, to extend special honor and recognition to the 91st Military Police Battalion at Fort Drum, NY for their military service.

Over 30 persons were in attendance. The event was the brainchild of American Legion Post 65 Auxiliary President Daneen Phillips, who contacted Sgt. Major Shawn Thomas Bruner, the Operations Sergeant Major for the 91st Military Police Battalion, to organize and implement the event with the help of the hardworking auxiliary membership at American Legion Post 65. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that Sgt. Maj. Bruner gave the ceremonial address at the 2023 Gouverneur Veterans Day Observance in the Gouverneur Village Park. A historical sketch of the 91st Military Police Battalion is written as follows by the U.S. Army: “The 91st Military Police Battalion was constituted on June 8, 1945, in the U.S. Army as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 91st Military Police Battalion. It was activated June 13, 1945, in France, and then inactivated Oct. 14, 1945, at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. It was again activated on Sept. 20, 1950, in Korea and allotted into the Regular Army on Oct. 24, 1951. The 91st Military Police Battalion was inactivated on June 24, 1955, in Korea. It was activated Aug. 1, 1962, and inactivated March 25, 1964, at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. On Oct. 17, 2005, the 91st Military Police Battalion was activated at Fort Drum, New York, to serve as the command and control of the 511th and 543rd Military Police companies. On Nov. 17, 2007, the 563rd Military Police Company was reactivated at Fort Drum, and assigned to the 91st Military Police Battalion. On May 16, 2008, the 23rd Military Police Company was transferred to Fort Drum and was assigned to the 91st Military Police Battalion. On Oct. 16, 2012, the 227th Military Police Detachment was activated and assigned to the 91st Military Police Battalion.” The historical sketch was published first online at home.army.mil/drum.

The welcoming address was given by American Legion Post No. 65 Commander Jason Carvel, who shared that he was in the 91st MP Battalion, and when Sgt. Major Bruner got stationed at Ft. Drum, a professional relationship started between the American Legion Post No. 65 and the 91st Military Police Battalion. All those in attendance were encouraged to join the American Legion. Commander Carvel said the following: “To make it simple, our mission is to support soldiers, military members, their family members, and the local community. That’s what we do. There’s a lot involved in that, but it is about keeping the family together, after we separate from the military. That might be as simple as coming to a place, coming to a bar, and just talking and hanging out with a retired person or separated military member… talking about war stories. Or it could be more than that. It could be, “Hey I am in trouble. I need some help.” If the Legion itself doesn’t do something, a lot of times those Legionnaires will step up and help. And it is a way for us to continue to remain a part of something bigger than we are. That’s what we did in the military. That’s what you guys are doing now. You all are a part of something bigger than yourselves – and that is what the Legion is. It is a way to continue that. So, we’re happy to do this for you guys, and we’ll continue to do stuff like this.

“One of the missions is to help out the local community. In 2023, this Legion donated over $25,000 to the local community in a lot of different ways. We’re very proud of that, and every year it gets higher. That happens with membership, money that is spent here, donations, volunteers and members. The people you see that are sitting next to you are some of our biggest volunteers that are always doing stuff to help – whatever the mission is – whether it is local community, or to help a soldier program, Veterans Day and Memorial Day events, etc. Before we even eat, I’d like to thank all the people in the auxiliary that put on this food for us.” Thunderous applause sounded for the auxiliary’s hardworking efforts in preparing and serving the pasta dishes. “This Post would not be successful in any way without our Sons and Auxiliary members. I always like to say that. It is very important. Every small town has a Legion. If your town doesn’t have a Legion, the one next door does. I went to Myrtle Beach a couple years ago, and I asked: “Where is the closest Legion?” There’s three of them in Myrtle Beach. I visited all of them. The reason I do that is I know what I am getting into when I go to a Legion. If you go to a nightclub or a bar in a strange town, you don’t know what you are getting into. But if you go to a Legion, 95 percent of the time you know what you are getting into. It might look different, but the people are pretty much the same. It's always a safe place. It’s a fun place. It’s laid back. And they’ll be family. So think about joining the Legion. It doesn’t have to be this one, but you can join this Legion today. I’d be happy to sign you up… If you join the Legion here, you can transfer back home any time you want. If you get a Legion card here, you are good at any Legion across the country. They’ll let you in at any Legion, with open hearts. Legion members find a lot of joy and pleasure in giving back, being part of a family, being part of something bigger than themselves – just like you guys do every day. The sooner you join the better… it’s something to think about.”

All then stood for the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, before enjoying the scrumptious pasta meal which was served cafeteria style by auxiliary members. Following the meal, the American Legion Post No. 65 held special ceremony was held to honor and recognize the American Legion Auxiliary. The ceremony was led by Post Commander Carvel, who said the following: “Periodically, we hand out awards here, similar to the military, awards that are appreciative and deserving, a little something to recognize our members. We have one to present today, and we thought today would be a great day to do it with the (91st MP Battalion members) as an audience.”

The Auxiliary to James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 for the first time ever brought Wreaths Across America to Gouverneur. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall The Auxiliary to James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur on National Wreaths Across America Day (Saturday, December 16) placed patriotic wreaths on veterans graves in Gouverneur and Rossie as part of the movement to remember the fall, honor those who serve and teach the next generation the value of freedom. They joined the 2 million volunteers and supporters who gathered to “Remember, Honor and Teach” at more than 4,000 participating locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. The Auxiliary to James Maloy American Legion Post 65 was proud to bring Wreaths Across America into St. Lawrence County and to the Gouverneur and Rossie communities. Previously, the closest wreath placement and ceremony was held in Carthage. The Auxiliary to James Maloy American Legion Post 65 hope interest grows in Wreaths Across America locally, and plan to continue it in Gouverneur and Rossie in future years. The wreaths were placed at Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur, East Riverside Cemetery in Gouverneur, at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Rossie, and at the James Maloy American Legion Post 65 in Gouverneur. Among the graves decorated was that of the namesake of the American Legion Post 65, Lt. James L. Maloy of Gouverneur, who was killed in action and declared a casualty of World War I. He served with honor in the United States Army. “That day was extremely special,” Auxiliary President Daneen Phillips said. “On that day, the Auxiliary came together and it was an inspirational moment.” President Phillips then presented a floral bouquet to each of the auxiliary members in attendance who assisted with Wreaths Across America – including Second Vice President Sue Ashley, Donna Pike, Mel Kirby. Sgt. At Arms Gloria Lehigh, who could not be in attendance due to illness, will receive her floral bouquet via special delivery.

A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to the auxiliary by Commander Carvel, with the inscription read by Sgt. Maj. Bruner as follows: “This certificate of appreciation is presented to Daneen Phillips, Sue Ashley, Donna Pike, Mel Kirby, and Gloria Lehigh in recognition and sincere appreciation for outstanding service and assistance which contributed to the advancement of the American Legion programs and activities dedicated to God and Country. These Post Auxiliary members made and placed 16 Christmas wreaths at local veterans gravesites, in participation with the inaugural Wreaths Across America (in Gouverneur).” Great applause sounded in recognition of the auxiliary. Captain Allen Underwood also presented military coins of excellence to the auxiliary members in appreciation for the donations to the Breakfast with Santa event.

Much gratitude was extended to the American Legion Post 65 Auxiliary and Auxiliary President Daneen Phillips for making this event a special one to remember, and to Post 65 for their participation. There is great hope for more events in the future. All then were invited to stay and enjoy drinks, shuffleboard games and fellowship. In conclusion, Commander Carvel extended appreciation to the 91st Military Police Battalion for their service. “We were all in your shoes at one time, or were the spouse of a military member. We appreciate you. We know what you are going through. We are your family, whether you know it or not. You will figure it out one day. We really appreciate you being here. Thanks again.”

The James Maloy American Legion Post No. 65 is located at 163 E. Main Street in Gouverneur. For more information or to learn how to join, call 315-287-4590 or stop by the Legion home during regular operating hours.