Post Commanders - La Salle VFW Post 4668
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Post Commanders
Anton Novlan (d), Commander 1945-
Anton was a Charter Member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668 and served as it's 1st Commander, he served for 2 terms. During his 1st term the La Salle VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 4668 was Chartered. He was a farmer and had some exotic animals on his farm like peacocks.
J. Floyd Hughett (d), Commander 1947-
Floyd was a Charter Member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668, he also served as Commander for 2 terms. Nothing more was available on Floyd as no records or relatives could be located.
Felix F. Borisek (d), Commander 1949-
Felix was a US Army Air Corps Veteran attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He entered military service in July 1942 and served until his discharge in November 1945. He served with the 842nd Air Engineers Squadron with the 8th Air Force during WWII. Felix saw service in the European Theatre of WWII as an Airplane Engine Mechanic. His awards include American Campaign Medal, European-
Felix was a Charter Member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668 but like so many did not keep his membership up. He reinstated his membership at some time later. Felix served as Post Commander after being elected and took office the first time in June 1949 serving one term. Then some 51 years later he assumed the Post Commander's position from the office of Senior Vice due to the resignation of the Commander-
Joseph J. Panzica (d), Commander 1950-
Joe was a US Army Veteran of WWII enlisting before the war. He attained the rank of Master Sargent and served protecting the Panama Canal during WWII. He received the American Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal.
Joe was a Charter Member of La Salle VFW Post 4668. He served as Commander for 2 consecutive terms. He was also the Post Quartermaster for 6 years in the 1990's and earned "All-
William A. Mueller (d), Commander 1952-
Bill was a US Army Air Corps Veteran attaining the rank of Corporal. He entered military service in March 1943 and served until his discharge in January 1946. During his tour with the Army Air Corps he served as a Teletype Mechanic and saw service in the Pacific Theatre. His awards include American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon and WWII Victory Medal.
When he joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 is unknown, but he served two (2) 1 year terms as Post Commander 38 years apart.
Theodore William Radtke, Jr., Commander 1953-
Bill was a US Army Air Corp Veteran entering military service in February 1943 until discharge in December 1945 attaining the rank of PFC. He was assigned to 302 Air Transport Wing and in October 1942 was sent to the European Theatre. He served as a radioman man on a C-
Bill joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on April 15, 1948 and was elected Commander taking office in June 1953 serving 1 term. Bill also served 1 term as District 9 Commander and as La Salle County Council Commander. After his term as District Commander he served in a State Appointment for the Department.
George Golden (d), Commander 1954-
George was a US Army Veteran attaining the rank of PFC. He entered the service in October 1942 and was a barber until his discharge in December 1945. He was assigned to B Co. 82nd. Medical 12th A.D. and in September 1944 was sent to the European Theatre where he saw service in England, France and Germany during WWII. During his service in WWII he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart.
George became a member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on March 18, 1948. He was elected as Commander and took office in June 1954 serving 1 term.
Clarence Nick Pacetti (d), Commander 1955-
Nick was a US Army Veteran attaining the rank of Sgt. He entered the service in June 1941 and was discharged in December 1945. He saw service in the Pacific Theatre during WWII with Btry A 240th AAA ST BN earning the American Defense Theatre Ribbon, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and World War II Victory Medal.
Nick Joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on December 17, 1945 as a Charter Member, but like most failed to keep his membership up. He reinstated his membership at a later date that we don't have the record for anymore. He was elected as Commander and took office in June 1955 serving 3 terms. Then again he was elected Commander taking office in June 1985 serving 1 term, again in 1988 serving 3 terms and finally 1992 serving 9 terms as Commander. During his many terms as Commander he won "All-
Paul Joseph Murphy, Commander 1958-
Paul was a US Navy Veteran of WWII. He entered into military service in September 1945 until discharged in March 1949. During his service he attained the rank of 1st Class PO. He served aboard the U.S.S. George DE 699 operating in the Pacific Theatre from January 1946 until February 1949.
Paul joined the LaSalle VFW Post 4668 on April 19, 1957 and he was elected as Commander taking office in June 1958 serving 1 term. Later he was elected as Mayor of La Salle.
Peter George Sampo (d), Commander 1959-
Pete was a US Army Veteran attaining the rank of M/Sgt. He entered the service in March 1943 until his discharge in November 1945. He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division during WWII and was wounded in the European Theatre. He was awarded the Purple Heart and European Theatre Medals.
Pete was a Charter Member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668 but like most did not keep his membership intact. He reinstated his membership on February 2, 1956 and was elected as Commander taking office June 1959 serving one term as Commander. Pete was given the nickname of “Gunsmoke” because of his love of the old TV Western that he never missed an episode of.
Robert Joseph Mueller (d), Commander 1960-
Bob was a US Army Veteran attaining the rank of 2nd LT. He entered the service in September 1951 and served until he was discharged in December 1953. During his tour of duty he was assigned to 987FA Div 5th Group and saw service in Korea starting in April 1953.
He became a member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on January 6, 1953 and was elected as Commander taking office in 1960 for 1 term. Bob was appointed as National Aide-
Henry Korsec (d), Commander 1961-
Henry served as Post Commander twice 21 years apart. In 1963 he was appointed National Aide-
Burt G. Cooley (d), Commander 1962-
Burt was a US Navy Veteran of WWII entering the Navy March 1943 until his discharge in November 1945. He saw service in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Cape Esperance CVE-
During his term as Commander he received “All-
Prior to enlisting in the military he was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps from July 1938 until 1939 in Company 4604 at Camp DG 96 in Brumeau, Idaho.
Henry J. Struna (d), Commander 1963-
Henry was a US Navy Veteran of WWII and saw service in both the European Theatre and Pacific Theatres of the war. He entered the Navy May 1943 and was discharged Jan 1946. He attended Gunner’s Mate “A” School in Gulfport, MS. before being deployed aboard the SS Albert P. Ryder, hull number 1877 a liberty ship that was launched August 30, 1943. He was later assigned to the SS Carleton Ellis, hull number 1891 a liberty ship -
Harold A. Grabowski (d), Commander 1964-
Harold was a US Navy Veteran attaining the rating of MM-
We don't know when Harold joined the La Salle VFW post for certain or if he keep his membership up after joining, but he did serve two (2) one year terms as Post Commander fifteen (15) years apart.
Edward Fitzgerald (d), Commander 1966-
No records or relatives of Ed’s could be located to provide any information about his time as Commander or his military service.
Robert Wachowiak (d), Commander 1967-
Not much is known about Bob other than he was a Korean War Veteran. Her served 2 terms as Post Commander 16 years apart and during one of the terms he attained the status of “All-
Arthur A. Menning (d), Commander 1968-
Art was a US Army Veteran of WWII entering the military in January 1942 until discharge in October 1945. Art saw service in Normandy, Northern France, the Ardiens, Rhineland and Central Europe from November 1943 until October 1945 attaining the rank of Sargent. Art’s medals included American Theatre w/ 1 Silver Star.
Art was a Charter Member of the La Salle VFW Post 4668 but like so many did not keep his membership up. He reinstated his membership on October 4, 1967 and was elected as Commander taking office in June 1968. He also served the Post for more years than anyone can remember as Chaplain until he was 90 years old; his nickname name was “Hound Dog” was given him by his friend Pete Sampo who said he was faithful as an old Hound Dog.
Sidney Charles Potter (d), Commander 1969-
Sid was a US Army Veteran attaining the rank of PFC. He entered military service in August 1948 and was discharged in May 1952. While serving his country he was assigned in July 1950 to the "H" Lo 35th Regiment in Korea until June 1951. While serving in Korea he earned the CIB and Korean Service Medals.
Sid joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 March 3, 1962, and was elected as Commander taking office in June 1969 until the following year.
Norman E. Volk (d), Commander 1970-
Norm entered the service in August 1964 and was discharged in 1968. During his tour of duty he served 2 tours in Vietnam, May 1965 until February 1966 and February 1967 until March 1968 serving with HEM3-
We don't have a record of when Norm originally joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 but he reinstated his membership on March 9, 1968. He was elected Commander and took office in June 1970 serving 1 term until June 1971.
Theodore Paul Jaskowiak (d), Commander 1971-
Ted was a US Air Force Veteran attaining the rank of S/Sgt. He entered the service in January 1945 and served with the USAF Weather Service in Alaska, Okinawa and Korea until discharge in February 1969. His Korean Service was July 1953 to Nov 1954 earning him the Korean Service Medal.
He joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on November 7, 1968. He was elected as Post Commander at the regular Post meeting and took office in June 1971. He died unexpectedly in 1971 after serving as Commander for less than 1 year.
Benjamin Vasquez (d), Commander 1971-
Ben was US Navy Veteran of WWII & Korea. Ben was Navy Diver & Welder and was awarded the Pacific Asiatic Medal, Korean Service Medal and at least 1 Purple Heart. Ben became Commander for the first time after the death of Ted Jaskowiak advancing from Sr. Vice to Commander. He also served a second term 10 years later.
During his second term he attained “All-
Joseph J. Konczak, Commander 1972-
Joe was a US Army Air Corps Veteran attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He entered the military in April 1943 until discharged in March 1946. During his tour of duty as an Airplane Maintenance Technician he saw action in the Pacific Theatre. His service included the air offensive against Japan and the Eastern Mandates. His awards include American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 battle stars and the World War II Victory Medal.
Joe was 1st elected to the Post Commander Position in 1972 serving one term, and was then again elected as Post Commander in 1976 serving 2 consecutive terms.
Arthur Edward Kardas, Commander 1973-
Art was a US Army Veteran of WWII entering military service in November 1942 until discharge in February 1946. He attained the rank of Cpl and served with Co. A 52nd Eng B.N. seeing overseas service in the Eastern Mandates from June 1944 until April 1945.
Art joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on March 18, 1968 and was elected Commander taking office in June 1973 serving 1 term. At some point Art transferred his membership in the La Salle VFW to the Peru Post 8232 where he served as Quartermaster for many years.
Samuel S. Maggio (d), Commander 1974-
Sam was a US Marine Veteran entering the service in March 1944 until discharge in January 1946. During his tour of duty in WWII he was assigned to A Co. 23rd Reg. 4th Div. and saw service in the Pacific Theatre from September 1944 until October 1945 including service on Iwo Jima. During his service he was wounded and was awarded the Purple Heart.
Sam was a Charter Member of the Oglesby VFW which after it went defunct he joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on December 28, 1964. He was elected as Commander and took office in June 1974 serving 2 terms until June 1976. Sam was very active in getting the La Salle VA Home built here in La Salle.
Steven Dale McCannon (d), Commander 1978-
Steve was a US Army Veteran who enlisted in October 1966 and was assigned to the 71st Transportation Co. in Vietnam, where he served from April 1967 until April 1968. He was discharged from military service at Fort Riley Kansas on October 17, 1968 and was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Champaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Overseas Service Bar and National Defense Medal.
He joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on February 28, 1976. He served 2 terms as Commander of Post 4668 taking office in June 1978.
Joseph S. Gerace (d), Commander 1986-
Joe was a US Navy WWII Veteran who saw service in the Pacific-
Joe was a Charter Member of the La Salle Post 4668. He was elected as Commander and took office in June 1986 serving 1 term. He also served a term as 9th District Commander attaining “All-
Francis Perra (d), Commander 1987-
Joseph B. Sigmund (d), Commander 2000-
Joe was a US Army Veteran who entered into military service in May 1951 serving with Btry C 39th Field Artillery B.N. until March 1953. While serving with them he served in Korea from April 1951 until Mar 1953. His awards include the Korean Service Medal with 2 camp stars, United Nations Service Medal.
Joe joined the LA Salle VFW Post on September 10, 1965 but failed to keep his membership up and reinstated his membership on August 24, 1982. He was elected Commander and took office in June 2000 serving one term , resigning after his election to a second term in 2001 but before taking office in June. He was again elected and took office in June 2003 serving 4 terms.
Matthew P. Franklin, Commander 2007-
Matt was A US Army Veteran attaining the rank of Specialist. He entered the military in June 1998 until discharge in April 2000. During his tour of duty he was a helicopter crew chief with service in Iraq and Korea. His awards Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal.
Matt has the distinction of being the 1st Gulf War veteran to serve as Post Commander taking office in June 2007. Matt guided the Post through a difficult year seeing the closure of our kitchen and the disbanding of the local singles club who held their monthly dances in our hall.
Michael P. Schmotzer, Commander 2008-
Mike was a US Navy Veteran. He entered military service in September 1964 and was discharged in September 1970. Mike was assigned to the USS Constellation (CVA-
Mike joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on July 19, 1985 and was elected as Commander taking office in June 2008 serving 2 terms. During these terms he guided the Post to new goals. We became involved with the Utica Veteran’s Day Parade. Started doing more fund raisers, and getting back to being more involved with the community.
He was elected for his 3rd term in 2011. His 4th term came after the death of Petey Moreno and he advanced from Sr Vice to Commander. He was then re-
Elton H. Murphy, Jr., Commander 2010-
Elton was a US Navy Veteran . During his service aboard the Savannah he was deployed to the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam, March 1972 until October 1972. His awards include the Vietnam Service Medal.
Elton joined the La Salle VFW Post 4668 on October 19, 1995 and was elected Commander taking office in June 2010 serving 1 term. During his term the Post has hosted the WWII Memorial Model (Pillars of Honor) and Chartered a Men’s Auxiliary. He also served the post previously as Quartermaster from 2003-
He also served 2 terms as District 9 Commander 2007-
James Kudla (d), Commander 2012-
Jim was elected as Post Commander for the 2012-
During his 1st term Jim brought the area PTSD Group to the VFW for their monthly meetings.
Guadalupe E. "Pettey" Moreno (d), Commander 2013-
Petey was elected Senior Vice Commander for 2013, but due to the death of our elected Commander in July he assended the chairs to Commander. He was elected the following year as Commander.
Petey earned his eligibility with his service in Korea.
Christopher Rush 2018-