American Legion Post 72's Efforts Recognized At State Convention

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

July 19, 2021

American Legion Post 72’s efforts were recognized at the state American Legion convention, where the post received several awards.

The awards were presented at the Department Convention, which was held in Trumbull on July 10.

“I am so proud to be a member of the American Legion and in particular Post 72,” said Steve Pintarich, chair of Post 72’s program committee. “I’m so proud that we were honored with these awards.”

Post 72 was this year’s recipient of the James A. Weir Plaque, which recognizes “the post that does the best work in Youth Activities through the Legion’s Americanism program.”

Post 72 also received the John N. Roberto plaque, which honors the post which shows “the greatest participation and work on the promotion of patriotic observances and Americanism in the local schools and community.”

Pintarich said that while covid-19 limited the American Legion’s outreach efforts last year, they along with the local Knights of Columbus paid a visit to Southington Catholic School June 14. There, they offered a class on the American Flag and the proper folding of the flag.

The Henry S. Bialoglowy Plaque was awarded to Post 72, recognizing them for making “the greatest contribution to the display, promotion, presentation and education on the American flag.”

“We put more than 3,000 flags on the graves of veterans on all local cemeteries on Memorial Day,” said Pintarich. “We also replace the flags at all of the parks, the police and fire departments, town green and town hall.”

Post 72 additionally received:

The William Mager plaque, which is awarded to the post that sponsors the most unusual program for children and youth.

The Arthur J. Kelly –Leo M. Hindsley Award was awarded to Post 72 for “showing the greatest accomplishment in community services to the benefit of the entire community.”

The Charles J. Majewski Plaque, which is awarded to the post that has the most “all inclusive” post activities, was given to Post 72 as well.

The James A. Lacoursiere Jr. Award was presented to Post 72 in recognition that they were the post that best involved itself in the “Heroes to Hometown” and “Troop Support Services” programs as well as the Reconnect Program, Family Support and Operation Comfort Warriors programs.

The Raymond R. Bigelow Plaque was given to Post 72 for their annual work to promote programs at the VA Medical Centers in Rocky Hill.

Additionally, Post 72 Historian Steve McCarty was honored with the Post Historians Award for the most outstanding scrapbook record or narrative of the year’s activities.

Post Commander Jason Cap was also honored with the Harry R. “Butch” Hansen Jr. Award for transferring the most members from Post 200 into their post this year.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.