By Toni Miles
The Donnie Levens American Legion Post 1995 held its annual Installment of Officers ceremony in Long Beach on Friday, August 9. The Post commended the service of outgoing officers and outgoing Commander William “Bill” Moran, who served in the role as American Legion Commander from August of 2022 to July of this year. It also formally installed the Long Beach post’s new 2024-25 officers and announced Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter of the Year awardees.
Ray Chavaree is now serving as Commander of the post. Other leadership includes Finance Officer Wendy Griffioen, Adjutant Kevin McKenzie, 1st Vice Commander Tina O’Shields, 2nd Vice Commander James Hoying, American Legion Post Officers Installer for the American Legion Department Southern Area Vice Commander Mark Herrington and Executive Committee members Michael Griffioen and Jerry Lawson.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1995’s 2024-25 officers were also installed at the event. They include American Legion Auxiliary Officers Installer and American Legion Auxiliary District President Charlotte Tartavoulle, Trustee Stacey Pelkey, Chaplain Brenda Bellamy, Treasurer Valerie Brockway, Secretary Jenna Brockway, 1st Vice President Wendy Griffioen and President Margaret Levens.
Sons of The American Legion Squadron 1995 2024-25 officers were also installed, including Historian Ron Merrill, Sergeant-at-Arms Jerry Larson, Sons of the American Legion Officers Installer and Department SAL Detachment Commander Terry Earl Tartavoulle, Adjutant and Financial Officer Charles Martinek and Commander-Elect Kevin McKenzie.
Long Beach Police Chief Billy Seal accepted the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award on behalf of recipient Jeremy Castillon.
Long Beach Fire Chief Griff Skellie accepted the Firefighter of the Year Award on behalf of firefighter Cody Carroll.
Long Beach Mayor George Bass, as well as Boys State and Girls State delegates, were on hand at the event.
The Post also celebrated twenty-nine years of service to veterans, military and the local community.
