The Adena American Legion Post 525
Chartered 1921 ~79 Hanna Avenue, Adena, OH 43901~ 740.546.9790

Adena Legion Legacy-Legendary

Roy "Shep" Merriman WWI Veteran/Legionaire

The American Legion Post 525 of Hanna Avenue, Adena, Ohio was a place of family, fellowship, and fun. The Gilbert Koontz Post, chartered in 1921 was named after an Adena resident veteran killed in action in France on October 16, 1918. From that day on servicemen and their families became part of that legacy and it continues yet today. Tis yet a warm-hearted spot where members can still frolic or just lollygag.

Looking back, you could usually smell food aromas escaping from the kitchen and catch a glimpse of Fred Merriman, the Legion's master chef standing in the doorway. Veterans would be comfortably seated at the canteen and some families would sit at tables enjoying chips, soft drinks, or whatever was cooking in the kitchen. If any type of sport was being broadcast, it was on and the post was occasionally referred to as a home away from home. It was a classy, warm, and friendly place.

In October of 1946, the wives and immediate family members of military men chartered the American Legion Auxiliary. It is currently active and their mission is similar to that of the Legion to aid and honor all American service men and women. The Sons of the American Legion, (SAL), was chartered in the fall of 2005, and with their involvement and with the help of the Auxiliary, post 525 amassed in unity. Working together enhanced fundraising and even increased participation in the canteen.

In past years, the Post suffered poor periods but today have reached a pinnacle. "We went from nuts and bolts to almost shutting the door in 2004," said Paul Kalonick who is the Legion's finance officer. He continued, "From that point on, lots of things happened that involved the community." Today it is still a gathering place for members and seems to have become a public paradigm or better still, a legendary legacy.

This year marks its 89th year and thus far the Legion proved to be positively productive. At least 16 members attend funerals, parades, and services as Honor Guards. They are actively renowned throughout the Ohio Valley. Legion magazine quotes Post 525 has as being the most spirited, and others deem them as the most patriotic post in the Ohio Valley.

In 2007, the Legion had a new mural painted on the outside of the building, installed new sidewalks and put up 5 flagpoles with flags of the five branches of the military service. Aside from the Boatsie's boxes for overseas soldiers, they've helped 25 local charities and organizations, gave over 55 coats to area kids, and collected over 150 toys for children. Mike Bailey and Mark (Marco) Anderson were conducive in conglomerating with Terry's Tavern and P & M Restaurant in accomplishing a very successful toy drive that benefited local children at Christmas time 2008. Anderson said, "Thanks to everyone who helped to make this program a huge success." Paul Kalonick praised Legion members, the SAL, Auxiliary, and community saying, "All good citizens made 2008 a year to put in their memory bank." He exclaimed, "We're moving forward!"

So forward march they go and they have manpower too. It isn't typical manpower, its service-manpower. They plan to continue to help veterans, families, local charities, and continue their active involvement of serving the community. This year they have committed to sponsoring a "Beast of the East" ball team and are planning a Texas Holdem tournament February 7th at the Legion at 4:00 p.m. They hope to repaint, install lighting, and maintain interior renovations in efforts to enhance and establish a commendable, kindred atmosphere. With the help of local citizens the Adena Legion will carry on to accomplish community complacency.

Gifting American, POW and Ohio flags to Adena for the village green flagpole has become an annual New Year resolution of the Adena American Legion.

Adena Honors Veteran's Day

The Adena American Legion Post 525 commemorated Veterans Day on the 11th month on the 11th day at the 11th hour.

Commander Gary DeNoble welcomed a full hall of veterans, servicemen and women and townspeople. He began saying, "Veteran's Day is a special day and two people gave their lives to make this day possible-Jesus Our Lord, and all of our American Veterans." Monsignor John Kolesar gave the Invocation and Sons of the Legion led the Pledge of Allegiance. Legion Auxiliary President Cheryl Zamski spoke saying; "We should consider all costs for American Freedom." "We should all say a prayer and be grateful for our veterans are truly special people who go forth in service by the will of God." Frank Nameth spoke on behalf of the Sons of the Legion saying, " I am proud and honored to join in this afternoon to pay tribute to all who served our country." "Most veterans count their service as defining moments in history and some died for our country." He added, "All veterans sacrificed and acknowledge their courage and are honored today and because of this, our nation will prevail."

After the dedication and blessing of the Mural painted outside the American Legion Posts, a twenty-one gun salute and taps were observed. Gail VanVranken commonly known as "Boatsie" who began "Boatsie's Boxes" a support our troops group, concluded the services as a Guest Speaker. She began exclaiming, "I couldn't be happier to be among you today." "I am humbled as I stand here in freedom because of you." She reported that she started an organization called "Boatsie's Boxes" and it is now known nationwide. She spoke of meeting President George W. Bush, and surmised a history of her cause. "My son was a Master Sergeant in the USAF and they were in desperate need of supplies." She said she began asking American Legion Posts throughout the Ohio Valley to help initiate drives to raise money for common supply shortages of such sundries.

When her son was deployed to Behlad, he informed her that a Behlad Hospital were in dire need of sheets, so she contacted a company. They donated over 1000 sheets and bedding pieces, packaged them, and sent them directly to the Belhad Hospital. She said, "The generosity of people is tremendous!" She noted that several area businesses, like the Dollar Tree give to support our troops. She thanked local newspapers and said that soon her cause spread throughout the Ohio Valley and she was published in the Washington Post, New York Times and Guideposts Magazine. She later reflected a call from the White House refusing to believe that they contacted her to set up a meeting. After conferring with the nation's CEO, for over an hour in the Oval Office, he awarded her with an honorable coin, which is familiar in the Armed Forces. At that time she was given permission to place her boxes on supply trucks for the American Armed Forces. Boatsie earmarks the needs of supplies and locations. She is renowned for delivering 25 water bladders to places without water, sending stockings, Valentines, and jellybeans to soldiers at the Holidays, and thus far has shipped 12,000 very large boxes of supplies to American Soldiers. She read correspondence from one soldier about a Christmas Stocking she sent overseas. One soldier wrote," Please tell the American people to never stop loving us!" She ended saying, "We need to fully support our troops and be thankful of their sacrifices for our freedom."

The Son's of the Legion held a reception and awarded scholarships to students. L-R are; Jerry Moore, Katelynn Bomboris, Jessica Sikon, Frank Nameth and Jim Friend.

Dressed from spats to lid, the American Legion Gilbert Koontz Post 525, leads a parade, followed by the Yankees little league baseball team. Though the years is unknown, the picture was taken on East Main Street, from the former DeVore home.