by Rick Knapp Jr.

As a new year begins, American Legion Glen Hill Post #287 is getting ready to welcome past and present state officers of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion to Cedar Springs.
As a lifelong Michigander and Detroiter, having resided in the city of Detroit for 62 years, Richard I Chatman is the newly elected American Legion Department Commander of Michigan’s 70,000 plus members for 2011-2012. Commander Chatman was elected on Sunday, June 26, as the first African-American State Commander, by the delegates attending the Department of Michigan’s 93rd Michigan state convention at DeVos Center in Grand Rapids.
Commander Chatman, a Vietnam veteran served in the United States Air Force June 1968 – June 1972 earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. As a 15 year member of Coleman A. Young Post 202 in Detroit. He has served the American Legion organization on all levels.
Now that he is Department Commander of the American Legion, he will be attending the Early Bird Dinner at the American Legion Glen Hill Post 287, Cedar Springs on Saturday, January 7, 2012. At the dinner, he will bring news of the progress that he has made as Department Commander for the past six months.
As a 27 year member of the Greenawalt-Flaherty Unit 42 in Charlotte, American Legion Auxiliary Department President Carrie Bowerman is well known for her dedication to her unit. President Bowerman served her 3rd District in many offices as well as Department. She and her husband, Charles P. Bowerman, a Vietnam Air Force Veteran, will be attending the Early Bird Dinner on Saturday.
Also attending will be American Legion Junior Auxiliary President Chelsea Kovacs.
Dwaine Verville and his wife will also be attending on Saturday. He assumed the office of Sons of the American Legion Detachment Commander on Sunday, June 5 in Novi. Commander Verville is a 15-plus-year member of Iron River Squadron #17. He has served in his squadron and UP District in many offices including Commander.
The Cedar Springs American Legion Family Post 287 will be welcoming all past and present State Officers and will present Commander Chatman and Verville and President Bowerman with Cedar Springs traditional Red Flannel undergarments and will parade them around the dance floor with the chicken dance song.
The American Legion was founded in 1919 based on the four pillars; veterans rehabilitation, Americanism, child welfare, and national security. The Legion’s mission above all is as a consumers’ advocate for veterans.

Sand Lake Police Officer Steven Brandow (left) is presented an award by Chief Ken Williams (right).

Sand Lake Police Officer Steven Brandow and intern Zachary Gregory were awarded the Village of Sand Lake Excellence Award and the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police Certificate of Recognition, Saturday, June 25, for quick thinking and action regarding an arson incident last spring.
Gerald Lee Krug set fire to an historic building located at 20 W. Lake Street in downtown Sand Lake, on March 14, 2010, at approximately 3:00 a.m. According to Sand Lake Police Chief Ken Williams, Brandow and Gregory’s keen observations and dedication to duty helped them to recognize Krug as a suspicious person at approximately 9:00 p.m. on March 13. As a result, they were able to continue observation of Krug later that night.

Intern Zachary Gregory receives his award from Chief Ken Williams

“Brandow and Gregory’s decision to conduct a foot patrol of the area that evening showed exemplary dedication to duty and led them directly to the scene of an arson fire set less than a minute prior to their arrival,” explained Williams. “They observed Krug walk from the area and attempt to avoid contact with them. Officer Brandow acted quickly to apprehend the suspect and assigned his partner, Intern Zachary Gregory, to extinguish the fire.”
Williams said that their ability to make quick decisions under great stress proved commendable.  “They are a true heroes,” said Williams. “Thanks to their actions on that night, they not only apprehended an arsonist, but saved an historic building and half of downtown Sand Lake.”