In a special election to fill a vacancy in the Dept’s Jr. Vice Commander position, Jessup resident Russell R. Canevari of Post 5544 received the most ballots from the Council of Administration and was installed into the position on Sept. 14. Russell, a Vietnam veteran, is the chairman of the Dept’s Patriot’s Pen Committee. Russell served in the U.S. Army from 1968-70, in both Vietnam and Korean, and joined the VFW upon his return. He earned the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal.

The photo shows Russell being congratulated by PSC John Getz (State Adjutant/Quartermaster), PSC Bob Eiler (National Council Member and State Finance Committee Chairman), State Commander Larry N. Reece and PSC John Biedrzycki (National Inspector General and State By-Laws Chairman).