This Week at Walter Rhoades Post 111
Announcements, news, events, and other information about your American Legion Post.
From the Commander
Happy New Year, Team 111! While 2024 has been a challenging year for the post, I look forward to 2025 and continuing the legacy of Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111.
v/r
Chuck
Announcements
Membership Renewal: Please remember to renew your membership online or in person with our Adjutant. Yearlong memberships expire on December 31, 2024. Key-cards to the post expire at the same time. New key cards can be obtained from the bar as long as you are paid up in full for the next year. Simply ring the bell for access in the meantime.
Help Wanted: We are still in need of an Honor Guard Coordinator. The Honor Guard Coordinator interacts with the community and organizes honor guard support for local events. This work can be primarily done from home. If you are interested, please contact the Commander or any member of the Executive Board.
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News
Tomah VA inducts 107-year old Veteran into its Hall of Heroes
Tomah VA inducted 107-year-old Merchant Marine Veteran Reynolds Tomter into its Hall of Heroes on Dec. 3.
Tomter was born in April 1917 where he lived on a farm two miles from Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin. He married Dorothea Hoff in 1939 and they had a daughter, Julie Ann.
Though he planned to enlist in the Navy in Milwaukee, those plans changed when the daily allotment was full. So he joined the Merchant Marines instead and served until the end of WWII in 1945.
In WWII, the Merchant Marines delivered the necessary cargo to support Allied Forces worldwide. They were at every invasion in WWII and transported over 700,000 service members overseas.
Tomter completed five trips across the Atlantic Ocean. He was assigned to the Atlantic/Mediterranean conflict in K Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 349th Bombing Squadron, 100th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force and 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division.
He received numerous awards, including the Atlantic War Zone Medal, which was awarded for service in the Atlantic war zone, which included the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea.
Tomter served as a chief baker and backup aircraft gunner and was discharged at the rank of steward’s mate 3rd Class in 1945.
Oldest living member of the Merchant Marines
Merchant Marine Veteran Reynolds Tomter
Merchant Marines were denied Veteran status until 1988.
Tomter returned to his family and community after the war and began a life of leadership and service. He worked at a general store and he and his business later partner purchased the store. He started the local Lions Club, became a lifetime member of the American Legion and enrolled in technical school to earn his real estate license.
Tomter is the oldest living member of the American Merchant Marine Veterans. He has received numerous awards and recognitions for his heroic military service and his dedicated community service.
After the unveiling of his Hall of Heroes plaque, he gave an eloquent acceptance speech reflecting on his time in the service and thanked everyone for the honor of being inducted.
The Hall of Heroes recognizes Veterans who have exhibited exemplary courage in battle and have made outstanding contributions to their communities. It serves as a reminder of the hardships and bravery our Veterans have endured for our nation and the freedoms we all enjoy.
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Upcoming Events
Field Kitchen 111 Final Night (December 30, 2024): In celebration of FK111, FK111 will host a special dinner: Prime Rib w/ au jus, White Cheddar Mashers and Roasted Vegetables $16. This meal will go FAST! There will also be a ton of discounts on their main menu items: $12 burgers, chicken wings and such.
Live Music by James Hurtado (December 31, 2024): We are excited to once again welcome James Hurtado to Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111. James has been playing professionally for 20 years and has shared the stage with Daniel Valdez and has also performed at the Winter Park Music Festival as well as the Taste of Colorado. Join us for a night of wonderful music. This event is open to the public.
Sons of the American Legion Meeting (January 8, 2025): There will be a Sons of the American Legion Meeting at 6:00 PM at the post. Note the date change.
General Membership Meeting (January 14, 2025): There will be a General Membership Meeting at 6:00 PM at the post. The lounge will be closed during this meeting.
Auxiliary Unit 111 Meeting (January 11 , 2025): There will be an Auxiliary Unit 111 Meeting at 9:30 AM at the post. Note the start time to deconflict with Wreaths Across America.
Pancake Breakfast (January 18, 2025): We will be hosting a fundraising pancake breakfast at Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111. Please join us on Saturday, January 18th, from 8:00-11:00 AM as we serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hashbrowns, fruit, coffee, juice, and water. All proceeds go to veterans, veterans families, and veteran organizations. If you’d like to volunteer to help, there is a sign-up sheet at the bar.
Bingo (Every Monday Night): Join us for bingo, every Monday night starting at 6:30 PM. All proceeds support Veterans and Veterans' Programs.
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Hours
Monday 4-8 PM
Tuesday 4-8 PM
Wednesday 4-8 PM
Thursday 4-8 PM
Friday 1-9 PM
Saturday 1-9 PM
Sunday 12-8 PM
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Walter Rhoades American Legion Post 111
1150 Pine Street
Louisville, CO 80027
(303) 666-6314
