The American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert held the installation of officers in its various groups, on Saturday, Aug. 24 in its outdoor pavilion. Officers and guests were honored at a dinner afterward.

The American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Sons of the American Legion and American Legion Riders comprise the American Legion family.John Krebs, 30th District Commander performed the installation duties.Cathy Olker, district president of Carbon, Monroe, Northampton and Lehigh counties, performed the duties of installation of the Ladies Auxiliary. Those officers are: Tara Furman, president and treasurer; Audrey Patterson, 1st vice president; Margaret Kluk, 2nd vice president; Tracy Giambalvo, historian; Betty Gambucci, Sr. Sgt. of Arms; Nina Giambalvo, Jr. Sgt. of Arms. Absent were Pat Froncek, secretary, and Joyce Castillo, chaplain.Tara Furman thanked her husband, Steve, saying he and her two girls have supported her in taking on this endeavor.Debra Kennelly, the outgoing president, said that the women were an extension of her family and "I will continue to serve our veterans and community."American Legion Post 927 recently inducted its new officers for the 2013-2014 year.The Sons of the American Legion (SAL) 2013-2014 officers are: Keith Hanson, commander; Jason Reese, 1st commander and Glenn Scott, finance officer/adjunct.SAL members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the U.S. military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Many Legionnaires hold dual membership in SAL. The SAL is permitted flexibility in planning programs and activities to meet their needs, but follow SAL'S mission to strengthen the four pillars of The American Legion. There is an emphasis on preserving American traditions and values, improving the quality of life for our nation's children, caring for veterans and their families, and teaching the fundamentals of good citizenship. The Sons also support the Citizens Flag Alliance, a coalition dedicated to protecting the U.S. flag from desecration through a constitutional amendment.The American Legion Post 927 Riders (ALR) officers are: Glenn Smith, road captain; Wanda Murphy Smith, chaplain; Debbie Shaver, secretary; John Farmer, 1st vice president; Everett Shaver, president.Members of the ALR come from the Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and the Sons of the American Legion. It was formed to participate in parades and other ceremonies that are keeping with the aims and purposes of the American Legion, to promote motorcycle safety programs and to provide a social atmosphere for the American Legion members who share the same interest. They use their association to promote and support programs of the American Legion and is family-oriented, just as its parent organization. Post 927's ALR had just completed its Wounded Warrior Ride that afternoon with 22 riders and raised $1,300 for wounded veterans.The American Legion Post 927, Gilbert officers for the 2013-2014 year are: Thomas Franklin, commander; Rick Shay, 1st vice commander; Jim Grimm, 2nd vice commander; Lehy Kirchner, historian/adjutant; Everett Shaver, finance officer; James Mills, chaplain; William Hicks, service officer; Wanda Murphy-Smith, judge advocate; Joseph Gambucci, Sgt. of Arms.Commander Franklin received a special certificate of recognition from Rep. Rosemary Brown, and all the other officers received certificates from Rep. Brown.District Commander Krebs said that the Legion is working on acquiring new members and needs young members to begin taking the place of older members.If anyone is interested in joining Post 927, contact Franklin,

Commander@Ampost927.com or call (610) 681-5838.