American Legion Allen O. Delke Post 16, Slatington, installed new officers for its Auxiliary, Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion and the Legion on Aug. 12.

Chaplain Thomas Beam began by asking God to "Send thy peace to our nation and to all nations."The POW-MIA chair is a physical symbol of the missing military. It was uncovered by Senior Vice Commander Bernie Dugan.Fourteenth District Commander Michael Bodner led the group in the Preamble to the Constitution of the American Legion and the Pledge of Allegiance.Winnifred Worley, past vice president of the Eastern Region, installed the officers for the Auxiliary. She said she was happy to be back and wished them a good year.Offices are Lori Giannotti, sergeant at arms; Terri Miller, historian; Linda Kistler, chaplain; Susan Queen, treasurer; Jeralyn Walters, secretary; Judy Burke, vice president and Marcy Knappenberger, president."You have been chosen to fill the various offices. Always remember the integrity of the American Legion depends on your ideals of justice and freedom," said Worley.Worley presented the president's gavel to Knappenberger."Officers for the Legion Riders are Brian Kresge, sergeant at arms; Donald Wirth, road captain; Herb Logan, president; Jim Groover, Jason Fischer, membership chair; Ken Kresge, treasurer; and Bonnie Lenhart. The installation officer was Al Machin, of chapter 16, American Legion Riders."You will vindicate the trust that has been imposed on you. The welfare and success of the Legion Riders depends on you. There is no rank among you," said Machin.He said they were responsible for rehabilitation of comrades, helping the families left behind and the education of children.Eastern Vice Commander of Squadron 16, Sons of the American Legion Scott Baker was the installation officer for the SAL. Officers are Francis Weaver, sergeant at arms; Donald Deibert, historian; Steven Bailey, chaplain; Marc Benninger, finance officer; Bruce McFarland, adjutant; Randy Sigley, 2nd vice commander; Brian Shoch, commander and James Murphy, district commander.Bodner was the installation officer for the Legion. Officers are Jim Groover, sergeant at arms and service officer; Gordon Giannotti, historican and 2nd vice commander; Donald Leikel, judge advocate, Thomas Beam, chaplain, Dave Altrichter, finance officer, Mark Queen, adjutant; Bernie Dugan, 1st vice commander; George Burke, commander.This is Burke's second term as commander. The first time he was elected he was called to active duth with the Naval Construction Battalion.In addition to the gavel, Burke was presented with a copy of the Post commander's guide."I think of all of you as family: the Auxiliary, the Legion Riders, the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion," said Burke. He asked everyone's cooperation and help.Past post commanders were introduced: Bill Leickel, David Altrichter, Gordon Giannotti, George Burke, Mark Queen and Karen Hulings. Post 16 is the oldest Post in the area.