At one time the Korean War Last Man's Club of the Lehighton American Legion Post had 168 members.

Those who served in the military during the Korean War - which ran from June 25, 1950 to July 27, 1953 - are senior citizens.Of those original members, 120 are deceased.The club held its 51st annual gathering Saturday at the Legion Post with its lowest attendance yet. Only about a dozen members were present.A unique order of business was electing the two highest ranked officers of the club, president and vice president. Usually the office holders keep their posts for years until they become incapacitated or pass away.Arlington W. Everett was named the club's new president. He succeeds John R. Williams, who resigned and didn't attend the program.Mahlon Shaffer was elected vice president, succeeding Robert Berger. Berger, 88, who has held a major office for many years, including formerly as president, declined nomination to be reappointed.Re-elected were Leroy Goldberg, secretary-treasurer, and James Wentz, chaplain.Bill Newton offered the toast to the living.The toast to the dead was offered by Dervin Sharbaugh.Members who died since last year's banquet are Donald Blaugh and Carlos F. Teets.The main speaker was Larry Heffley, commander of the Lehighton American Legion PostHeffley spoke on the many programs of the American Legion and how it assists military members.He said that it is becoming more difficult for Legion Posts to survive with the declining number of members and the fundraising demands.Heffley also praised the Korean War veterans for their service.