From left, 1st Vice Commander Bob Derr, Retired Union Township Assistant Fire Chief Gary Auffart, and Commander Ron Hartman look on as Fire Chief Stan Deimling introduces Auffart.
According to Ron Hartman, the Annual Legion Birthday/Awards Banquet March 19 was the biggest and grandest yet.

Hartman is president of the Stuart G. Luginbuhl American Legion Post 72 in Mt. Carmel. Each year, the post celebrates its anniversary by presenting community awards, but never has the bounty been so generous and appreciated.

“We gave out more than $52,000,” Hartman said.

Among the most prestigious awards each year are the annual Union Township Firefighter of the Year and Police Officer of the Year awards. This year, the Police Officer of the year was shared by Detective Ken Mullis and Officers Chris Wilson and Josh Hathorn for their work in successfully rescuing a 62-year old woman from domestic imprisonment, abuse and theft. Both perpetrators received hefty prison sentences.

The Firefighter of the Year award went to recently retired Union Township Assistant Fire Chief Gary Auffart for his long and distinguished career with both the Cincinnati and Union Township fire services.

Post 72 members Salvator Esposito, 95, and Don Bates, 90, both World War II veterans, were recognized for their work and commitment to Post 72 and given lifetime memberships. In addition, Legion President Hartman had the singular privilege of representing the French government in presenting Esposito with the French Medal of Honor for his bravery in that war.

The AARP received a plaque for its continued outstanding service at Christmas, when they donate more than 100 toys to the Legion Christmas campaign for disadvantaged children.

The Roundabout Travelers were also recognized for their donations to the Post.

Vicki Simes accepted thanks on behalf of the Ladies’ Auxiliary for their donation of $1,000 from their first annual craft show.

The monetary donations went to:

Union Township Fire Department, $2,500
Union Township Police Department, $2,500
Ohio Veterans Home, $5,000
Fisher House, $5,000
Joseph House, $5,000
Dogs 4 Warriors, $5,000
Clermont County Special Olympics, $5,000
Clermont County Developmental Disabilities, $5,000
Ohio Gift for Yanks Program, $7,200
Clermont County Children’s Protective Services, $10,000

The annual banquet celebrates the birthday of the Legion, this year the 97th, and always acknowledges the commitment and involvement of the community. This year, Post 72 distributed more than ever.

“It’s money from our fundraisers, like bingos, the craft show, and many others throughout the year,” Hartman said. “We had a good year and we were excited to do it.”