Officers for 2017-2018 were elected at a recent meeting held at the American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 on Raymond Road in West Hartford.

Submitted

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 elected officers for 2107-2018 at its annual meeting held May 10, 2017.

Jeff Cole, who recently served as Vice Commander, was elected to the position of Post Commander. Commander Cole is a 29-year veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves who retired in 1997 as First Sergeant.

Cole, a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, began his civilian career with Sealtest Company-New England Dairies in 1969 and in 1992 joined the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections until his retirement in 2006.

Other members elected to Post 96 positions include Senior Vice Commander Rocky Goodwin, Junior Vice Commander Patrick Harrell, Judge Advocate Robert Hyland, Chaplain Barry Leghorn, and Executive Committee members Ray Jean and Dave Albert.

Post 96 honored graduating seniors from all West Hartford high schools at a Military Inductees Ceremony on May 30, 2017, at Hayes-Velhage Post 96. This year more than 20 seniors were recognized for their commitment to a military program or academy.

With a current membership of 2.4-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

The American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 of West Hartford is open to military veterans who have served honorably during a wartime era and military personnel currently on active duty. Further information is available on the Post’s website at www.post96.org or phone 860-233- 9029.