New officers for West Hartford’s American Legion Post were installed on Sept. 9.

Post 96 Commander Moe Fradette (left) and Connecticut 1st District Commander Rich Linnon. Submitted photo

Submitted by Moe Fradette, Commander

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 installed the elected officers for 2105-2016 at the monthly Post meeting held Sept. 9, 2015. The ceremony was conducted by Rich Linnon, Connecticut Department 1st District Commander, assisted by District 1 officers Aaron Jones and Tom Shields.

Moe Fradette, who recently served as Senior Vice Commander, was installed as Post 96 Commander. Fradette, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has served as Veterans Day program chairman and chairman of the 2011 West Hartford recognition of World War II Veterans.

Other members installed to Post 96 positions include Senior Vice Commander Rocky Goodwin, Junior Vice Commander Jeff Cole, Judge Advocate Robert Hyland, Finance Officer Frank Haran Chaplain Barry Leghorn, Executive Committeemen Ray Jean and Dave Albert.

Isaac Gilles, a senior at Conard High School, addressed the Legion membership to share his recent experience at Boys State and Boys Nation, both sponsored by the American Legion. The Boys State convention, which was held at Eastern Connecticut State University in June, selected Gilles as one of two delegates to attend Boys Nation in Washington, D.C. where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government.

In Gilles’ words, “It was a memorable experience well beyond my expectations.”

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 a 100 percent smoke-free facility and 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 the public is welcome to visit Hayes-Velhage Post 96 at 45 Raymond Rd., West Hartford, CT. 06107, phone 860-233-9029.