Five Tioga County residents recognized for Legion membership

Five Tioga County residents were recognized on May 16 for their American Legion membership at a get-together held at American Legion Post 401 located at 263 Front St. in Owego, N.Y. The Post 401 members were recognized for their longtime dedication and contributions to American Legion programs.

Honored for 70 years of continuous membership was Robert Cornwell of Newark Valley, and for 50 years of continuous membership, Ken Brinkman of Apalachin and Bernie Schumacher, Harold Bidwell and Charlie Russell, all of Owego.

Commander Ken Gillette presented each member with a “Certificate of Continuous Membership” enclosed in a glass frame and signed by himself, as well as American Legion

National Commander, Charles E. Schmidt and National Adjutant, Daniel S. Wheeler.  

Chartered in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization by war-weary doughboys after World War I, the American Legion, a non-profit, focuses efforts on service to veterans, service members and communities. Today, membership totals over 2.4 million in 14,000 post locations, and in Owego, Gillette commented that there are about 185 members. 

For nearly 100 years, the Legion has created important programs and assisted veterans in receiving benefits. From the birth of the U.S. Veterans Bureau (Veterans Administration) to the creation of the original GI Bill and then the

Post-911 GI Bill, along with family support networks and numerous other programs, the Legion has made a difference in the lives of veterans and their families, as well as in communities.

For Ken Brinkman, a U.S. Navy veteran, his service aboard the USS Mindoro CVE-120 took him to Korea during the war, and for Bernie Schumacher, a radio mechanic in the U.S. Army where he spent time in both Germany and stateside, receiving a blessing from the then Pope remains a fond memory.  

World War II Army veteran, Robert Cornwell of Newark Valley, shared that his service time took him to the Philippines and post-war

Japan. Cornwell shipped out at the end of the war, and when thanked for his service at the get-together, he instead offered credit to his comrades who experienced the brunt of extreme fighting in the Philippines. Cornwell also reminisced about guarding the only standing hotel in a bombed-out Japanese city while General MacArthur resided and worked on the top floor.

Interestingly, during a time when a majority of GI’s looked forward to their weekly carton of cigarettes, and what became a symbol of WWII Army life, Cornwell said he declined the temptation, and to this day has never smoked.

For Bidwell, who served in the Air Force, he said he was fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel and will always remember Germany and Turkey, among other stops.

Russell, also a Navy veteran and whose step-father was a Commander when he first joined, commented, “The Legion is a terrific organization,” and further explained that the building once had three floors and has always been home to the Owego Legion.

All of the Legion members gave positive nods to the organization, citing that it includes all veterans that have served and remains a tremendous resource for veterans.  

For information, find American Legion Post 401 on Facebook, or visit their website, ny401.legionpost.us.