Auburn’s VFW Post 1741 earns All-American status, again

Published 1:05 pm Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1741, Auburn, has been chosen as an All-American Post for the second time and was recognized at the VFW national convention in Pittsburgh.

Post 1741 earned All-American Status under the command of Bill Peloza (2011-2012), far right, kneeling, front row, and Frank Bannister (2014-15), front row, next to Peloza. The group photo includes Vietnam era veterans. Jon Quackenbush, far left, second row, was the Post quartermaster for both awards and deserves much of the credit, according to Bannister.

“His meticulous accounting and attention to detail set Post 1741 apart among its peers,” Bannister said.

Only 2 percent of the 6,800-plus Posts worldwide earn the yearly distinction, Bannister said.

“It takes a great deal of community support and participation in numerous VFW programs,” Bannister said. “Post 1741 set its sights on All-American status for the second time back in June 2014, as part of its plan to honor the City of Auburn for the excellent work City leaders do to make Auburn a vet friendly city.

“Mayor (Nancy) Backus loves veterans, and you can see it when she supports the numerous vet-related events in Auburn,” Bannister said.”

Post 1741 members are scheduled to march in Saturday’s 50th Auburn Veterans Day Parade.