American Legion Post #331 Installs Officers of New Sal Chapter

STONE HARBOR/AVALON – American Legion Post #331 (Stone Harbor/Avalon) formally held an installation of officers and a welcome reception for the new Sons of the American Legion chapter that will assist the Stephen C. Ludlam Post #331 that serves the Seven Mile Island. The new chapter will support veterans and their families, promote patriotism and Americanism, and promote programs which benefit the youth of the community.
“American Legion Post #331 is proud to form this chapter that will service our two communities, and beyond”, said Post Commander Kevin Coyle. “The men who volunteered to be part of this volunteer organization that will greatly support the efforts of the Post and their families.”
A reception and installation of officers event was held on Thursday evening, November 8th at the post. Among those in attendance were legionnaire and Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton; Stone Harbor Mayor Suzanne Walters; New Jersey State Senator Jeff Van Drew; and Michael Francis from the office of New Jersey Congressman Frank LoBiondo. Also in attendance representing the American Legion were Phillip Boyd, SAL Detachment Commander of New Jersey and Norman Marlin, American Legion Commander/Cape May County.
Commander Marlin conducted the swearing in ceremony for the new members of the Sons of the American Legion chapter that will serve Stone Harbor and Avalon. Gregory Kizeik is the Commander of the chapter, and Ronald Kemly, Vice Commander. A total of 30 men now comprise the local SAL chapter.
Sons of the American Legion is a national organization formed in 1932 in Portland, Oregon as part of the American Legion. Members include males of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States Military and were eligible for American Legion membership. Members of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion comprise the Legion family which has a combined membership of 4.2 million individuals.
American Legion Post #331 is located at the Tatham’s Life Saving Station in Stone Harbor. The station is the oldest existing building in the Borough and is the home to the Stephen C. Ludlam American Legion Post #331. The post is named in the memory of Stephen C. Ludlam who was killed in action at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. For his heroic action in defeating a German machine gun and saving his comrades, Private Ludlam received the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross, our nation’s second highest honor.
More information on the “Sons of the American Legion” squadron is located on the post’s official website, www.stephencludlampost331.org.