Picolet recognized for 50 years of dedicated membership to the American Legion
Tue, 04/07/2015 - 11:17am
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Bernard Picolet served in the United States Air Force from 1952-1956 where he worked as an aircraft repairman overseas, which included being stationed in Japan and Korea. In 1970, he joined the Army Reserve in Walker, MN where he was a cook for three years.
Bernie first joined the American Legion in 1965. He served as second vice-commander, first vice-commander and commander for 2 terms in 1971 and 1981. At that time, he was living in Cass Lake, MN; he became a life member while still living there. Bernie moved to Grygla in 1982. Ervin Klitzke and Bernie started the American Legion in Grygla at that time. They were both charter members. Since then, he has served as commander for two terms, 1984 and 1985.
On March 29th, 2015, Wayne Hanson, local post commander, organized a party at Yo-Hawn’s to celebrate Bernard’s award given by the American Legion. Bernie was presented with a certificate of continuous membership for his 50 years of being a member in good standing. At the party, Bernie gave a statement about his service, thanked those in attendance and stated that the cake was good!
The following article was published in a 1984 issue of the Grygla Eagle, when Bernie and Ervin started the local club.
National Commander recognizes Grygla American Legion Club
An American Legion Club has been formed in Grygla under the leadership of veteran Legionnaires, Bernie Picolet and Ervin Klitzke. The announcement was made at a banquet held in Thief River Falls, honoring National Commander Clarence M. Bacon of Maryland. Bacon accepted the application for membership from Picolet and Klitzke at the close of his banquet address.
Sixteen members will be listed on the Grygla Charter. They are Ronald Byklum, Leonard Moe, Arnold Stanley, James Holte, Gordon Jelle, Wayne Hanson, Edward Yager, Leighton Mork, Vernon Brateng, Newman Nelson, Raymond Benson, George Thompson, Don Landsrud, Richard Jokela, David Sistad, Norman Mork, Orville Dieson and Lyle Nelson.
The first meeting of the Grygla American Legion will be held on February 24th at 2:30pm at Fourtown.
As of today, there are 30 members in the Holte Grygla/Fourtown American Legion Post 162. The club meets monthly and shares a building and meeting place with the VFW Post 3858.