The June Installation for the officers of the Turner Memorial Post were installed by Department of Maine Commander Donald Simoneau (center), Judge Advocate Gard Enman acting as Sergeant of Arms and National Executive Committeeman Alternate, William Bickford acting as Chaplain.

As the meeting officially opens Commander Donald Simoneau awaits to be welcomed to the podium by out going Commander Warren K. Clark. Commander Simoneau has been invovled with the Turner Post since its conception. We the veterans of Turner are proud to have had Commander Simoneau as a true American Legion Mentor.

Special Surprise Guest, Scott Bradeen begins the procession of the candidates at the June 7th, 2007 Installation Meeting for the Turner Memorial Post 111. Scott marches in with an air supply, a bag, a chanter and a drone. There are dozens of types of bagpipes, each with unique design, sound, and repertoire. Each has its own history. It was a privilege to have Scott and his bag pipe making history both for Post 111 but for the history of his bagpipe as well. Department of Maine Judge Advocate Gard Enman ushers the candidates forward.

The newly elected officers for The Turner Memorial Post 111 are: Front Row from left to right; 3rd District Public Relations Historian Officer and Post Chaplain and Public Relations Historian Officer Paul Bernard, Commander Harris Bradeen, 3rd District Sergeant of Arms and Post 2nd Vice Commander Warren Clark, Adjutant George "ED" Lepage. Back Row from left to right; Sergeant of Arms Paul Turgeon, Judge Advocate John Jordan, Executive Committee Officer Carl Witham, Executive Committee Officer Gordon Twitchell, and Service Officer Ronald Hiscock.

The installation was exciting, enjoyable but solemn. The responsibilities that come with the offices are very important in numerous ways to our community, State and Nation. We the officers of the Turner Memorial Post 111 are committed to the success of this Post in Turner Maine. We realize that unless a comrade undertakes more than he possibly can do, he will never do all that he can.

Paul Bernard is sworn in for the third time in two years as Chaplain. First at Post 22 Lewiston and then with Post 111 twice. He also serves on the Executive Committee and as Public Relations Historian for Post 111 and the 3rd District of the Department of Maine.

The Post received a surprise when Commander Donald Simoneau presented to Commander Warren Clark the Permanent Charter approved and accepted by the Department of Maine and National Headquarters.

As is tradition the newly installed commander has an opportunity to express what his purposes and goals are for the coming year. Commander Harris Bradeen stated: "I would first like to thank the installing team for a great job.

I want to thank the members for their trust in me and I am honored to have been installed as Commander of Post 111. 

My main focus will be on service to the veterans, to their families and to the community that we live in.

We will be conducting formal meetings and will follow the ritual in the Manual of Ceremonies.

But it will be a learning process for us all.

Meetings will be as brief as possible and we will try to use the Executive committee members to resolve post business."

My Goals for the year submitted by Harris L. Bradeen:

A: Increase the Membership.

B: The initiation of all Legion members.

C: Present a modified By Laws for review or modification and or approval to include length of meeting, nomination procedures, and other areas of concern to the membership.

D: Provide training for Legion Activities to include, flag code, the preamble, conducting a meeting, and funeral services.

E: Provide Military Honors for all veterans that request it.

F: There will be an officers meeting in the near future.

There will be a meeting the 21^st of June.

Our first initiation of members will be done at this meeting, as a training exercise for the officer’s members to be initiated will be notified.

We will also start planning for 4^th of July activities at that meeting.

What a surprise it was for newly installed Commander Harris Bradeen to have his son Scott Bradeen of the Lewiston Police Department play the bag pipes. It made history for the Post and for the third District as well as the Department of Maine.

Chaplain Paul Bernard, Scott Bradeen, and newly installed Commander Harris Bradeen. The Chaplain and incoming Commander had a few laughs seconds before the ceremony began. The Chaplain had said he was going to sing a song but had to step aside to get his instrument only to open the door for Scott Bradeen to enter and begin the procession by playing the bag pipes.

Judge Advocate, Gard Enman and State of Maine Commander Don Simoneau enjoy the hospitality of Post 111.

Service Officer Ronald Hiscock socializes with Scott Bradeen of the Lewiston Police Department. Scott provided the greatest surprise and probably the first event ever of a Law Enforcement Officer playing the Bag Pipes leading the officers to be installed before the presiding Commander of the State of Maine.

Newly Installed 2nd Vice Commander and Past Commander of the Turner Memorial Post 111, Warren K. Clark, 3rd District Sergeant of Arms. is joined by wife Nancy and Mr. & Mrs Ken & Marie Jordan.

Newly installed Sergeant of Arms Paul Turgeon enjoys some of the hospitality provided by the  Turner  Post 111.

On the right is Mr. & Mrs Gary K. Brooks sitting across from Comrade Henry (Fisher) Poisson.

Mrs. Irene Pomerleau of Lewiston chats with Comrade Walter Bergman. Walter shared his experience while serving in the United States Navy along with his love for basketball and baseball.

Comrades, family and friends, everyone was standing and sitting enjoying the large room we had been provided by the Leavitt High School. For the second time leavitt High School allowed us to use the Cafeteria room which provides us with plenty of space and freedom top move around and set up tables for refreshments. The Turner Memorial Post is truly thankful to the Leavitt High School and the Leavitt Institute Committee for the rooms that have been provided to the American Legion. Standing are comrades Robert "Bob" Harrington, newly installed Executive Committee Member Gordon Twitchell, and back too is Frederick Cilley.

Small Canon firing has long been associated with special Military and Marine time Events as far back as the Chinese Empire with its depiction of dragons adorning its cannons. We had canons firing only out of bagpipes but the effect was the same.

Turner Memorial American Legion Post 111 installs year's officers
Friday, July 20, 2007

Turner - Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion, installed officers recently. From the left in front are District 3 Historian, Post Chaplain and Executive Committee Officer Paul R. Bernard; Commander Harris L. Bradeen; District 3 Sergeant-at-Arms and Post Second Vice Commander Warren K. Clark; and Adjutant George Lepage; back, Sergeant-at-Arms Paul M. Turgeon, Judge Advocate John L. Jordan, Executive Committee member Carl H. Witham, Executive Committee member and Finance Officer Gordon W. Twitchell and Service Officer Ronald E. Hiscock.

Turner Memorial American Legion Post 111 installs year's officers

TURNER - Officers of Turner Memorial Post 111, American Legion, were installed by Department of Maine Commander Donald Simoneau, Judge Advocate Gard Enman acting as sergeant-at-arms and National Executive Committeeman Alternate William Bickford acting as chaplain.
The June event was held at Leavitt Area High School. Lewiston Police Officer Scott Bradeen, special guest, led the procession of candidates playing his bagpipes. A light lunch was served afterward.
Eligible veterans in Turner and Leeds are invited to join the newly revitalized post.

This web site was created and is maintained for historical and public relations purposes. Copyright 2006 ~ All Rights Reserved