A SUPPLEMENT TO THE SAUK CENTRE HERALD & THE STAR POST
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23 0 2 MBER 11,
Veterans serve Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary join forces for fish fry BY CAROL MOORMAN STAFF WRITER
Once a month Melrose American Legion Post 101 and Auxiliary members join forces to serve fish, fried potatoes, a vegetable, homemade bread and coleslaw at the post home in Melrose, and during Lent it is fish on Ash Wednesday and every Friday night. On Oct. 29, they held their second annual breakfast. Both events have veterans and their wives or significant others working together, raising money for a cause. “A percentage goes toward charity. Part of the American Legion is child welfare and this falls under Americanism. I’m the National Americanism guy,” said Rick Cross, who was working in the kitchen deep
frying fish Oct. 20. On aprons worn by Cross and fellow Army veteran John Cameron, who was on green bean duty, were the words “Legion Riders.” Both belong to the Melrose American Legion Riders, motorcycle enthusiasts who participate in parades and go on motorcycle rides throughout the summer, in support of the veterans. Cross’s wife Sharon, who is the Minnesota Department Auxiliary president, also participates in the rides. Rick Cross served as an Army Ranger in the military from 1969-95. His tour of duty included almost two years in Vietnam. “I was in Vietnam through the Cambodia invasion,”
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PHOTOS BY CAROL MOORMAN
(Above) Veteran Rick Cross holds a plate of freshly fried fish during the Oct. 20 fish fry at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. He has been a member of the Melrose American Legion for 11 years. (Left) Melrose American Legion Auxiliary member Char Westendorf serves fish to Larry Bunyea, of Melrose, while Brett Tiemann, of Albany, goes through the line Oct. 20 at the Melrose American Legion in Melrose. The fish fry is held the third Friday of the month and every Friday during Lent.
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