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PAGE UPDATED BY MARIA SIEVERDING AUGUST 8, 2017 1 P.M.

Osgood American Legion honors member

Suzzi Romines
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On Saturday, July 29 nearly 50 members of the Osgood American Legion Post 267, including Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion, and the Ladies Auxiliary, gathered at their facility to honor one of their own. Carl Hauser, of Greensburg, a 25-year member was presented with a Plaque of Appreciation for his commitment and dedication to the needs and goals of the veterans’ organization.

Ed Schmidt and Carl Hauser
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Ed Schmidt, Commander of the Osgood American Legion, left, is pictured with Carl Hauser, seated, after he was presented a plaque of appreciation from the Osgood American Legion Post 267 recently. Hauser has a long history with the organization where he has contributed much.

Hauser served in the United States Army from 1961 - 1964 as a K-9 military police officer, and retired from Cummins Diesel as an honored Certified Packaging Material Handler Engineer after 30 years of employment. He is well respected among many friends and family, and also among those who have served. “Carl has been a good legion member for many, many years,” said current Commander, Ed Schmidt. “It’s important that we let our members, like Carl know how much we appreciate them.”

Hauser has donated infinite hours and his own funds to fulfill needs such as the construction and donation of picnic tables and swing sets for the legion’s Reinking Memorial Park, and start- to-finish paint and repair projects serving as a member, past commander and financial officer. With the help of a few other members, and Hauser once again donating supplies, he and the team refurbished the legion’s original hardwood floor. This hall, located on the second story, was known many decades ago as the location to host local high school basketball games. Today, the floors shine bright and the hall is rented for wedding receptions and family reunions, special events, fundraisers and other gatherings.

Nearly two years ago, Hauser initiated and led the group in the flag project. Commander Schmidt said, “The flag project was all Carl’s idea. It is super impressive and has made a name for us.” Hauser reached out to area businesses to ask for financial contributions, money he would put towards the cost of purchasing American flags, and to cover the cost of constructing flag poles, name plates for donors, and stakes he would carve himself to be displayed at funerals and other veteran occasions. “For days, he worked outside our house to cut each piece just right, to honor our veterans,” said Mary Hauser, Carl’s wife. In all, with additional funds that he chipped in, he built 57 flag units that often line the entrance of a cemetery and continue to the veteran’s final resting place. It’s a cherished display of respect, and noted by many loved ones following graveside services.

With his family in attendance, Hauser was bestowed this much deserved recognition by Commander Schmidt. Members then formed a line to shake hands, embrace and offer their congratulations. Hauser was deeply touched and offered these words. “It’s not just one person who makes things happen. It takes all of us. We are a family and I thank all of you.” He later spoke highly of the members of the Osgood Legion and said, “There are so many deserving individuals, deserving even more than me. Over the last 25 years, I’ve become close to these guys and we are all like brothers. It’s like when you sit down at night and say your prayers, you forget about anything that may not have gone right that day. You focus on the good that you can do, like what we do as members. I wish I could do more.”

Today, the American Legion membership is over 2.4 million members strong and since the non-profit organization was established in 1919, they are recognized for contributing to a multitude of programs to enhance the lives of our youth and others. They are also known to be a major influence in social change, including the lobbying for medical, educational, disability, housing, and other benefits for veterans. One important goal of this organization is to never forget prisoners of war and troops missing in action. There is also a select Veterans’ group assigned to ensure all information known is documented and that our military and government continue to press for investigation and answers for those soldiers imprisoned or unaccounted for.

Schmidt said that with dedicated members and community support, the Osgood Legion had their best year ever, giving back nearly $17,000 to various causes and community organizations in 2016. They invite the public to their facility and to join the members for their Wednesday night Treasure Hunt drawing, Thursday Taco Night, and Friday Fish, Chicken and Burgers night. For more information regarding the Osgood Legion Post 267, membership and events, contact Commander Ed Schmidt at 812-498-2997.

Main Street Versailles to host Kids Day Saturday

Children, teens and families are invited to a special day at the Versailles Farmers Market on August 19. Main Street Versailles is proud to host its third annual “Kids Day” with an array of kid-centric activities.

The market runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with all of the regular local food producers and crafters. Additionally, special vendors include the Tin Can Market, a mobile market for “kid-entrepreneurs” based in Osgood; and a Monarch Butterfly life-cycle display by the Monarch and Milkweeds Club from Madison. The main event of Kids Day will be a bicycle safety class taught by Weber Sports from Aurora. The class will begin at 11 a.m. and is open to those aged 14 and under. Kids are encouraged to bring their bicycle and follow along during the class. Participants will be entered into a drawing to win a brand new 20” bicycle sponsored by the Friendship State Bank. In addition to the bicycle giveaway, participating kids can choose a complementary piece of bicycle “swag;” options including a helmet, lock, bell, or lights.

No pre-registration is necessary; just arrive early enough to be prepared for class.

American Youth Outreach Unlimited makes sixth journey
Bank employee treks Yellowstone for hiking adventure

Julie Mathias, Friendship State Bank loan officer, embarked on her sixth journey to Yellowstone National Park this summer with American Youth Outreach Unlimited. AYOU is a local, non-profit organization co-founded by Kendall Hankins in 2009. Its goal is to share the Yellowstone National Park with youth and encourage commitment to wildlife preservation through education and adventure. Thirty-eight students have made the all-expenses paid trek since the program commenced in 2010.

AYOU at Yellowstone
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Pictured left celebrating their climb to Mt. Washburn in Yellowstone National Park are (back row, left to right) Kendall Hankins, John Rohrig, Reis Bradley, Austin Brison; front row, left to right: Anna Liming, Maggie Miller and Julie Mathias These AYOU youth and their leaders enjoyed many adventures during their 10-day trek.

Mathias accompanied five students, ages 16 to 18, from South Ripley, Milan and Jac-Cen-Del schools this year. All students were first-time flyers and arrived in Bozeman, Montana on July 8. They set up camp at Gardiner Baptist Church in Gardiner, Montana and geared up for early mornings.
“We are up early and in the park,” Mathias shared. “The animals are very active early in the morning and evening. The kids love to see and photograph animals that they have only seen in books but now are face to face.”

Hiking Mount Washburn, a 1,400 feet elevation climb, was another highlight of the 10-day expedition. “We start at an elevation of 8,819 feet and end at 10,219 feet. Think of it this way. The elevation in Versailles is 965 feet. These kids hiked up 9,254 feet higher,” Mathias explained. “They experience the difference in the air and the change in temperature. This hike is challenging for all. It never fails that each kid is incredibly proud when they conquer this mountain.”

The adventurous crew returned on July 18 filled with awesome memories. “(My) memories range from the looks on the kids’ faces the first time they see the vastness of Yellowstone to the animals,” Mathias said. “They have experienced both bear and buffalo jams and this year we got caught in some big ones. The laughter is abundant and most times until the bellies hurt.” “I came home this year with a nickname,” Mathias added. “I’m affectionately called Nana. I even received an “I Love Nana” mug that they all signed and now sets in my office in Dillsboro.”

AYOU funds 100 percent of the trip for the youth, made possible from donations from area businesses, organizations and individuals. Chaperones pay for their own expenses. Mathias finds every penny worthwhile and eagerly anticipates future adventures.

“Yellowstone is a magical place and I get to be partly responsible in sharing that little piece of heaven with others,” Mathias said.