This Memorial Day, Remember Your Veteran
This Memorial Day, Remember Your Veteran
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U.S. Army 1967 to 1970, SSgt E-6
1967-1968 South Korea
1968-1970. Pentagon, Washington D.C.
American Legion Member since 2013
As a Vietnam War veteran, Romie joined the American Legion in 1981. Romie eventually served three years each as Redwood City Post 105's 1st Vice Commander, 2nd Vice Commander and 3rd Vice Commander. He culminated his ‘career’ at Post 105 with multiple terms as Post Commander from 2007-2012 and 2019-2021 until he relinquished his duties to his successor, current Commander George Smith.
In private life, Romie managed Show Ring Productions, including competing as a driver in draft horse competitions. As a longtime Redwood City resident, he was involved with a Redwood City Veterans Housing project.
Following years of dedicated service to military families, Romie was honored by California State Senator Jerry Hill on October 27, 2016, as Veteran of the Year for California's 13th Senate District. In 2015, Romie, and fellow Post 105 Officer & Vietnam veteran (Col.) Leo McArdle, co-chaired the Avenue of Flags subcommittee which hosted the traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, "The Wall That Heals" at Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno. In 2016, Romie organized Redwood City's Veterans Day festivities as well as a ceremony to observe the 75th anniversary of Pearl Harbor Day. Through his years of dedicated efforts, Romie elevated the profile of Post 105 in the local community as a beacon for veterans and volunteers who want to assist veterans.
Reflecting about his life’s path, Romie sang praises of his high school alma mater. From 1961 through graduation in June 1965, Romie attended the all-boys Catholic high school, Junipero Serra (Serra) in San Mateo. "The best school in San Mateo County, then and now," he noted with enthusiasm. "I donate as much of my time as I can there. Hey, if you know something will really improve a kid's life, give them a good start in the world— and I'm telling you, that's what Serra is all about—if you can be involved, be involved!" Romie certainly fulfilled the last quote above; he got involved. He went beyond the call of duty to serve his country. He continued to serve his community and our Post to his last breath.
Submitted by Peggy Toye & Michael Toschak. This tribute was based on an article by author Jean Bartlett, copyright 2022. Bartlett’s biography was sponsored by
Helen Marlene Broce. It can be found online at www.bartlettbiographies.com and in a binder at Pacifica American Legion Post 238, 555 Buel Avenue, Pacifica, CA.
American Legion Offices Held:
American Legion Riders
Life Member
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
American Veterans of America (AmVets)
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
San Mateo County Veterans Commission, Alternate Commissioner – 2016-2017
Commissioner – 2017-Present
Liaison to SM Co Veterans Organizations for SM Co Veterans Service Office
Benefactor – Marine Memorial, San Francisco CA
Veteran of the Year – District 22 (San Mateo County) 2017 – 2019
San Mateo Veterans Memorial Committee Member 2019 – Present
Selective Service System – Board Member California Area Office 010 Local Board 030, Local, 2016 - present
San Mateo City Veterans Memorial Committee
American Legion Post 105 Positions Held:
American Legion Offices Held:
Life Member
2019 San Mateo County Veteran of the Year
Retired/Musician
American Legion Offices Held:
Life Member
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)
American Veterans (AMVETS)
Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America (AVVA)
American Legion PUFL (Paid Up for Life)
Sequoia Union High School District 1968 - 2008
Honors & Awards
2018 Veteran of the Year - Vietnam Veterans of America, Steve Warren Memorial Chapter 464
President Barack Obama, May 2015 - Over 4,000 hours of volunteer Service as a member of Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
San Mateo and Northern Santa Clara Counties President's Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award
Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
May 2015 - Over 4,000 hours of volunteer service as a member of RSVP
Certificate of Appreciation, Unsung Hero Continuous Service Award
Jeffrey Gee, Mayor of Redwood City, October 2014
·
Certificate of Recognition from California Legislature Assembly
Kevin Mullin, 22nd Assembly District, October 2014
·
Certificate of Recognition from State of California Senate
Jerry Hill, Senator,13th District, October 2014
·
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Community Service
Anna G. Eshoo, Member of Congress, October 2014
·
Commendation from Board of Supervisors, San Mateo County, State of California
Dave Pine, President, October 2014
·
Certificate of Recognition from California Legislature Assembly
Kevin Mullin, 22nd Assembly District, October 2013
·
Certificate of Recognition from State of California Senate
Jerry Hill, Senator, October 2013
·
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Extraordinary Leadership
Anna Eshoo, Member of Congress, October 2013
·
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Community Service
Anna Eshoo, Member of Congress, October 2013
Commendation
Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County, October 2013
· Interservice Club Coordinating Council Unsung Hero Award
Alicia Aguirre, Mayor of Redwood City, October 2013
·
Certificate of Appreciation, U.S. Army 63rd Regional Support Command
Michael J. Schweiger, Major General, United States Army Reserve, April 2013
Organizations
· District 26 Ritual Team, San Mateo County, 2014 - Present
· San Mateo County Veterans Coalition, 2015 - Present
· Veterans Voices of Santa Clara County, 2015 - 2016
· Vietnam Veterans of America, 2015 – Present
· California Association Legion Press Association (CALPA), 2015 – Present
· Voiture Nationale La Societe Des 40 Hommes Et 8 Chevaux, Voiture 393, 40/8, 2011 – Present
Groups
· Redwood City Sunrise Lions
Past President and Board Member 2014 – Present
President 2013 – 2014
1st Vice President 2013 – 2013
2nd Vice President and Board Member 2011 – 2012
Lions Awards
· Lion of the Year – 2013 and 2017
· Lions Club International
U.S. Army, 8 years, Gulf War
American Legion Offices Held:
U.S. Navy 1958-1962, Aviation Mate 2nd Class USS USS Ticonderoga
1995-Present, American Legion Member
American Legion Offices Held:
2019-Present, Post 105 Board Members
2019-Present, Post 105 Finance Officer
Other Offices Held:
1978-2000 Member of Los Gatos Elks Lodge
1985 Esteem Lecturing Knight
1987 Los Gatos Elks Lodge, House Committee Chairman
1993-2009, Real Estate Broker, DBA Excel Realty
1971 U.S. Navy, San Diego
Retired Businessman/Musician
American Legion Offices Held:
Vicent Trucelli was an active member of American Legion Post 105 and Redwood City.
Mitchell Paige, Medal of Honor recipient, Member of Post 105 and Redwood City resident.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR to
PLATOON SERGEANT MITCHEL PAIGE, U.S.M.C.
for service as set forth in the following
CITATION:
For extraordinary heroism and conspicuous gallantry in action above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the Second Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division, in combat against enemy Japanese forces in the Solomon Islands Area on October 26, 1942. When the enemy broke through the line directly in front of his position, Platoon Sergeant Paige, commanding a machine gun section with fearless determination, continued to direct the fire of his gunners until all his men were either killed or wounded. Alone, against the deadly hail of Japanese shells, he manned his gun, and when it was destroyed, took over another, moving from gun to gun, never ceasing his withering fire against the advancing hordes until reinforcements finally arrived. Then, forming a new line, he dauntlessly and aggressively led a bayonet charge, driving the enemy back and preventing a breakthrough in our lines. His great personal valor and unyielding devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service
/s/FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT
President, United States
LEO CRAWFORD, 75, best known for his longstanding involvement with the American Legion's citizen of the Year Adward, died on August 5, 2001 at the VA Hospital in Palo ALto as a result of Diabetes and vascular complications. Crawford was born in Portland, Oregon, one of nine children, and grew up during the depression years. After the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941, he left school in his sophomore year and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, attending boot camp in San Diego. He was then transferred to Pearl harbor for fleet assignment. Crawford was assigned to the battleship USS Colorado, joining a crew in what was to become famous as the 5th Amphibious Battleship Division. He and his crew participated in seven invasions and naval engagements from Tarawa to the Mariana Islands. During the invasion of Tinnian Island in July 1944, Crawford's ship was hit 23 times by enemy shore guns, injuring him and causing his return to the states, where he was hospitalized for the next five months. In January 1945, Crawford returned to Redwood City to start civilian life. In 1947, feeling the need for better education, Crawford entered the College of San Mateo and in the next three and one-half years, he completed his high school education. In an interesting side event, he was awarded his college diploma, just prior to being awarded his high school diploma. That same year, he became interested in the many problems that veterans were being confronted with, and he was asked to help in the project of organizing a new Legion Post for the friendly Acres section of Redwood City. Crawford became a charter member of the new American Legion Adobe Post 828, where he was a dedicated officer and served as its Commander in 1950. In 1952, due in large part to his work, effort and leadership, Crawford was elected 2nd Vice Commander of the 26th District (the 17 posts of San Mateo County.) and in 1953, he was elected 1st Vice Commander of the 26th District. That same year, he participated in the National American Legion Institute Leadership course and placed in the top five participants in the United States. He was then selected to represent California at the summer session of the session. In 1954, Crawford served as District Commander of the 26th District and his record of attaining Legion members kept the District in first place for the year. His leadership was now recognized at the state level and, at the age of 29, Crawford was elected to the office of State Commander of California, at that time the youngest Legion member ever elected to head the 150,000 member organization in California and the only Legion member from San Mateo County to hold the position. In 1969, he was elected to a two-year term as National Executive Committeeman to the National organization and, that same year, was awarded a Gold Card Life Membership in Redwood City's Post 105. His many community involvements cover a wide area, including serving as Institutional representative between the Boy Scouts and the American Legion in the Friendly Acres area of Redwood City; vice chairman of Adobe Post 828 Veterans Hospital Christmas Party; chairman of the Legion's polio vaccination drive in the Friendly Acres area; member of the Atherton Lions Club six years, being named the Lions Club "Tri-County Man of the Year" in 1975. Crawford assisted in the dedication of the Red Cross building on Middlefield Road in the 1950s and headed the annual residential Red Cross fund drive for two years and participating in drives for the next six years. He was very active in the Red Cross Home Service Committee which directed its attention to active servicemen Committe which directed its attention to active servicemen and also veterans and their families. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Redwood City Hunger Fund for 10 years. Crawford served actively for 14 years as a member of the Redwood City/San Mateo County Chamber of Commerce. He was on the Board of Directors for nine years; a member of the Ambassador's Club seven years; and Chief Ambassador of the Chamber in 1975. Crawford's teenage dream of becoming a pilot was finally realilzed when, after months of battling the Federal Aviation Administration because of his disability he received a certificate of demonstrated ability and a Private Pilot's Lincense. Not stopping there Crawford went back to school and passed his written test for an instrument rating and passed his flight test. He also received a multi-engine rating and flew for some 30 years, during which time, he served on the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Committee. Crawford served as Chairman of the American Legion's Citizen of the Year in conjunction with the Chamber for 11 years, then as General Chairman for seven years. In February of 1996, the Redwood City Alamanac, as sponsor, awarded him a plaque for his many years of community service. When asked some time ago about his many years of community service, Crawford said the one thing he would miss the most was the joy he got seeing the happiness on faces of winners of the Legion award. He also expressed sadness for the "many wonderful qualified nominees who would not be winners, as only one could be winner".
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