The Monroe County American Legion recognized Colonel (Ret.) Kenneth Juergens, Commander of Harvey C. Noone Post 954, with the prestigious Legionnaire of the Year Award during its 107th Annual Convention. This honor celebrates Commander Juergens’ unwavering dedication to veterans, his extraordinary leadership, and his revitalization of Post 954.
Juergens, a Hilton native, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and earned an MBA from Babson College (Beta Gamma Sigma). Following a distinguished 25-year career in the U.S. Army, which included brigade command in Germany and retirement at the rank of Colonel (O-6), Juergens brought the same energy and expertise into corporate leadership roles. He served as a Senior Vice President at Oshkosh Defense, Group President at DynCorp, and held executive roles at both Colt and Remington Firearms. A member of the Hilton Hall of Fame, the Section V Wrestling Hall of Fame, and the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame, Juergens now lives in Churchville with his wife, Tish.
Since taking over Post 954, Juergens has been the driving force behind its transformation from near closure into the fastest-growing Legion post in Monroe County, boasting a remarkable 134% membership increase in just four years.
His contributions are wide-ranging:
•Veteran and Community Service: Juergens launched and led community outreach initiatives including bi-monthly visits to the Batavia VA hospital, supported a deployed 10th Mountain Division infantry platoon to Iraq, coordinated recreational events for disabled veterans, and championed Wreaths Across America in Monroe County. Each December, this heartfelt program honors over 600 local veterans with wreaths placed at their graves by community volunteers.
•Memorial Day and Civic Events: He has served as Master of Ceremonies for the Churchville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade, and the Chamber of Commerce Veterans Day Luncheon, ensuring that veterans’ sacrifices are honored with dignity and respect.
•Operational Leadership: Juergens has overseen substantial improvements to the Post facility, including ADA-compliant upgrades, repairs, and modernization of operations. His stewardship has increased the Post’s financial reserves by 475%.
•Event Hosting and Compliance: Under his guidance, the Post has reestablished itself as a capable host of major Monroe County and 7th District events. He also maintains regulatory compliance for all financial and gambling activities, ensuring transparency and trust.
•Mentorship and Legacy: Juergens revived the long-inactive Sons of the American Legion Squadron in 2020 and continues to mentor its members, strengthening the future of the Legion family.
On June 14, Juergens will be awarded “Legionnaire of the Year” for the 7th District at their American Legion Convention. The 7th District includes Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties. Commander Juergens continues to be a living embodiment of the Legion’s principles of service, honor, and community.
This award is not just a recognition of past accomplishments – it is a testament to a future built on leadership, resilience, and unwavering dedication.
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