On April 28, the Churchville American Legion celebrated a change of leadership ceremony conducted by Monroe County Vice Commander John Connelly and Monroe County Commander Tom Puff. Ken Juergens assumed the leadership of the Post after serving as the Vice Commander. Juergens takes over from Gilbert Budd who has led the Post for the last ten years. Commander Puff awarded Budd a certificate of appreciation from the County Legion. Earlier this year, Commander Budd received a Monroe County award for his service from County Legislator Steve Brew during the Churchville-Riga Chamber of Commerce Veterans’ Luncheon.
Also swore into leadership roles were Tony Torcello (Vice Commander), Geoff Larson (Sergeant at Arms), Dan Parker (Treasurer), and Wayne McConnell (Adjutant). Two leaders not able to be present were Bill McWhorter (Chaplain) and Mike Morris (Historian).
Ken Juergens hails from Hilton where he is a Hilton Hall of Fame graduate. He graduated from the United States Military Academy and served in the United States Army for 25 years, retiring as a Colonel after his brigade command. He retired as Senior Vice President of Colt Manufacturing as well as serving as a senior executive at Remington Arms, DynCorp, and Oshkosh Defense, where he was responsible for the M-ATV program, an up armored vehicle that was deployed in Afghanistan and saved numerous lives.
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