-
news
Grace Reinke (left) is a freshman at Bay College studying business, while Lily Reinke (middle) is a senior at Forest Park High School. (submitted photos)
CRYSTAL FALLS — In August, Tufts Rondon VFW Post 2891 Auxiliary accepted the membership applications of the Post’s newest and youngest members at the Auxiliary’s regular monthly meeting.
Grace Reinke, 18, and Lily Reinke, 17, were eligible and recommended by their father and Post Commander Shannon Reinke.
Grace and Lily Reinke’s family has a military history of 200-plus years between the Reinke-Payne families.
Madisen Thoreson, 19, was eligible for membership under her grandfather Terry Thoreson and recommended by her grandmother, Mary Jean Thoreson. Madisen’s family has a rich history in the military with 90 years spanning two generations between the Thoreson-Hagglund families.
The Post also recognized its most senior members - Josephine “Jackie” Lesandrini, 97, and Marilyn Chervo, 92.
“According to family members, these ladies have been Post members for more than 60 years,” Denise Swider said. “Josephine’s husband, Joseph “Toby” served two terms as the Post’s Commander. It is believed it was this generation of members that put the Tufts Rondon VFW Post on the U.P. map.
“Congratulations to Marilyn, Josephine, Grace, Lily, and Maddie.