My Dad, Joesph Staskiel, born on December 11, 1938, in Glen Lyon, was not just any man; he was a beacon of dedication and love. A proud 1957 graduate of Newport Township High School, he went on to serve our country in the United States Army, with a memorable time spent in Iceland. His career spanned over 31 years as an analysis technician at Procter and Gamble, but it was his life outside of work that truly defined him. He was a cornerstone of St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, lending his voice to the choir and his hands to volunteer at countless church fundraising events. My Dad's love for horses and all animals knew no bounds. He built two barns for my sister so she could fill them with love and care. His passion for collecting fossils was more than just a hobby; it was a way for him and our step-mom, Maryann, to connect with the community, sharing his treasures with local schools. Flying was another of his remarkable talents. Dad earned his pilot license, mastering twin engines, gliders, and a seaplane rating. Together he and Maryann, they traveled across the USA, embracing adventures and friendships, always spreading kindness and never speaking ill of anyone. My father left us in 2019, yet his remarkable legacy of kindness, unwavering dedication, and profound love continues to resonate. Throughout his life, he embodied a spirit of service, especially evident in his deep commitment to the American Legion Kosciuszko Post 207. As the Adjutant, he invested his heart and soul into each endeavor, demonstrating leadership and compassion that inspired all around him. The article that follows was crafted during his lifetime, a period when he took immense pride in his involvement with the organization that meant so much to him. His contributions and the memories we shared will always be cherished and remembered. We at the NEPA Visitor would like to say "thank you and good work" to Adjutant Joe J. Staskiel of the American Legion Kosciuszko Post, 207, for his 26 years of dedicated service to the American Legion, his country, and his community. We also extend the same expression of gratitude to every officer and member of the American Legion Post 207 and all our men and women in all of the armed forces, past and present. It is our honor to salute you. It was in December 2017 that Joseph received the prominent award for his "26 Years of Dedicated Service" to Post 207, organized in 1926. Joseph's primary involvement with the post over the years has been serving as Adjustant (or administrative assistant) to Commander G.M. Kofira and Vice-Commander George W. Slaier.
As a young man serving in the United States Army, Joseph has always understood the importance of camaraderie and continued service. During his 26 years with the Post 207, Joseph has been instrumental in keeping and maintaining the 80-veteran membership for the post, along with honorary member Maryann's Staskiel, his wife, whose responsibility falls to the most vital part of the meeting, the pizza. This year Joseph's goal is to keep the post's membership full, at a count of 80 members, which will garner the commander and other officers the distinction of "Post of the Year." The post's primary source of income is selling veterans' poppy flowers, the official memorial flower of the veterans of the Foreign Legion Wars of the United States. The poem "In Flanders Field" inspired the practice of wearing poppies, written in 1915 by John McCrae. Wearing poppies honoring those whose lives were claimed in the American Wars is a Memorial Day tradition. However, displaying the symbol has become a popular way to show support for veterans on any occasion. American Legion Post 207 is proud of its members, officers, and supporters. After taking care of the post's financial obligations, post members select a second organization to benefit from the hard work of members like Joseph and his post 207 comrades', The Wounded Warrior Project. The project is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of military actions following September 11, 2001. The rest, then, is given back to the community. Groups, such as Boys and Girls Scouts of America, area fishing derbies, for instance, or something as life-changing as a drive to raise money for a wheelchair, which a veteran needed but could not afford. According to history, the American Legion was chartered by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization, focusing on service to veterans, members, and community service. The Legion evolved from a group of war-weary veterans of World War I into one of the most influential nonprofit organizations in the United States. The NEPA Visitor appreciates and honors all the men and women who are serving or have served this great country of ours, and with all due respect, we ask the public that when you see veterans, thank them for your freedom. Oh, yeah, and buy a poppy too.
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Lou Jasikoff Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Lou Jasikoff enjoyed a great childhood, blessed with great parents, a brother, two sisters, and a close extended family. He attended Fordham University on a full baseball scholarship and graduated with a degree in accounting. Upon graduating from Fordham, Lou enjoyed a successful but brief stint in the corporate world before heading to Montana to try his hands as a businessman. Archives |