By Carol Schreiber
Review Staff Writer
“Stop and think about what you can do for the district” is the advice Richard Wog gave to Cindy Brunk over a year ago, when she considered running for the 2nd District American Legion Commander position. Wog serves as the Department of Minnesota Vice Commander, and is from Willmar.
“The next think I heard from her was ‘I got elected’,” Wog shared during Sunday evening’s testimonial and roast held for Brunk as she nears the end of her term. The event was held at the Brewster Legion Hall and included a social hour and supper, followed by sharing of memories of the year.
“Got Freedom – Thank a Vet” has been Brunk’s theme for the year, and time was taken to thank them, and the heroes behind the heroes (spouses, children and grandchildren) during the evening .
“Thank you so much for coming,” the U.S. Navy veteran shared, pointing out that the party is not just for her, it’s for all who have supported her and the District during the past year. An employee of the U.S. Postal Service, Brunk served during Desert Storm.
Plenty of humor was shared during the evening, along with some very emotional moments. Parting gifts were shared, including a 50 caliber pen presented on behalf of the late Mark Coney. “He’s the one that encouraged me to become Commander,” Brunk shared, holding back the tears.
With no voice mailbox set up on her cellphone, Brunk was reminded often of that fact as she was roasted Sunday evening. Legion members from throughout the District, including her own brother Bill Brunk, shared memories of trying to call and only hearing ‘this mailbox cannot accept voice messages.’
Among the parting gifts given to Brunk celebrating her year were patriotic wall hangings and eagle and angel figurines.
More humorous gifts included a Minnesota atlas, presented not only so that Brunk could find her way to different locations, but more importantly to find her way home. On more than one occasion during the year as she visited posts throughout the 2nd District, she had taken a wrong turn on the way home and called for assistance.
Supplies to enjoy time on the beach were also shared, as Brunk was presented with a sun hat, leis and a grass skirt, in addition to a bottle of wine.
“Thank you all for supporting my projects,” Brunk added, “and thank you to the posts – you are the meat and potatoes of the organization.”
Donations were presented towards her projects for the year, which included the purchase of a soft serve ice cream machine for the Minnesota Veterans Home in Luverne. Brunk has also worked towards improvements at Legionville camp during her term as Commander.
Duane Mabon of the Veterans Home was in attendance and shared that the ice cream machine has been ordered, and will soon be in place for the facility.
She expressed her appreciation to those who have served, family members, her local Post (Joseph Suding Post #386), Dundee community and 2nd District officers. “I am very glad I did it,” Brunk added, reflecting on her year.
Among the special events she recalled of her year were receiving donation of jerky from Monogram Meats in Chandler, attending the hundredth anniversary celebration of the Legion in the Twin Cities, and Veterans on the Hill trip to the capitol.
The celebration of 100 years of the Joseph Suding Post was a highlight, as was the presentation of funds to the community of Dundee towards next year’s summer celebration. She encouraged other Posts to look at their charter dates and “find a way to celebrate.”
Stressing the four pillars of the American Legion, Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism and Children and Youth, Brunk expressed her appreciation to all the members. “You don’t have to do everything, just do something. We’re better and stronger when we work together,” she added.
