American Legion 4th District Selects CODERRE as COMMANDER

AMERICAN LEGION 4TH DISTRICT SELECTS CODERRE AS COMMANDER

Ronald P. Coderre, Past Commander of The Mayotte-Viens American Legion Post #13 of Putnam was selected by his peers as the commander of the Department of Connecticut 4th District. Coderre was formally installed in the position at the Department Convention, which was held in Trumbull over the weekend of July 14 – 15.

The 14 American Legion Posts of the 4th District include Post #14 Rockville; #19 Willimantic; #21 Danielson; #26 Stafford Springs; #52 Coventry-Mansfield; #62 Ellington; #67 North Grosvenordale; #91 Moosup; #95 Hebron; #101 Somers; #106 Hampton; #111 Woodstock; #203 Eastford; and Coderre’s home Post in Putnam.

“I’m honored that the Legionnaires of the 4th District would select me as Commander especially as the American Legion enters its second century of existence. The American Legion and the 4th District in particular have a great past. I look forward to a greater future for the organization,” said Coderre.

Joining Coderre on the District leadership team are, Sr. Vice Commander David McCaffrey of Post #101 Somers; Jr. Vice Commander Sherri Marquis also of Post #101; Adjutant Jean C. LaFontaine of Post #67 North Grosvenordale; Finance Officer Manny Rodrigues of Post #52 Coventry – Mansfield; Chaplain Perry Caldwell of Post #26 Stafford Springs; Historian John Hurchala also of Post #26; Judge Advocate Everett G. Shepard of Post #111 Woodstock; and Sergeant-at-Arm Victor Kratz of Post #13 Putnam.

Coderre, who has been a member of the American Legion 36 years, served a Commander of Post #13 from 2015 to 2018. Under his leadership the Post grew its membership to 180 members and instituted a number of programs. Through his initiative he started the Post #13 Golf Tournament, oversaw the banners honoring living veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam and assisted in establishing the flags that adorn the World War I Veterans Memorial Bridge on Pomfret Street in Putnam.

He was rewarded for his efforts by the American Legion Department of Connecticut by being named Connecticut Commander of the Year in 2016 and Legionnaire of the Year in 2017.

This year he served as the chairman in organizing the Post’s 100th Anniversary celebration on July 7 and writing and publishing the 100-year history of Post #13.

As Coderre embarks on his 4th District position his goals are to establish a website for the District, increase District membership and become a 100% District, and ensure that the American Legion and its programs are positively presented throughout the communities of the District.

“Our District has been very successful over the past five years. I hope to not only maintain that momentum but assist the Posts in our jurisdiction to continue growing and presenting programs in their communities that espouse the qualities of American Legion and our service to youth,” said Coderre.

Coderre is a veteran of the United States Air force, serving as a radar operator from 1959 through 1965. He served at the 646th AC&W Squadron in New Jersey during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

He and his wife Donna reside in Putnam. Together they have four adult sons and eight grandchildren.

The American Legion was founded in 1919, shortly after the end of World War I. The organization is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2019. It was founded on Four Pillars, Service to and rehabilitation of veterans; defense of our country; Americanism; and service to youth.