News Alpers Memorial: Post 57 receives funds, old Legion uniform

Dale Alpers, a World War II veteran and long-time George G. Luckey Post 57 member and Sergeant-At-Arms, dies last week after a long battle with cancer. 

Many of the people who left memorials to Dale asked that those funds be donated to the Vinton American Legion Post. The family also decided to give much of the memorial funds to the Legion. 

Dale's son, Drew, was going through some of his father's belongings when he found the uniform that his dad wore years ago during official Legion functions. 

Although the uniform is no longer worn by Legion officers, the local post will use it for a historical display. 

Drew Alpers and Dale's widow, Zella, also presented Legion President Craig Streeter a check for $1,085. The presentation took place on Wednesday, the day after Dale Alpers would have celebrated his birthday.

""Daddy loved the Legion," said Drew. "He was devastated when the building burned down."

Drew recalls many times when his parents brought him along went they square dancing at the Legion Hall, and would give him and his brother each a dime to spend at the concession stand.