TAPS

Ernest B. Montrond of East Taunton, Mass.

Ernest B. Montrond of Post 64 (Dept of Massachusetts) passed away Oct. 18 at the age of 91. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Montrond served as department commander from 1973-1974, department vice commander from 1968-1970 and 1971-1973, National Executive Committee alternate member from 1975-1979, National Foreign Relations Council vice chairman from 1995-2013, National Security Council vice chairman from 1979-1990, and National VA&R Council member from 2013 until his death.

Joseph T. Craig of Ketchikan, Alaska

Joseph T. Craig of Post 3 (Department of Alaska) passed away Oct. 21 at the age of 81. He was a Korean and Vietnam War Coast Guard veteran. Mr. Craig served as national vice commander from 1994-1995, department commander from 1976-1977, department vice commander from 1974-1976, National Rehabilitation Commission Advisory Board member from 1968-1969, National Executive Committee alternate member from 1982-1994, National Veterans Employment & Education Commission member from 1988-1994 and 1995-1998, National Executive Committee member from 1998-2002, National Internal Affairs Commission member from 2002-2005, National Legislative Commission Liaison Committee member from 1998-1999 and 2000-2002, National American Legion Magazine Commission Liaison Committee member from 1999-2000.

John William "Bill" Rusk of Mount Ayr, Iowa

John William "Bill" Rusk of Post 172 (Department of Iowa) passed away Sept. 30 at the age of 87. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Rusk served as department commander from 1990-1991, department vice commander from 1987-1988, National Executive Committee alternate member from 1995-1998, National Americanism Council vice chairman from 1985-1987, National Executive Committee member from 1998-1999, National American Legion Magazine Commission Liaison Committee member from 1996-1999, and National Public Relations Commission member from 1999-2004.