American Legion Post #30 - Shelby 49455

08/01/2026

Hey folks, I am back after being gone for a good while. I just have to make a Comment about something.

I am currently over here in Chicago, near the Big Airport. I am attending the Nations largest Sports Card Show. Commonly called “ The National “.

For the first time ever, The USO has established a presence here. They have a Large Conference Room, set up just for both active duty and veterans to get away from the stress of being around appropriate 100,000 people. This is for their families as.

There’s snacks, drinks and just a place relax for them. Members from the USO, flew in from the Seattle area to man the room.

I was there today, it was kinda nice.
So if you happen to be attending the show, it’s called the Heroes Room and is located on the second floor, of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Great atmosphere

06/28/2026

Hey everyone, it’s been a while. Today I am back with a bit of good news. Just a couple of days ago, I was contacted by our Very Own Lori Hogston. Gina and her are very much involved in organizing the yearly Ladies Veterans Retreat, held in the Pentwater area.

She was looking for volunteers to help raise money for the event. The money raising day was today. It was held at the intersection of M20 and Oceana.

While it was a might warm, the folks from Oceana County and Beyond, including many “ Happy Forest Guests, donated a bunch of much needed $ . I wish once again to everyone who always show their support for my fellow Veterans.

The retreat will let other Female Veterans come to our community and share amongst themselves, their experiences, listen to a guest speaker or two, a chance to go charter fishing, with a local fishing guide and so much more. They have really earned our respect.

In closing, I would like to name a few of the folks, who volunteer today to help.

Adelle Vander Velde

Andy & Eva Morse ( I have sources who tell me, Eva is Santa Claus’s personal hair stylist and beard dye professional

Mary Rose Vannas & daughter Lizzie

Jennifer

Gina

Lori Hogston

And the token male Veteran Helpers

My other brother Darrell Hogston

And finally me, Darrell Hansen

Once again, thank you all for helping the Lady Veterans with this great project.

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06/16/2026

Hey folks I just learned today, that there “Will Not”, be a Veterans Day Parade in Hart this Fall. So very disappointed. Myself being part of the Shelby American Legion is upset. I participated in the last 2.

I was very proud and honored to be in such a local event. Sadly this isn’t the first Military Type event to be cancelled this year. Both Rothbury and New Era, were unable to hold a “ Memorial Day Event”, either.

So very sad to see, especially considering the recent Asparagus Parade turnout. Where there were both plenty of groups involved and the city downtown streets were extremely crowded. So many smiles amongst everyone. It was especially a wonderful experience that afternoon.

Yet now we learn, what l mentioned above. Come on Oceana County citizens, we need to come together and show our pride and spirit. Let’s contact with our public officials, our schools, local businesses and all of our Veterans Groups and see, if it’s not too late to organize a Veterans Day Celebration.

And before l forget , we need both the ECHO and Oceana Herald to help . They have been great in the previous year’s of helping promote Veteran Awareness . More than ever , we need them once again .

I myself will do all I can.

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06/16/2026

Just have to give a Big Shout Out to both Lori Hogston and Joe Mackey for joining me in participating in last Saturday Asparagus Parade in Hart.

It was my first Asparagus Parade ever. The amount of folks who joined us in the line up was phenomenal. And the crowd that lined every single street was even bigger. Truly amazing to see so many folks.

Oceana County, l am so very proud to be part of it.

Thank You

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05/30/2026

Hey folks, l need to make sure you all are aware of a serious issue, that has happened recently. I have heard from friends and today on the front cover of this week’s Oceana Echo, it was reported by Claire Marshall, that a number of thefts have been occurring in some of our Cemeteries . Someone or more then 1 person has been stealing Bronze Memorial Plaques and even the Flag Holders , that look like Bronze .

A local resident Mr. Dave Hansen, has offered a $1,000.00 reward to anyone who could provide information leading to the prosecution of the perpetrators .

I Darrell E. Hansen , will gladly add $100.00 to this current amount . Please note I am not related to Dave Hansen .

I ask all of my fellow veterans and friends and family , to keep their eyes open , when visiting cemeteries and even scape metal dealers .

This is a shame that our Veterans Last Resting place is being harmed in such a way .
Thank You

05/25/2026

What a great morning l had. I was able to participate in the Shelby Michigan Memorial Day parade. My fellow Legion members showed up in force. For the first time in recent memory, we had enough members, carry 8 different military/ US Flag and even the POW flag. Such a special site to see. The Shelby High School Marching Band, played some fantastic music. Plus we had a few other vehicles, join us. Driving towards the Veterans Park, the streets were filled with folks, both young and old. The words of encouragement and smiles, really touched our hearts. The folks of Shelby township and surrounding areas, really showed their love.

When it came to honor the fallen Veterans, it was very nice. While I am sorry I forgot the guest speakers name, she did a wonderful job. I think we all learned something from her. Even this “ Old Army Retired Fart”.

The Legion Honors Guard, was joined by a member of the Hart VFW.
Under the direction of Craig, our very own Navy Guy, the remarkable professionalism of the group was amazing.

In closing, this was a truly remarkable moment for me. It’s why I came back home.
Thank you everybody.

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05/25/2026

Good morning my friends and fellow Veterans. I wake up this morning with a “ Heavy Heart “. It’s Memorial Day once again. A day to Honor, Remember and Celebrate those Veterans who we have lost.

I look out towards the skies and heaven and feel very Sad, but grateful. We all have lost someone very close to us, who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives, to protect our great nation.

I am shedding a few tears now, and my heart aches severely. I miss my fellow Veterans who have given their all to protect us. Most of all this morning, I miss my friend,the man l called Pops, my Hero.

He lived a very modest, and meaningful life. Never rich in material possessions, but the richest around in the friends and family he had.

Never one to talk about himself, the first one to offer a helping hand to a stranger.

Years ago, I once asked him, how he became a Veteran. He just told me, a letter arrived from Uncle Sam, asking him to come serve our nation. Without hesitation, he answered the call. Just like so many others.

He never thought about the consequences of what that letter, would finally entitle. He fought in Europe and became a Prisoner of War.

Never regretted his choice to serve. I feel very empty about now. He’s gone from this earth, yet will forever be in my heart.

Thanks to all the Men and Women who have given their all.

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05/24/2026

It’s over for another year. It was attended by many . Lots and lots of Flapjacks, Bacon, Eggs, juice and gallons of hot coffee. Both Veterans, their families and friends. Even a good number of tourists in the area showed up. To enjoy such a good meal, a little friendship, an offer their support for the cause.

Veterans from the American Legion, The DAV, Marine Corps League, VFW and others showed up. They were there to not only get a good meal, but most of all, support our Women’s Veterans.

Every year they hold a retreat in the Pentwater area, for other Female Veterans, from across this great country of ours. With the help of their community and others, these volunteers are able to share, support and just bond a little while, about many things.

They wish seldom wish to be noticed or recognized. Their goal is to help others. And l think they do a pretty great job.

In closing for now, I offer my finest salute and gratitude to these folks.

Your dedication, doesn’t go unnoticed.

Thank you All

05/24/2026

Hey everyone. I just had breakfast up in Pentwater. At the VFW. It’a Pancake and everything else breakfast, all you can eat. It’s going until noon today. They have Lori, Gina and our oldest Navy Legion member working hard. Of course our Navy is the taste tester for the coffee, Lori is dishing out great Pancakes and Gina is keeping everyone in line.

It’s very good. The crowd is amazing. Also the Hart VFW has a raffle going on.

So if you’re hungry and really support our Women’s Veterans, come on up.

Lots of parking.

Great food and folks