CLARKSVILLE, TN – Clarksville’s own CSM Gary W. Crisp Post 289 came home this week from the annual Department of Tennessee American Legion Convention a winner. Post 289 is only 5 years old but she is growing.

Selected for outstanding leadership and in appreciation for a job well done was Billie Zeveney for her duties of adjutant of the 6th District, where she oversaw the operations of 18 posts. And Ernest Schmidt for his leadership in directing the Department State Scouting and Eagle Scout Program now for three years. Schmidt has increased the size of American Legion Boy Scout units from 12 to 22, which includes three troops here in Clarksville.

Post 289 also was recognized for exceptional and outstanding achievement as the winner of the medium size post annual National Security Competition for 2020-21. They also had several local businesses that had been submitted for state and national competition in American Legion Veterans Employment & Education Commission. Freedom Clean was given recognition for outstanding achievement in the employment of workers with disability. Snapshotz Photography of Clarksville was too recognized for their Employment of Veterans for the year of 2020.

Every year the Department of Tennessee American Legion recognizes a Police Officer of the Year at post, department and national levels. This year Post 289 was happy to recognize Officer Craig Amabile of the Nashville Metro Police Department. Craig is married to Lindsay and they reside here in Clarksville. Craig is a product of Clarksville. He graduated from a local high school and he grew up here before becoming a Metro Police officer. He was presented with a plaque from the oost. Amabile was submitted as a candidate for the Department Officer of the Year and was the winner for the Department of Tennessee State Officer of the year. He will be representing Clarksville and Metropolitan Nashville Police Department for the National Police Officer of the Year.

Post 289 also had their annual elections, which saw the following veterans elected:

  • Commander – David Zeveney
  • Adjutant – Bob Grigsby
  • Judge Advocate – JD Mcfarland
  • Finance Officer – Larry Johnson
  • 1st Vice – Tony Saluzzo
  • 2nd Vice – Ernest Schmidt
  • Historian – Robert Lamon
  • Sergeant at Arms – Bob Sisson
  • Chaplain – Anthony Carmona
  • Service Officer – John Beck
  • Post Scouting Chairman – Douglas Kirby
  • Honor Guard Chairman – Bob Sisson

It must be noted that Post 289 still has three officer positions that are unfilled.

In upcoming news, the post is in the middle of starting a new American Legion Riders Program here in Clarksville. If you are interested, please come by the post monthly membership meeting at 6 p.m. inside Sykes Funeral Home on 424 Franklin St., held on the third Tuesday of the month. Become a charter member.