By Sterling McGinn
When you think of the American Legion Post 74 of Newberry, there are a number of dedicated members that come to mind. One individual who is always available and willing to lend a hand is Jim Dzelak, who is now going on 50 years of service to the American Legion Post 74 of Newberry.
Dzelak, a United States Air Force Veteran and retired Postal Service employee, was presented a certificate commemorating 50 years of continued membership in the Hugh Allan McInnes American Legion of Newberry at the post’s March meeting. The presentation was made by Post 74 Commander Leo Saint Germaine.
A native of Superior, Wisconsin, Dzelak moved to Newberry in the early 1970s when he married Kathy Harju from Newberry, whose parents were active in the local post for decades. Jim and Kathy have three children: Keri, Jim, and Kendra.
Dzelak became active in the Legion honor guard and color guard soon after moving to the area and has served the post in numerous capacities from sergeant-at-arms to commander. For the last 15 years, he has held the office of finance officer. “Jim is a member who knows the true meaning of being Legionnaire and works hard to keep the Legion at the forefront of the community and helping veterans,” said longtime friend and fellow Legionnaire Bud Grubba. “We worked together for years and had some great times.”
Dzelak also belonged to the former Voiture 1453 40 et. 8, an elite fraternity of the Legion only open to members who earned it by dedicated volunteerism.
When the Hugh Allan McInnes Post 74 celebrated their 100th anniversary in the fall of 2020, the post color guard presented a plaque to Dzelak for 46 years of marching with the unit. Though he no longer marches in parades, he continues to support the color guard when needed and participates in the Legion honor guard when military honors are rendered at local veteran funerals.
He is also a past recipient of the Luce County Veteran Service Award and is supportive of any matters pertaining to the assistance of veterans and their families.
