Balsanek Won’t Run for Legion Post

Joe Balsanek is announcing that he will not be seeking a third term as Commander of Post 47 Nelson-Lucking Hastings American Legion. Balsanek is making the announcement prior to the upcoming Executive Board elections scheduled for the end of May so that Legion members have an opportunity to consider filing for the commander?s position over the next few weeks. He made his announcement at the Legion Executive Board meeting May 9th. Balsanek has served as Commander for the past two years. Under his leadership he managed the post accounts, eliminating over $83,000 in debt load, bringing the post back to a positive balance. In doing so he would like to give credit to former club manager, Brenda Kromer, who helped reorganize the staff, vendor purchasing and menu. During Balsanek?s tenure as Commander he saw to it that proper funding was provided for new upgrades to the building and made donations totaling over $10,000 to various non-profit community organizations. Commander Balsanek would especially like to thank John and Jim Poepl as well as the entire staff of Vermillion State Bank for assisting the post over the past two years. Balsanek would also like to thank the membership for giving him the vote of confidence and the honor to serve as commander these past two years. Balsanek is a retired 22 year veteran of the Air Force and Air National Guard. He also is the Ward 1 member of the Hastings City Council.