American Legion Post #30 - Shelby 49455

09/24/2026

Hey my fellow Oceana County Veterans and Friends, I am back with another odd question or two for you.

First one: What would you have done differently, while you were in the Service? If anything?

While we are all getting up in age, what one thing you would still like to accomplish, before you leave this world?

What 1 thing you would like to see done to help Veterans and their families in Oceana County?

Last question l promise: How would you in courage Veterans to join a local Veterans Organization?

09/18/2026

Hey everyone. I am back again. Another question for everyone. Has anyone ever heard of our Legion, having an Open House. Where folks can come in and see who we really are. Even have some displaying of stuff about not only our Legion, but a bit of stuff about our members?

09/17/2026

Hello everyone. Sorry I missed the last meeting. I am currently having some “ Older Age Issues “.

Yet since they aren’t effecting my typing hand, I am able to put some news out.

First of our yearly “Great Big Fun Raising Event “, is quickly coming. This year it happens on November 13th, at 5 pm. And once again, the great folks at the Pizza Factory in Shelby are letting us have it at their place. Like last year, it will be in the back, behind the bar.

This is our biggest fundraiser event of the year . All donations raised will go towards keeping your very own Shelby American Legion and most important , continuing helping our local Veteran’s and their family’s . It’s why we all take this opportunity very serious and are honored to be of service to this extra special community .

There’s lots of parking and comfortable seating. Plus the Pizza Factory has a great menu of food and drinks. I myself have a few minutes to enjoy their pizza and chicken. Good stuff.

We have already been contacted by a number of local Businesses and even individuals to offer donations and other types of support.

The individual Craig LeTrea, forever a Sailor, from way back when. Is the Leader in reaching out for donations. I
have offered my 2 minutes of talking to help him. And like most of you all know. He just might have to ask me to close my mouth a few times.

So while we are the 2, who have taken this opportunity on, we really do need everyone’s support to achieve our goal.
Brian, Bill, Lori, Joe, my other brother Darrell , Gena and just everyone who is a member of the Legion, family, friends or just proud to help such a great Veterans organization.

I will be providing updates as they occur.

Thank you

Darrell E. Hansen
231-670-3170

09/04/2026

Hey Post 30 members and family and friends. I was wondering if anyone who’s either a member or lives in Oceana County, ever been on an Honor Flight to Washington DC or anywhere else?

Let me know if you do.

Thank you

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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