he Polish Legion of American Veterans, U.S.A., Department of Ohio, and Post #32, honored Jack Rouse, a member of Pulaski Post #32, as the 2008 Veteran of the Year. Also being honored is Colleen Lewis, Chapter #32 Women of the Year. Post #32, at 383 Dayton St., is one of only 48 veterans’ organizations in the United States that are chartered by Act of Congress.
Rouse is an Akron native, raised on the North side where he attended Jennings School and North High. In 1950, he entered the U.S. Army and served in the Signal Corps at Fort Gordon, Georgia in Light Weapons and supply until honorably discharged in 1952.
In a thirty six year career Goodyear Aerospace, Rouse built electrical and electronic assemblies and built flight simulators for fighter aircraft. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. he retired after 36 years, 20 as an hourly employee and 16 years as salaried. He was married for 49 years to his beloved late wife, Leah. They have one daughter, Elizabeth Shaffer Rouse and a grandson, Dustin.
At Pulaski Post #32, Rouse has served in many capacities, including Trustee, Grievance Committee and Hall Rental Officer. He is active weekly, supporting the Post where needed and by maintaining the Post property.
Lewis, daughter of Ernest and Edna Donley, was born in Morgantown, West Virginia. She and her sisters moved to Akron in 1961, where, in 1964, she met and married her husband of 42 years - Charles Lewis. They have raised two daughters and two sons and are the proud grandparents of six.
Lewis joined Chapter 32 of the PLAV in 1969 and, to date, has occupied each office. She is currently serving her tenth consecutive term as Recording Secretary. She has supported the Post and Chapter by cooking and serving meals for Post and Chapter functions. She helps with Ward Treat for veterans at the Brecksville Medical Center. Colleen and husband Chuck chaired the annual Children's Christmas Party at Post 32 for many years.
For membership information, interested website readers readers should visit Post #32 at 383 Dayton St., Akron, or call the Post at 330-253-0542 or visit the Department of Ohio Website, http://plavohio.blogspot.com/
Thank you for honoring these individuals. The veterans too often go by forgotten and unmentioned.
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