The American Legion gala on April 6 was emceed by Michael Huizar, commander of the American Legion in Chino (KGrif Photography)

American Legion Chino Post 299 celebrated its 100th anniversary with a gala in Chino on Saturday, April 6. The post was renamed on Nov. 7, 2018, after Elmer Carl Jertberg, who helped organize the post in 1924 and was chosen as its first commander.

Jertberg, born Feb. 14, 1892, came to Chino in 1902 with his parents who were part of the Swedish community that settled in Chino. There were seven children in all.

At age 11, he went to work in the general store of George Holcomb and then operated his own haberdashery and cleaning shop prior to volunteering for the Army. He was the first local man to see action as a runner in World War I in the Second Division’s 4th Machine Gun Battalion.

After his return, he joined forces with Holcomb to operate their general shop at Sixth and D streets. He married Mary Schneider in 1919. Six years later, Mary was instrumental in the organization of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit for Chino and served as its first president. After 28 years as a supervisor and the head of the West End office of the County Assessor’s Office, Elmer retired in 1959. He raised fruit and vegetables on his five-acre ranch as a hobby. Elmer, who was the first commander of the local World War I Barracks for senior Veterans, was selected as the Citizen of the Year by the American Legion in 1954. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club, and member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He was inducted into the City of Chino Hall of Fame in 2014.

The stars of the 100th anniversary gala were Elmer and Mary Jertberg’s two daughters, Marion Kanthak who traveled from Vancouver, Washington, and Joan Fortin of Ukiah. Kanthak recalled fondly her days spent following her parents around the Legion Hall during meetings. She remembered the Independence Day celebrations hosted by the Legion. Her father told her about the war, Armistice Day, and his march through the trenches of France into Germany.

Daughters, Marion Kanthak and Joan Fortin, and their family attended The American Legion Post 299 centennial celebration (Photo: Marianne Napoles)

“He always talked about his feet being cold and muddy,” Kanthak said.

Numerous elected officials were on hand to present certificates and gifts to the Jertberg daughters, grandchildren, and other relatives that filled two tables. Danielle Lively, president of the Auxiliary, presented the daughters with cuttings of a purple plant that Elmer had grown and given to past Unit 299 President, Diane DeLashmit.

Elmer’s grandson Randy Jertberg addressed the audience, stating that his grandfather, as a runner, delivered messages to different members of the Army in World War I in the battlefields in France. “He ran across barbed wire and went through unbelievable horrors,” he said. “He didn’t speak of his exploits, but Grandma said he was a changed man when he came home.”

Randy Jertberg, who traveled from Klamath Falls, Oregon, said many American Legion posts are closing and he thanked the Chino American Legion for staying open. Commander Huizar praised all the volunteers at the Legion for being the backbone of the community and described them as unsung heroes.

“These remarkable individuals embody the spirit of service, camaraderie, and patriotism that define our organization,” Huizar said. “Let’s take a moment to reflect on your tireless efforts.”

Clair Chen was named Volunteer of the Year, and Danny Espinosa was named Legionnaire of the Year. Espinosa is the post chaplain and Chen has established a partnership with Anthesis so that developmentally disabled adults can learn domestic skills and volunteer their services.

Author: Rikki Almanza

Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.