William “Bill” Danko, 2022 Legionnaire of the Year
By Fred Shacklett, Historian Department of California, historian@calegion.org
The William “Bill” Danko Award Ceremony photos
PLEASANTON, CA October 15, 2022
An award banquet for The American Legion Department of California, Legionnaire of the Year, took place at the Veteran’s Memorial Building in Pleasanton, CA, this past Saturday evening. Honored was William “Bill” Danko, of Pleasanton post 237.
Commander Jere Romano presents a plaque of recognition to William “Bill” Danko as the 2022 Dept of California Legionnaire of the Year.
(Photo: Fenton Kramer/Post 237 Historian)
His nomination was approved by his local post, then passed to the district for approval, then forwarded to the Area Commander for his review and approval. Bill’s selection occurred at the department’s annual convention on June 30, 2022, held in Visalia, CA. His citation noted his exceptional service to the community and his unswerving commitment to the Pleasanton Navy Sea Cadets, a group that he helped establish, and numerous American Legion related community projects.
Department Commander, Jere Romano, presented the plaque of recognition. The banquet had approximately 150 attendees of legion and community members, including Department Commander Jere Romano with his wife Martha, Department Historian Fred Shacklett and his wife, Pamela and Jr. Past Department Commander Autrey James. Also in attendance were Pleasanton City Council members Jack Balch, Kathy Narum with her husband Jeff, and Julie Testa, as well as, the Mayor of Pleasanton, Kayla Brown.
The banquet was held at the historic Pleasanton Veterans Memorial Building and catered by a local eatery, Pastas Trattoria. This building is a Spanish Revival style structure designed by renowned architect, Henry Meyers, and was completed in 1932. Originally owned by the County of Alameda, it was transferred to the city of Pleasanton on January 7, 1997. In need of repair, the building was fully renovated back to its original design, while preserving the historical and architectural integrity to meet code standards, in 2007.
Veterans Memorial Building, 301 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA
(Photo: Fenton Kramer/Post 237 Historian)
Continuing to be used for various city recreational activities, social events, and community meal programs, the building houses two veterans’ organizations, The American Legion Post 237 and VFW Post 6298 with its VFW Post 6298 Ladies Auxiliary.
American Legion Post 237 in Pleasanton CA is dedicated to serving and assisting both Servicemembers and Veterans in Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, and surrounding areas. Their website can be reached at https://www.americanlegionpost237.org/ The current Post Commander is Greg Clune. The District 10 Commander is Carlton Buddy Loggins.
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Author: Web Team
Rick is a veteran of the Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War era. He serves as a Technical Advisor to the Media and Communications Commission. He is a member of the Department Web Team. Rick received the Otto Hasse Legionnaire of the Year Award in 2016, Department of California Award for work on the department website in 2019, and in 2023 Rick received The American Legion Medal of Merit from the Department of California.
