Post-9/11 Vet Wins Elmhurst Legion Election

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst's American Legion post elected its first post-Sept. 11 veteran as its commander. He takes office in September.

According to an American Legion THB Post 187 news release, Eric Pulia, an Army and Air Force veteran, was elected in a vote of 34 to 23 over Rus Strahan, a Vietnam veteran.

They were vying to succeed longtime Commander John Scudder, who did not seek re-election after nine years at the helm. It was the first competitive election in years, Pulia said.

Pulia said the post saw record turnout in the election.

"We haven't had that many people at a meeting in 30 years probably," he said.

In his speech, Strahan cited his many years of service in the post as the senior vice commander and Honor Guard member, according to the news release. He emphasized his experience and knowledge of the inner workings of the post.

Pulia spoke about the need to recruit younger members from Desert Storm and after Sept. 11 to have a successful succession plan moving forward.

"As the city of Elmhurst's last remaining veteran organization, I intend to push forward in the face of adversity and make us a thriving organization for all of Elmhurst, in particular its veteran population," Pulia said.

In the news release, the post said Pulia, at age 36, will be the youngest person to hold the position.

Elected in uncontested elections were Senior Vice Commander Alex Bulley, a Marine Corps post-Sept. 11 veteran, and Junior Vice Commander Matthew Aldinger, a Marine Corps post-Sept. 11 veteran. Longtime finance officer and Army veteran Al Bertolani retained his board position.