Bill Schmidt Was born in 1952 to become the Commander of the American Legion Lacey Post 517.

American Legion Lacey Township Memorial Post 517, 15 East Lacey Road, Lacy Township, Forked River, NJ 08731

Story By Heide Dziardziel

Bill Schmidt

Was born in 1952 to become the Commander of the American Legion Lacey Township Memorial Post # 517.

Although the process took a little time, it prepared him for the job.

As a Navy seaman recruit from 1971 to 1975, his duties as a Bosun’s Mate included handling the 5-inch 38-caliber gun (firing the guns) and serving as a helmsman (steering the destroyer USS DD-697 Charles S. Sperry) during the Vietnam conflict.

On discharge, he was a Chemical Operator working with caustic chemicals, boiler operations, and food additives for several years.

As a spiritual man, Bill attended a church service when he was asked by Brother Kerry Sr. to attend a memorial service for Roy Johnson, a former Commander of the American Legion Post 517,

At the May 4, 2026, monthly meeting, at first, Bill reluctantly agreed to become Post Commander; However, when he learned that the Post Charter would be terminated because the Post lacked a Commander, he knew that he must step up to save it for the veterans, who needed this post in Lacey Township to remain open for the benefit of the veterans in Forked River.

Bill then agreed to volunteer and stepped up to become the American Legion Memorial Post Commander #517 at the request of the Ocean County Commander Hector Quinones.

In gratitude for Bill Schmidt’s effort, the Post will remain open for its members as well. So come & attend his first New Commander’s meeting on July 6, 2026, at the American Legion Post 517, in Lacy Township, Forked River, NJ. 08731. Cell Phone # 732-575-6904 & Email Address BillSchmidt1000@aol.com If you wish to join 517, the Post address is: 15 East Lacey Road, Forked River, NJ, 08731. Meetings to be held on the first Monday of each Month at 12: noon.