Coloma Post 362, located in Coloma, Mich., celebrated the Legion's 97th birthday.
Commander Mark McKie welcomed guest speaker Sheriff L. Paul Bailey of Berrien County, Michigan. Bailey gave a detailed speech on the Legion's second pillar, National Security. He emphasized how his department and local law enforcement team with federal agencies to provide homeland security to the residents of southwest Michigan.
The sheriff also brought along Lt. Mike Kline, who gave a presentation on the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre. The Berrien County Sheriff's Department is in possession of the two Thompson Sub-Machine guns used in the Chicago slayings. Kline has presented the "Tommy-Guns" across the country and on many television specials, to include the National Geographic Channel; the PBS series "History Detectives"; and the Travel Channel, to name a few. Post members loved hearing about the local history of the guns and their connection with our county of Berrien, only 90 miles from Chicago. Many of our members were also allowed to hold a "Tommy-Gun" for pictures.
It was a wonderful evening of good food and camaraderie and will behard to top next year. For more information on the "Tommy-Guns" and their connection to Berrien County, visit the sheriff's department website at www.bcsheriff.org.

Photo (L to R): Berrien County Sheriff L. Paul Bailey; Coloma Post 362 Commander Mark McKie; Lt. Mike Kline, BCSD