FREMONT - Fremont VFW 2947 and Fort Stephenson American Legion Post 608 are collaborating to have photos taken of all Sandusky County veterans over 90.
Ken Dumminger, vice commander of the new American Legion in Fremont, has been posting on social media recently that he is looking for those elder veterans. Those 90-plus-year-old veterans also are not required to belong to either Fremont veterans organization.
Dumminger has already photographed 30+ veterans in the age group and has another six lined up for photos. Community members who know of a veteran in the age group should call or text Dumminger at 419-355-4403. He said he is covering the photography costs and there is no cost to participants. After operating a photography studio for years, Dumminger said he wanted to give back to the community that supported him.
Participating veterans will receive an 8-by-10 photo, and a 5-by-7 will be given to each sibling.
Mike Golembiowski, a Fremont VFW member, is working with Dumminger to put the newly taken photos into a slideshow. The slide presentation will then be shared on a large TV at the Fremont VFW, which is also where the Legion is based.
Dumminger added that he is considering sending photos and an article to the national American Legion magazine, and perhaps putting the photos in a book.
The Legion officer said he is traveling to where the 90-plus-aged veterans live, including two who are residents of the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Home in Sandusky. He added he suspects there are some in nursing homes who are not aware of the project and who do not have access to or interest in social media.