From the desk of Commander Huffine

An honor bestowed for a post well served

Ernest “Ernie” Huffine recognized at testimonial

By Beckie Erwin

Record-Argus Correspondent

It’s apparent that the world needs more people like Ernest “Ernie” Huffine of Jamestown.  This sentiment was repeated time and again about the outgoing Commander of District 28 of Veterans of Foreign Wars during his testimonial dinner Saturday night at Reynolds VFW banquet center.  Nearly 200 community members, comrades, coworkers, friends, and family members attended to honor Huffine’s outstanding service to the District and to the greater VFW as he prepares to conclude his service as District commander. District 28 encompasses VFW posts and its auxiliaries in Mercer, Crawford and Erie counties.  Huffine is the fourth consecutive Commander from Mercer County to be elected to serve the District.

Following a special performance of Aaron Tippin’s hit song, “Stars and Stripes” by local recording artist Brett Allen Morgan, all posts and auxiliaries present were recognized by emcee for the evening, Tom Hanzes of Reynolds Post 7599, past District 28 commander, who said of his friend, “Ernie was a commander’s commander.  He led by example, always was available, always made sure things got done.”

Citations were presented by Sen. Bob Robbins and State Rep. Michelle Brooks, who also gave Huffine an American flag that flew over the state capital on April 4.  Brooks read, “What is Success” by Ralph Waldo Emerson, expressing her appreciation for Huffine’s unending energy and for always being willing to help whenever needed.

Landis Erwin, a junior from Greenville High School, the district’s representative and fifth place finisher of the 2007 Pennsylvania Voice of Democracy contest, presented her winning speech in honor of Huffine’s celebration. “New people come into our lives every day and it is sad sometimes that they walk away without really making a connection.  Ernie came into my life through the Voice of Democracy program and made a lifelong connection that I will always hold in my heart,” Erwin said before presenting her speech.

Key note speaker was 2005-2006 State Commander Robert C. Eiler, who recognized everyone who served in all wars, past and present, as well as public officials, emergency, police and fire rescue personnel.

Eiler pointed out that the military requires people working together in many jobs, not just those on the front lines.  “There are those who served in the military who don’t think they belong in the VFW because they were ‘just a cook’ or ‘just a truck driver,’ but VFW, like the military, is all about being a team,” he stressed.  “Everybody is important in the military, no matter what their job was in service.  Thank you for feeding us, thank you for bringing us supplies – it meant something crucial to the team and we want you with us now in the VFW.”

Eiler also reminded the audience that the work of VFW goes well beyond the realm of “Veterans helping Veterans.”  He said that Veterans have posted more than 17 million hours of volunteer service and given $2.7 million in college scholarships.  The ladies auxiliary has raised $44 million in 44 years for cancer research.  “VFW is an organization that is concerned about the betterment of society,” Eiler stated.  “And a person we value and appreciate who exemplifies what we strive to achieve in the VFW is the one we are here to honor tonight, Ernie Huffine.”

Besides serving as District Commander, Huffine is also the District webmaster.  Because of his excellent service in that area, Eiler announced that Huffine has now been appointed the state webmaster.

Others who spoke about Huffine’s service were Esther McClimans, mayor of Jamestown, who expressed her gratitude for all the many things he does for the Jamestown community.  Doug McElhaney of Jamestown Borough Council echoed McClimans’ remarks, stating that Huffine has always done whatever the borough asked of him. Mike Seaman, president of Jamestown Lion’s Club, of which Huffine is vice-president, remarked, “the world would be a better place if there were people like Ernie who would just do something when something needs done!”  Leslie Marshall of Wal-Mart, where Huffine is currently employed, spoke on behalf of the crowd of co-workers who attended as his “family” to congratulate him.  “We are touched that Ernie thinks of us as his family because we feel the same way about him,” she said.  Hanzes then took the opportunity to thank Greenville Wal-Mart for the cooperative and supportive relationship it has with the VFW.

Huffine’s own comments included words of gratitude to the people who have become a part of his life while District commander.  “When they told me they wanted to have this dinner, I said ‘nobody will come.’ I love that all of you are here.”  He also mentioned one of the toughest times in his year of service was bringing fallen soldier David Veverka home.  “One of the saddest, and yet greatest, honors is to take care of a family in need after losing a loved one to war, “he said.  “I watched our community come together unlike any community ever could.”

Huffine paid special tribute to Mike McKay and Ed Marley who got him involved in VFW eight years ago.  He reminded his comrades that to be a member of VFW is to live by example.  “The VFW’s commitment is to practice what we preach.” As for the accolades bestowed upon him, Huffine responded, “When you surround yourself with good people, good things are bound to happen!”

Huffine has led a distinguished career since joining the US Air Force in 1961.  He spent four years as a motor vehicle operator, working in civil engineering, and eight years as an automatic flight controls system technician.  He served two tours in Taiwan with temporary duties to Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Philippines, and Okinawa.  He then worked as a metrology technician and instructor, achieving the rank of technical sergeant, retiring in 1981.

For his service to our country, Huffine earned the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four bronze service stars, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Short Tour with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four Oak Leaf Clusters, small arms marksmanship ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

After military retirement, Huffine worked as a metrology calibration technician in Colorado, for South Texas Power Nuclear Power Plant in Texas, Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant in Texas, Davis Betsey Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio, and Perry Nuclear Power Plant in Ohio. He later returned to Mercer County.

He was elected to Commander of District 28 last May 7, and is past commander of Mercer County Council 2004-2005, serving one term each as junior vice commander and senior vice commander.

Huffine is a life member of Jamestown Post #5424, serving his post for two terms as commander, three terms as vice commander, and is presently serving as quartermaster.  He has been a member of Jamestown Honor Guard for one year.

In addition, Huffine is a charter-life member of Jamestown AMVETS Post #322, having served three terms as Commander and presently serving as vice commander.  He was instrumental in forming the Jamestown organization by writing its charter.  Huffine is also a life member of Greenville American Legion Post #140. He and his wife, Carol, have three children and three grandchildren.

Other distinguished speakers at the testimonial dinner were Julia Dever, president of District 28 Ladies Auxiliary, and Frank Arey, Huffine’s chief of staff. Chaplain Charles Castelluccio presented the POW/MIA table and gave the invocation and benediction.  Presentation of Colors was by the Jamestown Honor Guard, consisting of Jim Brown, Tom Shannon, and Larry Onderko.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by James Reash, Commander of Reynolds VFW Post 7599.

The evening closed with “The National Anthem,” sung by Amy Barber of Jamestown.  Vicky Morgan, Huffine’s co-worker, concluded the event with a final, now familiar comment, “If everyone could be half the person and have half the heart that Ernie has, this world would be a better place.  It can’t be said enough.”