Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of Ex-POWs Installs 2008 Officers by Sandi Fahy Photo by SANDI FAHY Officers of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War pose for a photo at the group's installation luncheon on January 26. Seated (l-r) are Alice Gillespie, historian; Ann Still, adjutant; and Ester Carboni, treasurer. Standing, from left, are Harry Powers, chaplain; John Vander Linden, jr. vice commander; Ed DeMent, sr. vice commander and national director; Paul Ditchett, incoming commander; Don Denny, outgoing commander; and Vernon Ray, state commander. The new commander of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of American Ex-Prisoners of War is Paul Ditchett, a World War II veteran. Ditchett was installed at the group's January 26 luncheon meeting at Stacey's Buffet in Largo. Incoming State Commander Randall Edwards conducted the ceremony. Outgoing State Commander Vernon Ray was also in attendance. Donald Denny, a veteran of the Korean War, is outgoing commander of the chapter. Other officers who will serve in 2008 are Ed DeMent, sr. vice commander; John Vander Linden, jr. vice commander; Ann Still, adjutant; Ester Carboni, treasurer; Harry Powers, chaplain; and Alice Gillespie, historian. DeMent is also a director of the national organization of American Ex-Prisoners of War. Most of the members of the Gulf Coast chapter are Army and Air Force veterans who served in World War II and Korea.. One member is a Vietnam vet. All former POWs or their widows are welcome to join the group. Meetings are scheduled at noon on the fourth Saturday of each month at Stacey's Buffet, 1451 Missouri Ave. Members also have the opportunity to get together with other ex-POWs at the American Ex-Prisoners of War annual state convention. For more information, you may call 360-2005.

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