American Legion John P. Hand Post 250

American Legion John P. Hand Post 250 Veterans strengthening Veterans. Meetings are held the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM.

We are devoted to service members and veterans, advocating patriotism and honor, and being active in the Louisburg, KS community.

PURPLE HEART DAYToday, on Purple Heart Day, we pause to remember one of our own, Kenneth D. “Kenny” Barnes of Louisburg....
08/07/2026

PURPLE HEART DAY

Today, on Purple Heart Day, we pause to remember one of our own, Kenneth D. “Kenny” Barnes of Louisburg.

Kenny served in the United States Army in Vietnam from 1966–1967 with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, the famed “Blackhorse Regiment.” He served with Howitzer Battery, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry.

During his service in Vietnam, Kenny was wounded in service to our country and became a recipient of the Purple Heart.

But Kenny’s story did not end when he came home.

A 1963 graduate of Wea High School, Kenny returned to the community he called home and spent 27 years working for Louisburg USD 416. Many in Louisburg may remember the pride he took in caring for the school grounds, particularly the football field.

Kenny remained connected to the men with whom he served as a Life Member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Kenny passed away on August 27, 2020, and was laid to rest here at home in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Louisburg.

The Purple Heart represents something that cannot be measured simply by a medal. Behind every Purple Heart is an American who went into harm’s way and paid a price in service to our nation. Today, we remember one of those Americans.

Kenny served his country. He came home and served his community, and today, we remember him. 🇺🇸

08/05/2026

Over the past couple months, our We Remember Wednesday series has shared the stories of veterans from Louisburg and the surrounding communities who answered our nation’s call to serve.

The response has been incredible. We’ve heard from families, friends, classmates, and neighbors who have shared memories, photos, and words of appreciation. Thank you for helping us honor these veterans and preserving their legacies.

Now, we would love to involve our community in continuing this tradition.

If you would like to nominate a veteran, please email their information to [email protected]. The more information you can provide, the better. We’d especially appreciate:

- A military photo (if available)
- Branch of service
- Years of service
- Units served with
- Awards and decorations
- Places they served
- Stories, memories, or accomplishments
- Their connection to Louisburg or Miami County
- Any other information that helps tell their story

Our goal is to preserve the stories of the veterans who came before us so future generations will know who they were, what they sacrificed, and how they helped shape our community.

While we feature one veteran each week, every submission helps us preserve the history of those who served and will be considered for future features.

Thank you for helping us ensure that these stories continue to be told. Lest we forget!

We Remember WednesdayToday, we remember and honor Ralph “Shortie” Kueser, a World War II Army veteran, longtime Louisbur...
08/05/2026

We Remember Wednesday

Today, we remember and honor Ralph “Shortie” Kueser, a World War II Army veteran, longtime Louisburg community member, and dedicated member of our American Legion Post 250.

Ralph Kueser was born on May 8, 1924, in Scipio, Kansas, and graduated from Richmond High School in 1942. Like so many young men of his generation, his life changed with World War II. In 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army and served as a Corporal in Italy during the war.

Near the end of his first period of service, Shortie was headed toward Japan when word came that the war was over. The ship turned around, and he came home. His first tour of service ended in 1946.

But Shortie’s service did not end there.

In 1948, he volunteered for active duty again, this time serving as an es**rt with the Army Graves Registration Unit. This was during the period when the United States government was bringing home the remains of servicemen who had died or been killed during World War II.

Shortie’s duty was a solemn one. He accompanied the remains of fallen servicemen from the quartermaster depot to the assigned funeral home, helping ensure they were returned home with dignity and respect. Most assignments lasted about five days, one day for delivery, three days at the destination, and one day to return home. He often completed one assignment each week.

That year of es**rt duty from 1948 to 1949 was something he later described as one of the most meaningful learning experiences of his life.

After his military service, Shortie continued building a life rooted in family, faith, work, and community. He married Annette Mersman on November 15, 1947, and together they raised nine children. The Kueser family became deeply connected to Louisburg, and the name remains familiar to many in our community today.

During his lifetime, Shortie co-owned and operated Louisburg Grain Company and The Blair House restaurant, sold real estate, and stayed active in local civic life. He served through American Legion Post 250, the Louisburg Chamber of Commerce, and the USD 416 School Board.

Shortie was a proud veteran and a longtime member of American Legion Post 250. He also served as Chaplain for Post 250 for as long as he was able, continuing to support fellow veterans and their families long after his own time in uniform had ended.

Ralph “Shortie” Kueser passed away on March 31, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of service to his country, devotion to his family, and commitment to the Louisburg community.

Today, we remember Ralph “Shortie” Kueser, a World War II veteran, an es**rt for America’s fallen, a Post 250 Chaplain, and a Louisburg name whose service deserves to be remembered.

We Remember WednesdayToday, we remember and honor Chester E. “Chet” Watrous, a World War II Navy veteran, lifelong Louis...
07/29/2026

We Remember Wednesday

Today, we remember and honor Chester E. “Chet” Watrous, a World War II Navy veteran, lifelong Louisburg resident, and member of a family whose name has been part of our community for generations.

At just 18 years old, Chester answered the call to serve, reporting for duty on May 24, 1943, at the U.S. Navy Training Station in Farragut, Idaho. After completing boot camp, he attended the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Norman, Oklahoma, where he trained as an Aviation Ordnance man, a sailor responsible for preparing and arming Navy aircraft for combat missions.

Chester’s service took him from Naval Air Station Vero Beach, Florida, to Naval Air Station Hutchinson, Kansas, before he was assigned to Carrier Air Service Unit 32 in Kahului, Maui, Hawaii. There, he helped load bombs, torpedoes, and machine-gun ammunition onto carrier-based aircraft supporting operations in the Pacific Theater.

He remained in Hawaii through the end of the war and was serving on Maui when Japan’s surrender was announced on August 15, 1945. Chester was honorably discharged on April 2, 1946, with the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman Second Class. His military decorations included the World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal.

After returning home, Chester continued building a life of service in Louisburg. In 1951, he founded Watrous Plumbing, a business that became a trusted local name for decades. He also worked for the Kansas City, Missouri School District for 40 years, raised a large family, and remained active in American Legion Post 250.

Chester passed away in March 2005 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of military service, hard work, family, and dedication to the Louisburg community. We remember. 🇺🇸

We Remember WednesdayToday, we remember and honor Billy Dean Pottorff, a Louisburg native, Vietnam veteran, and decorate...
07/22/2026

We Remember Wednesday

Today, we remember and honor Billy Dean Pottorff, a Louisburg native, Vietnam veteran, and decorated Army soldier whose story reflects extraordinary courage, resilience, and dedication to country.

Billy was born on July 5, 1951, and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1969. His military service began even before graduation. At just 17 years old, he volunteered for the United States Army, choosing to serve his country during the Vietnam War.

Billy served two tours in Vietnam with the 162nd Aviation Company, known as the “Copperheads.” During his service, he worked as a door gunner, later moving into aircraft maintenance and eventually serving as a crew chief.

On April 26, 1970, the helicopter Billy was aboard crashed near Ben Tre Province in the Mekong Delta. He suffered severe second- and third-degree burns over more than 25 percent of his body and was returned to the United States for a long recovery.

After nearly a year of treatment and rehabilitation, Billy made the remarkable decision to return to Vietnam for a second combat tour in June 1971. His willingness to return after suffering such serious injuries showed the depth of his commitment to his fellow soldiers and to his country.

For his service and sacrifice, Billy received two Purple Hearts, multiple Air Medals, Bronze Stars, and other military decorations. After Vietnam, he continued serving in the Kansas Army National Guard, eventually reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and completing 12 years of military service.

Billy remained part of the Louisburg community throughout his life. He passed away unexpectedly from heart failure at his home in Louisburg on April 18, 2012, at the age of 60.

Today, we remember Billy Dean Pottorff not only for the medals he earned, but for the courage it took to volunteer at 17, survive devastating injuries, recover, and return to serve again.

We Remember WednesdayToday, we remember and honor Ron Pope, a Louisburg High School graduate, and Vietnam combat veteran...
07/15/2026

We Remember Wednesday

Today, we remember and honor Ron Pope, a Louisburg High School graduate, and Vietnam combat veteran.

Ron moved to Louisburg in 1958 and graduated from Louisburg High School in 1966. Two years later, he received his draft notice and was inducted into the United States Army on March 19, 1968. He completed both basic and advanced infantry training at the legendary “Tiger Land” at Fort Polk, Louisiana, where soldiers trained under conditions designed to prepare them for the heat, swamps, and rugged environment they would soon face in Vietnam.

Ron departed for Vietnam on August 29, 1968, his wife Virginia’s birthday. He served with Company B, 3rd Battalion, 199th Light Infantry Brigade, an Army unit that conducted combat operations throughout South Vietnam.

Ron served his country with courage and distinction, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge, an award reserved for soldiers who personally engaged the enemy in ground combat. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He completed his service with the rank of Sergeant.

Like so many Vietnam veterans, Ron’s service continued to affect him long after he returned home. He passed away in February 2013 from kidney and liver failure attributed to Agent Orange exposure, a lasting reminder that for many veterans, the sacrifices of war did not end when they came home.

Today, we remember Ron Pope, not only for his service in Vietnam, but for the example he set through his courage, sacrifice, and dedication to his country.

We Remember Wednesday Today, we remember and honor Commander Gary Wayne Henry, United States Navy Retired, a Vietnam vet...
07/08/2026

We Remember Wednesday

Today, we remember and honor Commander Gary Wayne Henry, United States Navy Retired, a Vietnam veteran, retired naval officer, public servant, and Louisburg resident.

Gary Wayne Henry was born on September 19, 1946, in El Dorado Springs, Missouri. After graduating high school in 1964, he went on to serve his country in the United States Navy, where his career would take him from Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, to multiple tours during the Vietnam War.

Commander Henry served aboard the USS McKean, the USS Sanctuary, and in Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam. His Navy service reflected commitment, leadership, and a willingness to serve during one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history.

After returning from Vietnam, Gary continued building a life of service. He earned his law degree and went on to serve as an Associate Judge for the 17th Judicial Circuit in Cass County, Missouri, from 1982 to 1994. His life after the military reflected the same sense of duty he carried in uniform, service to others, service to the law, and service to his community.

Later in life, Commander Henry made his home in Louisburg, Kansas, where he was remembered as a neighbor, father, grandfather, friend, veteran, and man of faith.

Commander Gary Wayne Henry passed away on June 15, 2026, at the age of 79. His military honors were provided by the United States Navy, a fitting tribute to a man who gave many years of his life in service to our country.

Today, we remember Commander Gary Wayne Henry, a United States Navy veteran, Vietnam veteran, retired commander, judge, and Louisburg resident.

07/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who came out to donate blood today! Because of the generosity of those donors who stepped up, many lives will now be saved.

A special thank you to the American Red Cross for partnering with us, and to everyone who shared our posts, encouraged others to donate, or helped spread the word.

People taking a little time out of their day to make a life-saving difference is what community service is all about.

Thank you, Louisburg.

The sign is out, and the doors will be open at 10. Walk-ins are welcome, so if you’re able to donate, stop by and help s...
07/07/2026

The sign is out, and the doors will be open at 10.

Walk-ins are welcome, so if you’re able to donate, stop by and help save lives.

Today, July 7
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
American Legion Post 250
403 S 9th St, Louisburg, KS

Come see us. Roll up a sleeve. Do something good today.

Address

403 S 9th Street
Louisburg, KS
66053

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 10pm
Wednesday 12pm - 10pm
Thursday 1pm - 10pm
Friday 1pm - 12am
Saturday 1pm - 12am
Sunday 12pm - 10pm

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