Commanders

The Commanders drum and bugle corps was formed in February of 1958 through a merger between the Grenadiers of the Thomas Rooney VFW Post 1530 and the Victors of the Roy L. Vingers American Legion (AL) Post 52, both of La Crosse. The corps was originally sponsored by the G. Heileman Brewing Company.

Initially under the direction of James Sturgis, the corps entertained as a parade and exhibition unit in their inaugural season, participating in the 1958 AL Nationals paradeand entered the field of competition the following year. The Commanders, dressed up in their new brilliant blue uniforms, were declared the 1959 Wisconsin (WI) VFW state champions and placed 2^nd in the AL state convention. David Kampschroer was also involved in the administration of the corps.

In 1960, under the direction of Larry Oestreich, the corps defended its VFW state title and finished 3^rd in the AL state contest. The following year, Frank French was voted as the new corps director, leading the group to a 2^nd place finish in the 1961 VFW convention. They repeated as 2^nd place contenders in the 1963 VFW state championships and remained active in 1964. The corps also sponsored their annual “Fantasy of Drums and Bugles” junior contest.

They disbanded in 1965.

Paul Legault (DCX)

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