A
Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 914
Intrepid West Mifflin has been selected as the VFW
Department of Pennsylvania Chaplain of the Year.
Gene Staudt, a retired financial services professional,
officially received his accolade during the state convention in
June at the Wyndham Hotel, Gettysburg. The post was notified
of Staudt’s award by Rev. Peter R. Hook, State Chaplain of the
VFW Department of Pennsylvania.
“This is such a great honor for me and I am truly humbled by
the award,” said Staudt, a Vietnam veteran. “I have really been
honored to serve the post in the position of chaplain for 10
years, and have grown into the office.”
At Holy Spirit Parish in West Mifflin and Saint Thomas A’
Becket Catholic Church in Jefferson Hills, Staudt is an active
member of the church music program and calls bingo for the
Knights of Columbus. He also has organized local car cruises,
as well as the annual West Mifflin Memorial Day service at
Mitchell Paige Park.
“Winning this award shows every member of our
organization that we hold two things very dear: God and
Country,” said Jake Bradich, All-American VFW Post 914
Intrepid Commander. “Gene Staudt has showed that—not only
in his duties as post chaplain, but also in his personal life. I am
very proud as commander to have him in our post.”
Staudt earned the state VFW’s top honors through his
outstanding ecclesiastical work. As post chaplain, Staudt is the
primary contact for bereavement ceremonies and regularly
participates in the unit’s monthly hospital visitation program.
He also leads prayer services at the weekly post meetings held
at the Thompson Run Athletic Association on Ball Avenue,
West Mifflin.
“Winning this award shows every
member of our organization that we
hold two things very dear: God and
Country. Gene Staudt has showed
that—not only in his duties as post
chaplain, but also in his personal life.
I am very proud as commander to
have him in our post.”
Additionally, Staudt was recognized for his excellent
administrative work as post chaplain. Largely through his
efforts, VFW Post 914 Intrepid West Mifflin has been twice
selected as an All State Post by the VFW Department of
Pennsylvania, and this past year as an All American Post.
Staudt deployed to Vietnam with the U.S. Army as a soldier
in the 23rd Infantry Division. During combat operations, he
served as an artilleryman, fire direction control specialist and a
radio telephone operator. He was also attached during his tour
to the 101st Airborne Division.
For his actions in Vietnam, Staudt earned the Bronze Star
Medal. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal,
the Good Conduct Medal and the Republic of Vietnam
Gallantry Cross with Palm.
During post ceremonial events and parades, Staudt stands
out with his distinctive Vietnam-era combat fatigues. He
has marched with the post honor guard during many events,
including the annual Veterans Day Parade in Pittsburgh.
Staudt retired after working more than four decades for
American General Insurance and PNC Bank. He has been
married to his spouse, Linda, for more than 40 years. They have
a son, Chris, daughter-in-law Valerie A. (Bahur) Staudt, and
three grandchildren—Hannah, Joshua and Evan.
For more information about VFW Post 914 and its activities,
visit traa.weebly.com/vfw-post-914.html. n
WEST MIFFLIN
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FALL 2018
13