American Legion Hoosick Post 40 is proud to announce that Edward “Ike” Powers has been named Grand Marshal of the 2019 Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 27, in Hoosick Falls. A Village native, Ike graduated from St. Mary’s Academy in 1962, and enlisted in the US Air Force in 1965. He achieved the rank of E5 SSgt in 3 years. He became an aircraft mechanic, assigned his own plane. He was a crew chief on a C130 troop and cargo transport. His duties were transporting troops, paratroopers, and wounded from the fields to the hospitals at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, near Saigon. He was part of Angel Flights, bringing fatally wounded men from the fields to airbases such as Hicham Field in Hawaii, to be prepared for return to their home states.
Ike served in many areas of the world, including three tours of duty in Vietnam. He received the Small Arms Expert Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and the Efficiency, Honor and Fidelity Medal. Most recently Ike received a Quilt of Valor, sewn by Connie Krawzyck, for his sacrifices in service.
While serving, Ike married Bonnie McKeon and they lived in Abilene, Texas at Dyess AFB, Ike’s station assignment.
Upon returning home in 1969, Ike and his wife raised five children; Missie, Calli, Wendy, Ed, and Allison. He started an automotive shop in the village, which he has operated for 43 years. Ike also, with his family, operates a beef cattle farm in East Hoosick. Ike and Bonnie have been married for 52 years and are the proud grandparents of 12 grandchildren. Ike has been the commander of the American Legion Hoosick Post 40 for 6 years. This being the 100th anniversary of the American Legion’s national organization and the 100-year charter for the post, it is very fitting Ike be named Grand Marshal.
This year’s Memorial Day parade will step off at 10 am. After the parade please stay in the park for music by West Side Drive and burgers and hot dogs sold by the American Legion.
We hope to see you there!