Catholic Veterans Organization Comes To Martin County
George “Bud” Erler of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Loogootee saw a magazine feature about an organization that attracted him immediately. At the time, the Catholic War Veterans of the United States of America had more than 7,500 members and more than 200 posts scattered around the country.
None existed anywhere in Indiana.
“I thought it would be great for our parish,” Erler said recently. “I talked to our pastor, Father Kenneth Walker, about it, and he encouraged me to look into the matter.” He called the Ohio-based national commander of the CWV, Arminda C. Crawford. A veteran of the Women’s Army Corps from 1966 to 1968, she is the first woman to lead the veterans’ group.
“(Crawford) told me that we did not have any posts in the state of Indiana, and she was very excited about the possibility of starting one,” Erler said. “Father Walker suggested that we hold an information meeting in our parish to see how many people might be interested. We were very surprised and excited with the interest.”
Father Walker also serves the Diocese of Evansville as Judicial Vicar, so he assisted Erler in drafting a letter to Bishop Charles C. Thompson formally requesting his approval for the establishment of a Catholic War Veterans post in the diocese, and specifically at St. John Parish.
“Bishop Thompson responded immediately, showing his support and giving permission to start a post in the parish,” Erler said. “He appointed Father Walker as Chaplain to facilitate the process.”
Erler is among 31 charter members who requested establishment of a Loogootee post, and they requested that it be named in honor of Servant of God Bishop Simon Bruté, this first bishop of Indiana. National Commander Crawford officially created Bishop Simon Bruté, Servant of God, Memorial Post 1976 on April 11. Crawford and her husband George traveled to Loogootee for the June 26 Officer Installation Ceremony at the new post, when Erler became the first Post Commander.
“Post 1976 is dedicated to praying for good and holy vocations to the priesthood, religious life and marriage,” Erler said. “We also will encourage our young people to write essays about love of country, appreciation for our armed forces and patriotism. Winners will receive monetary scholarships, and Post 1976 will hold a variety of fundraisers to support the effort.”
Erler said that two young people, Nicole Adler and Abbie Williams, read essays during the June 26 installation ceremony. Adler’s essay was entitled “The Spiritual Works of Mercy,” and Williams’ was entitled “My Vision for America.”
He said members of the post plan to be visible by leading programs in Martin County schools, and by participating in parades and other civic events representing the CWV.
Erler invited Catholic war veterans from across the diocese to visit Post 1976 and learn more about it and the CWV. Contact him or Father Walker by calling 812-295-2225.
